Photo Video Fusion is Heating Up

In both the photo and video worlds right now, there is a buzz about "Fusion", a term coined by the Bebbs at 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

Sarah and Tony's Super8 Film Wedding Recap

Sarah and Tony's Super8 Film Recap By Dave Williams
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Erin and Matthew's Director's View Movie at Congress Hall, Cape May NJ

HD Cinematography by DVideography
Catering by Congress Hall Hotel
Event Production and Design by Melissa Paul, Evantine Design
Photography by Images by Berit
View Erin and Matthew's Brides.com Article
Entertainment by CTO Tribeca

Dear Dave,

My sincerest thanks to you and your fine team for such a beautiful production. It's not just the memories that have been so magnificently captured, it's our ability to share the day with loved ones who were too frail to make the trip that makes your outstanding effort so special to me. You folks have memorialized one of the best and most important days in our lives and for that we are forever grateful. The professionalism and artistry of DVideography has exceeded my most optimistic expectations. Anyone looking to get the job done right, then look no farther than DVideography!

Sincerely,

Kevin 'Father of the Bride' Kelly

Our Director's View Theater is an optional production and allows our clients to view the wedding highlight reel online, days after the wedding.

Same Day Edit at The Crystal Tea Room in Philadelphia

Same Day Edits truly excite us as much as they excite our clients. Here's what the guests at the Crystal Tea Room watched during the main course on Friday night. Thanks to my editor, Jordan, for pulling through once again.

Hi Dave,

Well, I should be on my honeymoon right now, but it got cancelled…so I wanted to take this time to thank you.

I know that my father was beyond impressed and already called you regarding that.

I believe the blog of my same day edit has now probably been viewed by around 500 people at this point. You just really can’t imagine all the feedback we’ve received. Everyone has been so excited about the same day edit and I’m SO glad we decided to go with it. It surpassed all my expectations. I think I might’ve cried through the entire thing, but it’s all a blur so I’m not sure. I’ve watched it a million times and each and every time I’m more impressed.

Thanks again for everything. Your relaxing personality helped me keep my cool during the stressful times of the day! I just really can’t express my gratitude for everything. We really can’t wait to see the finished product…but until then- we will just continue to watch the same day edit over and over again!!!!

Kara Miles
(The Bride)

For your own Same Day Edit, call DVideography.

Katie and Mike at Congress Hall in Cape May, NJ

Listen to Mom's Voicemail

Dave,

I am so happy to hear from you! We just got back from our honeymoon about 3 days ago, and you were first on my list of people to contact. Before telling you how much we are in awe of your amazing video, I will take this opportunity to thank you for all of your hard work on our wedding day. I truly loved having you as a part of our day - you were energetic, fun and professional, and we were so lucky to have you! I still can't believe how truly blessed we are.

Now, I must tell you how blown away we both are by this video- it is truly the most incredible thing we've ever seen! It's not like every other wedding tape- it is different and unique, and really captures the whole spirit of the day, and us. I hope you enjoyed the night- it is somewhat of a blur for me, as it all went by so quickly. It's so amazing to see all of the things that I missed, as well as re-live the points I remember. You did an exceptional job, and we thank you!! If we ever need a videographer in the future, we have your number. Thank you again Dave for everything- we are forever grateful. Hope you are well, and I hope to hear from you soon!

Best,
Katie and Mike

Dave, we really love the video of Katie and Mike's wedding - such a huge departure from every other wedding video we've ever seen, and certainly head and shoulders over every other one we looked at when we were trying to decide who to go with for the wedding. We're so happy that we chose DVideography - the video was a joy to watch, and I'm sure we will be watching it over and over again. I know Katie and Mike are thrilled also - as are Mike's parents, who received the third video and who cannot get over how beautiful your work is.

Thanks for capturing the spirit of the day, Dave - you're the best.

Marti Robb

Mailbag: Tina's Reaction to Photo-Video Collaboration with Faith West

Hi Dave,

What a great start to our day!! The video clip is amazing...We wouldn't change a thing:)

I've passed it on to all my friends and they are all raving about it!! I've prob received 20 emails after forwarding like this one:

Tina,

This is unbelievable. So beautiful. Looks like a movie. I loved it. You looked gorgeous. I am sending this to my cousin to watch.

Paula

Dave thank you so much for capturing our day so beautifully!!

Tina

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South Jersey Wedding Video in HD: DVideography - Philadelphia, PA
Photography: Faith West Photography - Philadelphia, PA
Venue: Congress Hall - Cape May, NJ
Entertainment: The Heartbeats - Philadelphia, PA

Mailbag: Misha and David at The Baldwin School

Dave,

Thanks for your hard work...I knew you would do a good job. Thanks so much... By the way, I just came home from a wedding of near 70-year-olds, and it never stops being engaging, enthusiastic, and hopeful. It is a pivotal occasion in the lives of individuals.

Important. And you captured it.

Thanks, Carol (Misha's Mom)

On the way to Cape May . . .

[Please post a comment]

Hi Guys,

We had a really busy (all fun) weekend, and I finally got time to really watch the movie and give it the time it deserved.

We are just in awe at how awesome you guys are. I don't even think you can classify these as wedding videos the way there is so much thought that goes into it.

