Posts Tagged ‘videography’
Photofusion: bring still images to life!
Monday, July 18th, 2011
Submitted by Tony Gatlin, Strictly Art Photography
Photofusion is an exciting, new multi-media technique that brings still images to life with high-definition video. Imagine a wedding as a music video, and that is photofusion. The technique combines state-of-the-art imaging hardware and software, still images, video, audio and music from the wedding day and brings it all to life in high definition. This technique is not the old-fashioned still images pieced together with odd video clips of the day; rather, the photofusion concept is to fuse stills and HD video together into an entirely new, seamless product that brings a wedding day to life, over and over again.
The concept of combining still images with video is not new to the field of wedding photography. From the days of film photography and 8mm video, creative wedding photographers have been putting the two together to create more-or-less a slide show of the wedding, interspersed with video, set to music. Sadly, the end product was usually pieced together somewhat like a Frankenstein’s monster and looked something like an old silent movie set to sappy piano music. You may have seen your grandparents in one of these atrocities. As equipment and technique got better, the results got better, but the outcome was still a video documentary of the day with some still images thrown in for visual interest. Your parents may have one of these gems gathering dust in the VHS cabinet. Thankfully, photofusion is not your grandmother’s wedding video, or even your mom’s for that matter.
The new generation of photographic, video and audio equipment far surpasses anything photographers had just a decade ago. You know how they say that we’ve got more computing power in our digital watches than the astronauts had on the Apollo missions to the moon? Well, the same is true in media capture and editing. We have more creative power at our fingertips today than movie production companies had at their disposal just ten years ago. We have come so far since I started shooting 35mm film in the early 1980’s that, today, television producers have the ability to film entire TV episodes on their hand-held digital cameras. By harnessing all this digital imaging and editing power, photographers can create stunning visual works of art with still images and digital HD video.
Photofusion transforms wedding photos and videos into works of art that are far greater than the sum of each part on its own. Once the photographer and videographer capture the images from the day, a team of artists can assemble a photofusion product within hours. Using cutting-edge digital editing software, fusion photographers and editors blend the stills and the video together with music and audio clips to create a flowing representation of the day. The end product is not a choppy silent movie or bad slide show, but instead, is an entirely new work of art that stands on its own as a timeless recreation of the most intimate day in most people’s lives.
Enjoy this example of a photofusion video from The Bui Brothers!
Tags: photofusion, Strictly Art Photography, The Bui Brothers, videography, wedding memories, wedding photofusion, wedding photography, wedding videography, weddings
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Be prepared: Questions to ask your videographer
Thursday, April 14th, 2011Submitted by Janak Anarkat, Movieing Memories
Nothing quite captures the real essence of your wedding day – the sights, sounds and energy – better than a well-done, high quality video. You’ll be able to revisit this important day in your life long after it’s over and share it with children, grandchildren or other special people in the future.
Videography is an important investment and you’ll want to be prepared with a list of questions to ask before you hire a videographer:
- Can I see samples of your work?
- How long have you been doing videography? How many events or weddings productions have you filmed?
- What packages do you offer? What do they include? What is your price range?
- Are you able to accommodate any restrictions with lights and tripods at the ceremony location?
- How long will it take to receive our completed video after the wedding?
- Do you offer DVD and Blu-ray? What is the charge per extra copy made?
- Will you be able to film while a photographer is present?
- Do you attend the wedding rehearsal?
- What types of cameras and microphones will you use? How new is the equipment? Where will they be placed?
- Will you be the one filming my wedding? If not, can I speak with that person?
- Can I keep the raw, unedited footage as well as the finished product? Is there an added fee for this?
- Will a backup camera be on hand for the event?
- How far in advance must I book your services? What is your cancellation policy?
- Is a deposit required? If so, when and how much?
- Do you charge for traveling?
- What kind of camera do you use?
- What kind of lights do you use?
- How do you record the sound of people speaking?
- How do you record the sound of music playing and can I choose my own music?
- What is the length of the final video?
Visit austinweddings.com to find videographers in Austin or visit saweddings.com to find videographers in San Antonio.
