New Member just would like to say hello...

[BillGrant]

Hello.
So, As my introduction to this community, I figured I would post some of my work from last year. My company does both photography & video in Columbia, SC. I have been involved in video for about 4 years total, and obsessed with it for about 3 years. I have been doing video as my fulltime job since July of '07. I shoot alone with 3 Sony Vx2100s, 1 wireless Sennheiser G2 and 1 iriver. I edit with Sony Vegas 7.0 and love it. My business is 98% weddings, but I am slowly picking up some corporate work here and there. I know I have alot to learn and a long way to go, but I hope I am getting there one step at a time. I have been a member of VU & Wedvidpro for about 2 years as well as DVinfo.net I welcome comments, and I am happy to be a part of this forum.

Bill Grant

www.grantphotovideo.com/lauriepaul

www.grantphotovideo.com/laurenchad

www.grantphotovideo.com/mandyjim

[HankCastello]

Welcome Bill!

Just looked at the first video (it may be tomorrow before I have time to check them all out), technically good, tightly edited, good camera moves and included a few closeups.  The fast-upbeat pace is a change from what we usually see.  Your clients are lucky to have you!

Do you deliver short form or long form video?  I didn't pay close enough attention to be sure, but it looked a bit like single camera coverage.  If so, I'd love to hear how you manage to get doc-style wedding coverage with one camera.

It must be nice not to have to worry about photographers!  (Bill's wife does the photography), but that means you almost need roller blades when covering preps and reception at times.  What's your secret?

[HankCastello]

I am a dummy!  Missed that part about shooting with three VX2100s.  I also juggle three VX2100s and often an FX1 to boot (plus tripods, camera crane, four wireless sets, dr with 2 handheld mics, etc.) and I know what a chore it is to lug this gear around, set it up, take it down, etc.  Especially between ceremony and reception.

I am fortunate in that I have my wife who can rush ahead with me to the reception and be ready to help shoot the couple's arrival as I setup, shoot b-roll, tap the DJ sound board, etc.  Usually, I finish in time to have the third camera (usually mounted on a jib with wide-angle lens) setup, but sometimes I don't and it's just our two cameras shooting.

How in the world do you do it all yourself?  Do you have an assistant?

What did you use for those camera moves, Glidecam?  Did you use a Smooth Shooter also?

Again - great job on that video!

[BillGrant]

Thanks for the comments Hank. Yeah, I do have to be on my toes, but I do cover completely by myself. I set up 2 cameras static, and I man one camera during the ceremony. I shoot 1 camera otherwise. I bounce back & forth during the prep & photo sessions to get all of the content I need. My finished product is generally around an hour ( I don't edit the ceremony except abc roll, etc.) The moving shots are all handheld. No stabilizers except a monopod during the processional and formal dances. I use a tripod during the ceremony. Thanks again for the comments, and it is good to be here.
Bill

[HankCastello]

The moving shots are all handheld

If we all could do it this good, Glidecam would go out of business!   :lol:

[Fitzufilms]

If we all could do it this good, Glidecam would go out of business!

That's exactly what I was thinking.  Great shots!  I also enjoyed the fast pace, though I don't know that it's for everbody, it is different.

I enjoyed your shots overall, color, composition, and variety. Again, as I have said after seeing other videos shown here, it makes me realize how much better I need to be.

I actually live in NC, just under 3 hours from you. (not right next door but the closest person in this group) Maybe we could get together sometime and talk shop, trade tips, etc.

[osbornes5]

Hey Bill, Welcome!!! Good to have ya here. I'm lookin forward to what I can learn from you and enjoying the dialogue. This is a great place to be and you will find Hank to be an extremely knowledgable and helpful administrator.

I too enjoyed the video (only looked at the first one so far) but it is great! "Tight" is a good term. I look forward to seeing the rest later. I think you would be our first South Carolinian (on a contributing basis anyway).

[BillGrant]

Thanks for the comments everyone.  The pacing on this one has completely to do with the song. Although I do try to keep the pace up generally, they're not normally that fast. I had been wanting to use that song since last Christmas, and the couple loveed it. Hey Fitzu, where in NC? I travel a little to do some of the corporate work I've been doing, and I may need a second camera sometime.. Osbornes5, I actually learned my handheld techniques in Tulsa at the Vonlanken oneonone workshop. It changed everything for me. Definately worth a trip if you're in OK. Thanks again everyone.
Bill

[Fitzufilms]

Im in the Southern Pines/Pinehurst area Bill and I would love to work with you sometime.  Good to have you aboard.