We've posted a new "Shooter's Commentary" with Behind the Scenes footage

Here is an exerpt from fstoppers.com "Wedding videography is no longer the boring handycam crap it was a few years ago. Visual Masterpiece takes us behind the scenes on their latest wedding video and gives us fantastic details into what it really takes to produce a video at this level. Shooting the footage itself is hard, but the editing is really what makes their videos shine. Check out the full post to see the finished product."

Shooter's Commentary: Vivian+Chao {w/Behind the Scenes Footage} on Vimeo

That was excellent, thanks for sharing.. im a one man band how do you think i would cope on my own with a dslr?? it looked difficult with two never mind one!! i presume for me it would be fish eye and slider shots at the church before anyone there, then fish eye and slider at morning bride prep..then run and gun with a zoom at the church and reception? steve

really insightful. thanks for sharing. great job by the way on that edit.

Thanks we hope this is helpful to anyone using DSLR's and tackling events cinematically.

Please feel free to ask any questions and we'll do our best getting back to you.

-M

Hi Michael,

Thanks for sharing this video. How well does the Monopod work when using the 70-200 lens? I'm considering letting my assistant carry around this setup along with a 24-70. The foorage with the 50mm you had looked really good for it being a monopod shot. Do you like the fluid head on it? Or would a simple ball head be more efficient?

Thanks again,

Aaron

The monopod is excellent.. I definetly recommend the Manfrotto we use with the 701 HDV head. It works great the 70-200 IS Lens and the Cyclops from Cinevate, very well balanced and easy to use. Definitely do not get a simple ball head for active video use (other than perhaps a slider or unmanned tripod).

Thanks, Michael. Are you both happy with the Cyclops--would you buy it again? I haven't found a gushing endorsement yet, although it looks like something good for a person with eyeglasses, who wants the option of viewing the LCD from closeup or standing back a bit from the camera. Also viewing the LCD with both eyes instead of one seems like it would be less of a strain.

Yeah to my surprise (yes I had my doubts too) the Cyclops ROCKS!!! It aids as an additional point of contact and is solid with the camera/mount and handles. I can actually use it as a hand held rig (no monopod or counterbalance) and it works great with good body mechanics.

I really do like it.. I wish I had three (I'd use 'em all)

and no we don't wear glasses :D

What kind of lens belt thing is being worn at 1:56, if you don't mind sharing? Is this the best way to carry lenses? Is it hard on the back? Or is a vest better?

There's really no "right way" its just a matter of what works best for you and what you're comfortable with. I happen to really like utility belts (yes that's what its called). Mine is from Lowpro. They don't make the one I have any longer but a newer version is available: Lowepro S&F Light Utility Belt LP36283-0AM B&H Photo Video

Also you might take a look at Think Tank as I have been very impressed with their stuff too. Rebecka has a Think Tank belt but doesn't use it much as she prefers a lens messenger bag from Shootsac ( Stylish Lens Bags | Laptop Sleeves | Camera Bags (http://www.shootsacblog.com/) ), which I'm not fond of but she likes.

For me I like to carry a lot of lenses and not have anything swinging around or have any shoulder/back stress. The belt works perfectly for this; its easy to take on and off in seconds and it carries everything including a backup DSLR body! It stays out of the way (mostly) which I don't think a vest would do, and it keeps all the weight centrally located on the hips (no back pain).

Let me know if you have any more questions!

Blessings,
-M

Thanks for getting back so quickly! I have been looking at the links you provided. I wish I knew which one was the right one for me! I've been making so many purchasing decisions lately, my brain is swimming. I have a 70-200L IS lens, a Tokina 11-16, and an extra HV40 I might want to have with me, aside from the typical batteries, SD cards, tapes, etc.

Sigh. I like your wife's choice of bag, wish it was closer in price to the other ones though! : )

Yeah they look cool but I'm not a huge fan (unless I were on vacation or just wanted to be really discrete). But then again if you can manage it and don't use a lot of other gear it might be an ideal solution. I suggest going to a local photography shop and browsing their selection, or if that isn't an option then make a large purchase of gear you are interested in and try it out; Adorama has a good return policy, just keep everything in new condition and test it in house (don't take it on a job unless you intend to keep - my ethics anyway :D )

What are you using the hv40 for?? I might recommend selling it off in order to free up some cash. If you are mixing the footage at all 5D/hvx0 its going to look very poor.