Posted in Videography | No Comments »
Behind the scenes wedding video
Thursday, March 10th, 2011From the engagement to walking down the aisle, you as the bride will be involved in every aspect of your wedding planning. But are you wondering what will happen on the wedding day while you are getting your hair and makeup done and prepping for the big day?
You’re team of wedding professionals will be transforming your wedding venue from a blank canvas to your perfect fairytale setting. We love this video by Mark Thomas Pro Photo that shows just how much work goes into creating a beautiful wedding!
Posted in Reception, Videography | No Comments »
Precious memories: Why to hire a professional videographer
Monday, March 7th, 2011Submitted by Janak Anarkat, Movieing Memories
Are you still not sure if/which videographer to hire and would like some help? Here is some information on what to look for and what questions to ask before you hire a videographer.
Nothing quite captures the real essence of your wedding day – the sights, sounds and energy – better than a well-done, high quality video. You’ll be able to revisit this important day in your life long after it’s over and share it with children, grandchildren or other special people in the future.
The most important element when searching for a videographer is a comprehensive sample of their wedding work. Ask to see a recent, completed video from a wedding – not just a highlights tape – so that you know exactly what you would receive from them if you decide to hire them. Consider the quality of the picture, the sound and the editing. A bad, poor quality video is a waste of money, but a good, high quality video is priceless.
It is very easy to claim years of experience and hundreds of productions but very difficult to verify those claims. But there is no experience like work experience and the best way to gauge someone’s abilities is to see their previous work and ask for references.
Answers to some frequent questions and concerns:
Q. Why should I hire a videographer, when all I want are photos?
A. Do you wish you could watch your parents’ wedding in flashback? Do you want your kids to be able to watch your wedding in flashback? Pictures cannot capture audio and movement and these are the first memories to fade over time; the human mind has good long-term photographic memory. A good professional videographer knows this an is looking to capture the essence (sight, sound, motion and emotion) of the occasion so that you can re-live its memory for decades to come.
Q. Why should I hire a “professional” videographer, when I (or someone I know) can take videos on a hand-held camcorder?
A. Just as there are reasons to hire a “professional” photographer, here are some reasons to hire a “professional” videographer: professional attitude and steady camera movements, professional video camera (with the choice of multiple camera angles), professional video tripod & lights, professional sound recording & microphones (plus wireless wearable mics), professional audio & video editing tools, professional grade recording format & post-production of your video, special effects and options, etc…..the list goes on. In short, a professional knows how to capture wedding video, what to do and not do.
Q. I do not think I have the budget for hiring a videographer, what should I do?
A1. Beg, borrow or steal! Just kidding. Look for ways to fit the videographer into your budget as a necessity and not as an afterthought. If you plan on including the videographer from the beginning, you’ll be able to adjust the remainder of your budget accordingly.
To find professional videographers in Austin, visit the videographers section of our Austin website.
To find professional videographers in San Antonio, visit the videographers section of our San Antonio website.
Tags: Advice, Austin, Movieing Memories, planning, Videographer, videography, wedding, wedding budget, wedding planning, wedding video, wedding videoography, weddings
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Text It, Tweet It, Post It !
Friday, October 15th, 2010A text, a tweet, and even a call away, it’s so much easier for us to keep in contact with one another in an instant. With new technology developing every day, couples are using technology in every aspect of their romantic lives from dating to the honeymoon!
People have been using the internet for dating and long distance relationships. Online Dating Magazine estimates that there are more than 120,000 marriages a year that occur as a result of online dating. On an average day, eHarmony.com receives notice from ten members of an engagement, marriage or other long-term, committed relationship. Through Skype, FaceTime and Tango, couples have the ability to maintain their online and long distance relationships right at their fingertips. So when you see that relationship status go from “in a relationship” to “engaged” go ahead and “like” it.
Did you know that these social networks can also be a great tool for your planning process? If you’re planning a wedding out of town or planning with your Solider overseas, the internet may be your best asset. San Antonio Wedding Guide Facebook & Austin Wedding Guide Facebook have great updates on upcoming shows and vendor announcements. Many of wedding vendors also have their own Facebook and Twitter pages that you can find useful information such as deals and events. If you’re looking for a venue, try watching a virtual tour like these from Granberry Hills and Mansions at Judges’ Hill. So even if you’re planning your wedding from afar, you can still tour the venues!
