Highlight Video

[Fitzufilms]

This is the last hightlight video that I did.  I have already purchased a glidecam so I hope that will take care of my "shaky" shots.  Also, during the vows the groom and bride were on the wrong sides (dont ask how that happened) and my other camer was blocked when  a bridesmaid moved so I know thats not the best shot.  So do your worst and tell me what you think.  Thanks.

www.jvaughanproductions.com/Hensey%20Highlight%20WMP.wmv

[Matfam]

Im just learning this business, but the only thing i picked up on that i really didnt like was the audio. It seemed to me to be in both channels durning the song but the ambient and the vows were only in the left or right channel.

Great Job.

I'll leave the rest to the pros

[Souvenir]

Didn't mean to ignore you over here...

I watched the clip and liked it.  You didn't seem to miss anything and it looks like all the events were covered nicely.  You must have read Hank's article before he wrote it because it looks like it is exposed nicely! I also liked that the entire clip was from one wedding, so I could follow a little "mini story."  It kept my attention because I was able to follow this one person along on her whole day.

Two things I noticed were:  transitions and choice of song.

Transitions:  Sometimes a crossfade, and sometimes a cut...a little confusing at times.  

Song:  I love this song!  I think a lot of other videographers do too, because I see it a lot on the demo videos I have watched.  If you want yours to stand out, I would suggest a different one.  There are a million great love songs out there, so there's got to be a more unique one that fits your style and the style of this demo better.  This song went along fine, but hopefully you get my meaning...

I commend you for having the guts to put yourself out there.  I'll be doing the same after I deliver my latest project to the bride later today.  I'm using a lot of her footage for my demo, so I'll have another little editing project to do beginning tomorrow!

[Fitzufilms]

Thanks for the response.  Two different people and two ways to improve my video.  Thanks again.

[HankCastello]

I studiously did not read the earlier comments so that they would not affect mine..

* That very first dissolve, allows the lower video track to show through before dissolving to the next clip.  The PP built-in composite is either not dissolving at the same point with the clip or is allowing its lower clip to show through regardless.  To fix this, you could render a separate avi of just this clip and overlay - make it a second or so longer than you'll need so you'll have the handles for the dissolve.  Then the clip will dissolve to the next instead of allowing the image beneath to show through.

* Those vows were nice and clear - good work!

* Several clips just had way too much headroom. Work on framing; rule of thirds; etc.

* Not enough close-ups.

* Yeah, too much shaky video.  Notice how some clips are shakier at the begining, end or both?  This happens to all of us.  Here's a quick fix - buy a tripod  :lol: - no, really here's a quick fix:  cut off the shakier ends, then use your rate-stretch tool to slow the speed so that the clip still covers what you need.  In fact, you may decide to cut out half the clip or so for a nice slo-mo effect that will smooth out the rest of the clip as well.

* Multiple cameras - even a wide static cam, would have given you different angles to cut to and made it a more interesting video.

Tip - sometimes the wind becomes a factor at outdoor weddings and even with foam "wind screens", a breeze can roar like a hurricane.  Get fur muffs for your lavs, shotguns, etc. from our friends at "The Windcutter" (see ad on sidebar, or just go to:
http://www.thewindcutter.com )  I use their muffs, even on my lavs and they work wonders!

Rain?  Did it rain?  Were you shooting outdoors in the rain?  Tell me you've got rain covers for your cameras!  Good for you!  (But if you don't, better get some).

[HankCastello]

Ok, I've read the other comments now..

I didn't notice the channel issues in the audio, but I used to have the same problems - not noticing how PP handled the different audio channels and often ending up with miked audio (mono) only on the left or right channel.

MPEG2 for DVD does not do mono (which would send a single channel to both L and R channels).  Therefore, if you have a tape that, for instance, received for two wireless mics, one mic is on left channel and one on the right.  What you have to do is split these with your "Breakout to Mono" option.  Then place each new audio clip onto its own mono track within your stereo sequence.  Finally, scrub to the clip and play it, watching your vue meters to ensure it is going to both channels.

I think I see a future article in this - with photos and all.

As for transitions, I think that every aspect of a video should have a purpose, or it shouldn't be there.  When there is music playing and I want to have a "dreamy" sort of feeling, I'll do dissolves.  When the music stops, or I don't want a dreamy feeling, I go to straight cuts.  I think it would be difficult to find an instance where, within a single song, you would want dissolves AND cuts, but if you have a reason to do so, then go for it - you are the artiste!

[Fitzufilms]

Thanks for all your input, especially Hank.  I know I have a lot to learn (and practice).  

Unfortunately I don't have raincovers (yet), but plan on aquiring them before next season.  A guy was standing over me with an umbrella.

This was great to be able to post my work and have good honest feedback.  Thanks again.

[On a Roll]

Umbrellas are a good thing to have, even if you have the rain covers. The rain cover will protect your camera mechanically, but your lens is still going to be sitting out there, relatively exposed. A good rain cover often comes up far enough to block most of the rain, but I've discovered that an umbrella opened up centered above the lens will keep it dry, which means a clear picture with no raindrops on them!

If you plan on doing outdoor events, make sure to be prepared. I also have a roll of 55 gallon trash bags sitting under the seat in our van, just in case we do have rain and one of our rain jackets goes missing. You'd be surprised how useful these can be, even if it doesn't rain!

[Sly Ry]

This is the last hightlight video that I did.  I have already purchased a glidecam so I hope that will take care of my "shaky" shots.  Also, during the vows the groom and bride were on the wrong sides (dont ask how that happened) and my other camer was blocked when  a bridesmaid moved so I know thats not the best shot.  So do your worst and tell me what you think.  Thanks.

www.jvaughanproductions.com/Hensey%20Highlight%20WMP.wmv

Nice job!

The vow audio was pretty clear.  

Here's a trick you might want to try:

As an alternative to dissolving mulitple times during the brides vows you could actually use one shot (close up or wide) and leave the audio as it is. You don't see the brides mouth move but you hear her voice during the vows so you could fool the audience by using a shot where the groom is looking at the bride as if she is speaking to him. Make sure the groom and officiant mouth isn't moving though.