Yes, I do intend to use the HV40 & HV20 mixed with the 60D. Hoping to get mostly 60D shots.

You don't think this is a good idea?

Do what you have to do.. but in a word.. no

I was so happy to sell off all my XHA1's and XLH1's once we got 5D's.. I actually have an HV20 but I gave it too my 6 year old to play with and hopefully learn how to make movies.

If you don't have the funds to go all DSLR or if there is another reason not too then go with that, but if you are looking for the best quality skip out on the "video" cameras.

When we first switched over (2+ years ago) we didn't know what we were up for so we eased into it and brought the XHA1's to record for our documentary versions ( Aram+Aida {Documentary} Reception Footage on Vimeo ) but quickly discovered that its more hassle than its worth, and just decided to put the extra work into consistently better looking footage. Now all of our docs are 100% DSLR footage.

My best recommendation is this.. whatever camera you are using, use it across the board, keep your colors and "Looks" consistant. If that means HVxx's then shoot all HVxx's. etc. and spice it up in post as much as possible.

Hope that helps.

Well, I'll have to go with what I have for now. I'll have to struggle through editing and matching in post. I've worked with FCP 7 (Color too) and it can do wonders. I have extra time right now too.

Hubby is already freaked over how much I've spent so far.

How funny you gave your 6 yr. old the HV!

Love your work. Excellent quality. I only hope to be this good someday.

Quote: [Hubby is already freaked over how much I've spent so far.] (LOL)

Yeah it definitely adds up!

Good luck, post some work and send me a message directly if you want more assistance, we're available anytime!

-M

Thank you very much! I will! Got two weddings booked in June. Wish I could get some more practice in a live wedding before then. If someone sees this, and knows someone in my area who's getting married before June...give me a shout. I can shoot a wedding for practice! But, they will have to take it as it is!

Michael,

I see your point about mixing the footage. I bought 2-60D's and will use the HV's for backup and maybe a wide shot or two, but plan on some heavy use of Color in post with it. I've been getting some practice with both, and what a nightmare!

I desperately want a camera aimed at the groom to get his reaction shot, so will use the HV40 on him, but will have one 60D following the bride in and then in aisle hopefully, and the other 60D in front to the side on her.

I'm so nervous I won't get it right! Especially since I have to rely on my man to help me! Yikes! I will have to have all settings right and trust he can get what I need. It's so hard trying to figure out who mans which camera.

This ain't for no sissies! This is my new motto.

This is where attending the rehearsal is a good idea the first few times at least - you can take your camera, pretend to be the big time director and test framing and shot angles and such.

Plus you get a feel for what will happen (hopefully!), and when and where, so (hopefully again) you can be on YOUR "mark" at the same time the "talent" is!

Every wedding is somewhat different, but once you sort out the basics it's not too hard - walk through it in your head a couple times, and your positions will come to you, hopefully with flexibility at the venue so you can actually BE where you want to be.

You could always sketch it out on a napkin for hubby <wink>! If you've run through it in advance, it makes it easier than flying by the seat of the pants on the day... you'll be fine!

OH yes, will be attending the rehearsals for sure!

Speaking of flying by the seat of my pants, you wouldn't believe how hard it is to find women's slacks with POCKETS these days! Geez! I was out shopping yesterday for clothes (yet another "scope creep" in this whole videography business of ours) with lots of pockets but that's still dressy enough for a wedding, and it was quite difficult finding what I wanted. But lo and behold, The Gap came through for me. Shoes on the other hand, I wish I could just wear my Nike's. I bought some $70 supposedly comfortable all-day standing shoes, but they don't come anywhere near my beloved Nike's. Sigh.

OK, I digress. Sorry about that rant there!

Great advice Dave!!

Lisa -

Go with basic Black if you can, and if necessary get some sort of camera vest with lots of nooks and crannies.

Generally, no one is going to even look at how you're dressed, as long as you're in black (think Ninja videographer!), and not terribly under-dressed. For an outdoor "gig", you may need to adjust as black can cook you alive in direct sunlight, and quick... You have to be careful, as this is an athletic "activity", sometimes outdoors in higth temperatures, and you need to be comfortable to do the job and survive it!

And you might consider black walking shoes - they aren't dressy, but should suffice and keep your feet and knees from giving out halfway through the reception! ALSO, if you're doing outdoor shoots, you should make sure your shoes aren't slick - wet grass on a hill side can be a challenge!