The Merging of Photography and Cinematography

In both the photo and video worlds right now, there is a buzz about "Fusion", a term coined by the Bebbs (bebb studios) .

A new development was just released late last year by Canon and Nikon; the ability to shoot HD video with a professional photography camera. These cameras have large sensors, offering new low light capabilities and a professional look that videographers could not obtain without using large video cameras on their shoulders. This also meant that two professional tools were now available in the same piece of gear.

Blending HD cinematography and digital still photography is nothing new (Faith West and I delivered this photo video fusion project last summer). But I have to tell you, after seeing what is available with these new cameras, I can't see doing another one without them.

We got our new Canon cameras in December and I played with one at home and then began shooting events with wonderful results. Two benefits jumped out at me. We can shoot in VERY low light - I'm talking candle light, people. While we have always been unobtrusive, this makes us even more 'fly on the wall'. The second benefit is to have the look and feel in our films that professional photographers deliver in high-resolution images. Imagine those great photographs coming to life.

I've connected with a bunch of photographers and videographers I know and respect, and one thing is clear, the wheels are spinning.

Some present Photo Video Fusion as an artistic way of blending high resolution digital photos and HD video. Others see it as a way to sell both services under one roof with all of the advantages that offers. There is so much interest in this idea, there are now workshops like the ones Curt Apanovich and Robert Evans of PhotoFusionTour are presenting.

We were commissioned by LensRentals.com to create some webisodes on their site, teaching professional photographers and videographers what is now available and how to use it. For those not willing to invest in new gear, they give the pros a chance to rent the latest and greatest gear on a per job basis before investing in new gear.

Our take on photo video fusion will begin to unfold as we present more of our finished projects here. It has been an interesting few months as we've had the opportunity in Vegas to shoot a music video, a desert photo shoot, help WaxWorks Photo present at their booth, create a Same Day Edit for the Pay It Forward group, and even shoot Jackie Bayne's wedding officiated by The King.

Over the next few weeks, I'll also present real interviews with the talented photographers and cinematographers who have been involved with us locally here in Philadelphia. You'll watch discussions on what new technology can now deliver in the hands of talented artists. You'll be able to view HD examples of productions delivered to clients with commentary from each artist.

If you'd like to stay tuned, Post a Comment
PhotoVideoFusion.com

Tina and Wade at Congress Hall

Watch in Standard Definition - Watch in HD

Faith West and Dave Williams teamed up for Tina and Wade's wedding at Congress Hall Hotel in Cape May, NJ.

Dave shows his photo/video product to professional videographers at the WEVA International 2008 Expo in Orlando, August, 2008.

Dave Williams Films is a rich blend of cinematography and photography, created by the best artists in the business. A tighter, coordinated team works unobtrusively, for a sophisticated 'fly on the wall' experience.

Music Video and Red Rock Shoot in Vegas

What's the first thing on your checklist when you know you'll be heading out into the desert for the day? Batteries charged? Check! PVC from Home Depot? Check. Of course none of us thought to bring food or water. Ha!!!

We spent one day in the desert town of Nelson. You can see every house from Main Street. All are on wheels. Shooting a music video for Hannah Violet was a challenge, but rain and the lack of food and water was not going to stop us! Our music video crew included Jordan Oplinger, Matt Jeppsen, and Abad Rosa.

We were a little concerned about one of the locals who stopped by and screamed "where's your license!" We were not worried because Abad told us under his breath, "If I had a dime for every stranger I've buried in the desert. . ."

Working with Hannah was wonderful. I think she had the hardest time of all. I mean who wants to work in 40 degree weather in a sun dress?

The day didn't seem to end. We spent the night cruising (and shooting) the strip with the DiCicco's in our pimped out 1958 Pontiac Star Chief Convertible. Yes, with the top down of course. Who knew Vegas would be 40 degrees?

Then it was off to Red Rock Canyon for a photo shoot with Sofia Negron.

Photography by Jordan Oplinger and Sophia Negron.

Pay It Forward Photography at WPPI in Las Vegas

Same Day Edit at the Pay It Forward Photography party, WPPI convention, Las Vegas

WPPI in Vegas, Baby

Jordan and I have the opportunity to be in Vegas next week for the WPPI convention. We'll be shooting a Same Day Edit for the Pay it Forward party on Sunday night, shooting in the desert with the girls at Red Rock Canyon, shooting part of a music video, watching a friend get married, and helping Susan Beard display her WaxWorksPhoto reel.

Balancing a 5D mark II on a Glidecam 4000 HD

Part 2 in a series of Webisodes we are doing for LensRentals.com

Assembling a Glidecam 4000 HD and a Canon 5D Mark II

I often get questions about stabilizing footage, especially now from some photographers who have the ability to shoot moving pictures with the new Canon 5D Mark II cameras.

Lens Rentals (LensRentals.com) commissioned us to shoot a series of webisodes for their site. This first webisode shows how to mount the Canon 5D Mark II camera to a Glidecam 4000 HD.