When it comes to the wedding day, technology abounds for you to turn your nuptials into a technological affair. Photographers and videographers such as Mark Thomas Pro Photoand BTL Productions both have packages that include online viewing and highlight showcasing for viewing after your wedding. This is a great way to share your wedding photos and video with loved ones who couldn’t make it to the wedding. 2nd Generation Video Productions offers web publications/podcasts for your guests with iPhone/iPod/iTunes to enjoy your wedding day.
Technology is a part of our lives, and it can be an amazing tool to help brides with their big day!
Tags: Austin, Dating Websites, Facebook, Military Wedding, planning, San Antonio, skype, Skype Reception, twitter, Venues, videography, wedding ideasPosted in Technology | No Comments »
Why should you have a video of your wedding?
Friday, June 25th, 2010Submitted by Mark Thomas Pro Photo
In the past, wedding video has been something that were not easily justified for a wedding. Most wedding videos were shot with one camera and very basic editing was applied. The result was a video that most people could only sit through once and most friends and family would squirm uncomfortably waiting for it to be over.
Wow how times have changed! Wedding video has become an art form that ranks right up there with beautiful wedding photos. Professional videographers have many more resources available today to produce cinematic quality productions.
Multiple cameras can offer many different angles and cover much more detail. When the footage from multiple cameras is edited together you can see just how dramatic video can be. With multiple perspectives you can see reactions from the bride, the groom and also the guests. As with movies, video is much easier to watch if the shots are steady and move smoothly. Steady cam devices and tripods are crucial to a cinematic video.
Nicole&Luke from Mark Thomas Pro Photo and Video on Vimeo.
Story telling makes a huge difference in video production from years past. Rather than a straight forward coverage of your event you get an artistic adaptation of your entire day. Incorporating detail shots and artistic angles and movement make the story move more fluidly. Effects and music bring out the emotional feel of the day and also drive the story forward.
How does video differ from photos? With photos you get a visual representation of a moment in time. With video there are many elements that impact emotion, including:
- Movement: The way a videographer can use the camera to reveal or pan across a scene or slow zoom to direct your eyes to the subject.
- Sound: A musical score can be edited with the video footage to invoke the desired emotion. Actually hearing and reliving your vows, toasts and speeches and loved ones narrating moments that impacted them during the day along with special effects, color effects, B&W effects, slow motion are a few tools used to also draw on your emotions.
We live in a visual world. With technology video has become one of the most popular trends on the internet. Sites like YouTube and Vimeo allow people to share their special day with friends and family around the world and with the right kind of video editing they won’t be squirming wishing it was over.
Tags: Advice, videography, weddingsPosted in Advice, Videography | No Comments »
Videography
Friday, May 7th, 2010A wedding videotape should never be considered a substitute for still photographs. However, by virtue of its sound and movement, a video tape can preserve a distinct and important part of your wedding. Imagine being able to see and hear your vows being said, reliving again the emotions of the moment. A video of your wedding and the following festivities will capture the “real life” that otherwise goes unobserved, and is a poignant, often humorous, accompaniment to the traditional wedding photographs.
Find a professional videographer the same way you shop for a photographer: Look at his work, and talk with him about his style of taping. Start looking at least four months before your wedding, and reserve a firm date as soon as possible.
Be clear about pricing structure. Fees will generally depend on the number of cameras, editing time, and special production needs. Some videographers will simply charge per camera, per hour; others may film as much as possible and then selectively edit the footage into a polished cassette, all for a package price.
In a preproduction planning session, talk with the videographer about the events you would like taped. You may want to design your own package to include footage of the rehearsal, the bachelor dinner, a bridal shower, you and your groom in final preparation for the ceremony, interviews with your parents, special guests, activities, and groups of friends at the reception . . . all captured on film in sight, sound, and movement for years to come. Don’t let the fact that you may not own a video cassette recorder enter your decision. Rent a machine when you want to share the tape with your friends and family. And who knows . . . you might even receive a recorder as a wedding gift.
Tags: videographyPosted in Articles | No Comments »