Comments on: Evansology 113 – Use video to add value

By: Shannon Matson

Shannon Matson — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 00:01:28 +0000

Rod,

What do you do when you are about to take a vertical shot? I saw in your slideshow that there is some video before a vertical shot. Do you take a clip of video first, then flip your camera to be vertical?

Also, I have the same ring light as you, but the Flip blows out the images to where it is way too bright. Did you edit the footage a little to darken the ring light shots?

Thanks for the inspiration!

Shannon

By: Daniel Hanson

Daniel Hanson — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 06:29:52 +0000

Awesome idea Rod! I love the idea of using video with the photos. Certainly something to play with.

By: Paul

Paul — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:59:09 +0000

GENIUS! As soon as I saw it I jumped to the “where does my trigger go” then I remembered something I had seen a while ago…. A straight bracket that can fix to the tripod mount and put the video off to the side… check it out below, under $10!

http://www.adorama.com/Reviews/pwr/product-reviews/Flash-Lighting/Adorama/p/FABS-Adorama-Straight-Bracket-for-Small-35mm-and-Digital-Cameras.html

another option to give you landscape/portrait coverage would be this, two hotshoe’s so you can pick which one you want $15

http://www.adorama.com/SVAS.html?searchinfo=Light+Accessory+Bracket

By: Andy Craig

Andy Craig — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 14:30:49 +0000

I loved this idea so after a bot of thought, I’ve made a bracket from a hotshoe spirit level (perspex block type) which I drilled through and glued in a cut-off Hama mini tripod. This cost me next to nothing. It looks fine and has enough flexibility in the stumpy, cut-off legs to adjust the video camera angle a wee bit.

Thanks for sharing this great idea. I use animoto for clients and can’t wait to try adding video clips.

Of course, it only works if you keep the camera landsape and I tend to shoot portrait so it will take a bit of thought while shooting…

By: David 'Art' Wooten

David 'Art' Wooten — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 03:00:56 +0000

Rod,

This is a great idea that I intend to implement IMMEDIATELY! Thank you for sharing. I have been using video in my slideshows also: http://vimeo.com/7777582 But your way is far easier than switching back and forth between video and still on my 5d.

Aaron… if we had Liebovitz budget we would. Give Rod a break and don’t hate… appreciate.

By: Rick Warkenthien

Rick Warkenthien — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 02:49:00 +0000

Aaron- The idea behind Rod’s tutorial is to capture short clips of video to mix with a slide presentation. Are you familiar with Animoto? http://www.animoto.com

We’re not trying to imitate the work of filmmakers. We’re just adding a little motion and sound to the presentation of images. The clients love the presentations with or without the video clips mixed in.

Our wedding clients that want professional video will hire a videographer in addition to our photography services.

Are you a local filmmaker? (Sioux Falls, SD area) If so, I would like to see your work. Clients that want video usually ask us for referrals.

By: Rod Evans

Rod Evans — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 23:44:16 +0000

Aaron,
This is not film making, and I am not pretending it is. I wish I were a film maker. I have incredible respect for that craft. All I am doing is using 3-5 second behind the scene clips to add some interest to the slideshow. My clients really like it.

I wish I could have a real filmmaker with me on every shoot, but they command a premium price (and rightfully so). In certain situations and for certain clients, it’s a possibility, but for a slideshow for my average senior client, it’s not an option. A client who wants fantastic video of their photo session (or wedding) will hire a filmmaker.

-Rod

By: Aaron

Aaron — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:34:36 +0000

even better….collaborate with a local talented filmmaker to do a fusion shoot with you on your shoots. there are some INCREDIBLE photographers out there that are taking that route and their end products are mind-blowing and the clients are loving it.

By: Aaron

Aaron — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:32:53 +0000

well that’s one way to destroy the art of film, by taking the “lazy mans” route just so you can make some more money. if your clients are going to pay for video, why not just get a cheap 7D and have an assistant (or even tripod setup) to get the shots? at least you’d have a semi-quality product. that’s no different than a filmmaker attaching a point and shoot to their camera in full auto mode set to take an exposure every few seconds and billing it as “video + photo”. how lifeless and artless that product would be….

By: Rod Evans

Rod Evans — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:49:43 +0000

Look at Rick’s comment..I’ve been using my Flip mounted to a Stroboframe