I was watching the video thinking "Oh it was pretty cool that I caressed Jenn just then or kissed her at a special moment", but then I remembered.... Dave directed me to do that, and I was just being an obedient groom. But it really is impressive how you have the vision of how it will look in the final video, or to us our cinema masterpiece. We love all the panning and just great shots.

Danielle, you had me and everyone else tearing up.........ok I shed a few tears. Once I finally truly watched it, I felt like I got what you were doing with the different scenes and the way they transitioned from one another. I really loved the tribute to Jenn's mom, just enough to feel it, but then it transitioned into my mom welcoming her as a daughter. Awesome job. I was so attached to that other song, but it was a great call to use this music, it fit perfect.

EVERYONE says oh its like your watching a real movie, not someone's wedding.......which you guys must here all the time.

Just wanted to let you know that we really did notice and appreciate all the work you put into it.

Thank you very much.

Chris and Jenn


Videography: DVideography - Philadelphia, PA
Venue/Catering: Congress Hall - Cape May, NJ
Photography: Paula Cella Photography - Absecon, NJ
Entertainment: Sound Choice - Lawrenceville, NJ

Mail Bag: Morgan and Matt

Hi Dave and Sheryl

Thank you so much for the most amazing video we've ever seen. We knew when we hired you for our wedding you would produce nothing less than spectacular. We watched the video last night with my parents in absolute awe and with so much gratitude. We laughed and cried throughout the whole thing and were able to relive the incredible day that was our wedding. Please tell all of your production staff thank you and that we appreciate the hard work and effort that was put into the video. The editing alone was unbelievable. Thank you for fixing our introduction into the ballroom. It sounds a lot better to be married to Matt rather than his brother, Mike and thank you for cutting the Ave Maria part short. I remember standing there thinking, "why are they still playing." You knew exactly how to re-create the evening and make it better and more perfect.

I know that you were still working on it as of yesterday morning and when I received the call from my dad say he was coming home with the video I literally jumped out of my chair at work and yelled, "YES!" After watching the trailer about 1000 times and showing it to all of our friends they've been waiting with anticipation to see the rest of the video. Even my office wants to have a wedding movie lunch break so they can see it. I'm sure I'll be watching the video everyday for at least the next month. It'll definitely become a fixture in my dvd drive.

The out-takes were hilarious and I'm so happy that you put the part with you and me in there. I would certainly want to remember you as a part in my wedding day rather than someone behind the scenes. Even though we've only spoken a few times and spent a couple of hours together I felt an immediate connection as I know my father has as
well. I hope that in years to come we'll stay in touch and you'll be there to capture future events and milestones in our lives.

Have a wonderful weekend!
All the best,
Morgan and Matt Palmedo

Venue/Catering: Fairmont Hotel - Washington, DC
Planner: Capital Decor and Events - Beltsville, MD
Photography: Richard Greenhouse Photography - Rockville, MD
Entertainment: Heartbeat Dance Band - Easton, CT

Super 8 Wedding Films; Something Old, Something New

I recently blogged at Dave Williams Films about the romantic allure of real film productions, specifically Super8 Wedding Films. Ever since I shot backyard films in the 70s, I've always had a special place in my heart for real film. The look, the cadence, and the organic feel of film is often imitated in the digital world but rarely matched.

It is cost-prohibitive for many of our clients to produce an entire wedding film with Super 8 or 16mm film so several opt for our 'Film Vignettes', allowing us to pepper our HD video with real film segments.

In the case of Araks and Seth - recent clients of ours - we designed a film for them that included a highlight reel on their DVD made entirely of Super 8 film clips. As a successful designer in New York, Araks simply loved the look of film. Although most of her production was shot in HD as in this trailer, she wanted to be sure we captured the special moments in an artistic and romantic way with film.

Mail Bag: Marla and Alex

Dave- We received our DVDs yesterday!! We were out of town for the weekend!! Watched it last night!! It brought tears to my eyes!! It was awesome!! There was so much that I didn't get to see that day or had forgotten about, but you captured it all!! We love it!! Thank you so much for everything!! And thank your amazing crew also!! Keep in touch!!
Alex and Marla

View the Trailer or View the HD Wedding Recap

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Photography: Cliff Mautner Photography
Reception: Cescaphe Ballroom
Entertainment: Jellyroll/Brandywine Valley Talent
Ceremony: The Physick House

Reactions on Hidden Camera

Nicole and Brian were so excited to hear we were shipping their DVDs that they asked if they could drive over to pick them up. They wanted to see some of the video right away. Knowing how fun they were, I decided to turn my little consumer palmcorder on them from the corner of the room. Here's their reaction.

Thanks for being such good sports and allowing me to share this Nicole!

Production Notes: Nicole and Brian ordered our 8 hour coverage, a Same Day Edit, and 16mm Wedding Film Vignettes.

Amanda and Brett at Knowlton Mansion

Brett and Amanda were just a pleasure to work with. Here's a peek at the first chapter of their DVD: Bridal Preparations

Coordinator: Innove Events - Philadelphia, PA
Photography: Laura Novak Photography - Wilmington, DE
Lighting: Eventions Productions - Aston, PA
Catering: Conroy Catering at Knowlton Mansion - Philadelphia, PA
Entertainment: The Heartbeats - Blackwood, NJ