Inside the backpack of the minimalist wedding videographer

I think I figured out  the video set-up I need to do a 2-cam, solo shooter wedding, or any other run-and-gun video situation.

A-cam: Sony RX10 with XAVC codec and 24-200f2.8 lens, sharper than any DSLR because it doesn't line skip but uses the whole frame.

B-cam: Sony CX900 with XAVC codec

both cameras have the same sensor, same colour, same WB, same insides so colour matching will be a nightmare of the past.

Everything fits in 1 medium size backpack along with audio equipment.

Add two small tripods and a monopod in a sling bag and I am good to go.

I will also be using the A7II with 3 primes (35f1.4, 24f1.8, 50f1.7) still using the XAVC codec and excellent IS, for the dark shots like first dances, etc.  Fits in a really small bag.

Bob Krist (more on him in a later post) is an inspiration, not only for his technique but also for his youthful vigor and refusal to let age deny him what is a "youthful pursuit".

Photos to come soon.

The end of DSLRs for wedding videography

I can see the Sony AX100 replacing the DSLR for wedding videography. As in NOW!  For sheer functionality, the videocamera form factor beats a DSLR. Shallow DOF is the only DSLR advantage left; but even this is nullified by proper framing and composition (and wide-open at longer focal lengths), along with the 1" sensor. AX100 has a 1" sensor (excellent low light capability based on the few initial tests so far, on YouTube and on Vimeo), FULL manual controls, no downsampling (as opposed to DSLRs), superior IS, superior audio, full/manual focus, etc. 
Give me one of these babies and a regular 1080p cam for B-roll and I am good to go. You heard it here first!

the start of another wedding season

My wedding season will start this weekend and my thoughts go back to my very first wedding video shoot. As it was then and will be again this year, I'll be shooting solo, with 1-2 cameras throughout the day, depending on the current situation. My passion for photography, and for the last 2 years now, videography, comes from a desire to tell a story, a people story. I am very grateful for the families that have seen me fit to document their weddings.

The video  below was, and will remain to be, my first wedding video. That day is indelibly recorded in my mind: the sun, the birds, Catherine's ethereal beauty and Aaron's quiet confidence. Catherine's  visage naturally just called for the camera to linger on her.

My video gear was very minimal and with a couple like Catherine and Aaron, simple but "content-rich", that all that's needed.

Louise and Nic

A dreamy, magical, spring day in Kitchener where two beautiful, compatible souls tied the knot surrounded by friends at the historic Walper Terrace Hotel.
Music:  "Angel" by Jack Johnson , and "If You Were A Sailboat" by Katie Melua

Frame Grabs from a video shot

I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the frame grabs from the Sony a65. I used either the Minolta 100-200f4.5 or the Sony 16-50f2.8. Video shot at 1280x720 60P. If I had known I'd be grabbing frames, I'd have shot at 1980x1280 60P. Frame grab using MPEG Streamclip, with the stills processed in Photoshop CS5.1. Frames have been upsized to 6"x 4" @ 300dpi.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oct 4th.