Highlights Vid

[Sly Ry]

Ok, first off this was probably not one of my favorite weddings that I've done.  Some of the heavily drunk guests could have been nicer...

However, this is one of my favorite highlights this year.  Yeah I know there's a shot or 2 of my second cameraman in the background but I really wanted to put one of those spontaneous spin moves the bride kept doing during the reception.

The way I do my Highlights is I try to go for the romantic feel and I also use a song chosen by the couple.  My worst fear is using a song by an artist they dislike.  There's lots of slo-mo and I do use a 'Silk Stocking' filter to soften up the shots so the faces aren't too harsh.  Brides seem to like it because it can hide certain blemishes and it gives a more angelic look.  I think I used it for majority of the shots.  

In my opinion, I feel the Highlights is where you can bring out your creativity. To recap the event "in your own words"  so to speak.  So that's how I approach it.

Please feel free to critique it and tell me what you liked or disliked about it.  I'm always interested in making myself better.

http://visualessence.blogspot.com/2007/11/highlights-mike-joann.html

[Souvenir]

I loved it!  You are a true pro and it seems like you really are providing a great service.

I don't have much to say, but when I was watching it, I knew Hank was going to say something about the camera person in the background!  :lol:

I agree with your assertion that the highlights vid is the part where we can let our creativity show through more.  I try to keep it pretty "real" during the full-length video, but I tend to use more of an artistic freedom for this portion.  You did it very well, and I'm sure the bride was thrilled.

BTW, what cameras do you use?  I was very impressed with the colors.

[Sly Ry]

Thanks for checking it out, Souvenir!

I'm actually using Sony FX-1's and I shoot in HD.  I do like the cameras although the low-light is not as good as the Sony VX-2000's I used to have.  I'm looking to try to get the Sony V1U because now its able to shoot in progressive and the zoom is much better than what I have now.  Oh and it's lighter......  

[HankCastello]

This is good stuff!  Really good.  I mean this is in the top five percent of stuff I'm getting.

The other videographer was pretty far back and he wasn't there for long, but I do have a problem with the way he was dressed.  I have a preference for all black and not standing out in any way and also not looking like a guest.

About the only other issue I had was I would have liked to seen a few close-ups - I mean really tight shots.  This is where video really shines.  The hand-holding and ring ceremony were two scenes that begged for tight shots.  A tight shot of the couple's faces would have been nice too.

Let me reiterate - this was very, very good and more romantic than most of my stuff.

PS - I added a comment to your blog that should help sell brides on your work.

[Sly Ry]

Thanks for the comment and taking a look, Hank!

Sorry, for not participating in the forums lately.  Had my last 2 weddings of the year these past couple weekends.  Had a lot of preparation to do, you know how it is....

Anyway, I totally agree with the tight shots and I really try to squeeze in for the rings and hand holding.  I'm not sure about why I didn't use a shot like that but you definitely make a valid point about closing in.  I'm very big on doing that during the prep.

As for clothing, I'm still unsure as to which way to go.  All my assistants and I wear the same uniform: a black polo and brown khakis and black shoes.  I've heard many good views as to go all black and I may just do that for all my gigs next year.  However, we tend to be dressed better than the photographers....