Dave Williams Films

The Merging of Photography and Cinematography

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Williams) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 22:27:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Williams) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 03:38:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Williams) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Williams) — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 13:00:00 +0000

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

WPPI in Vegas, Baby

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Williams) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 16:36:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Williams) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 04:34:00 +0000

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

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

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Williams) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 21:06:00 +0000

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.

NYC in HD Central Park and Empire State Building

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Williams) — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 08:54:00 +0000

During a shoot for a private client in New York, Jordan and I used our down time to walk through the park, visit the Apple store to buy an iTouch for our client, and ride to the top of the Empire State Building.

Superstition Themed Bat Mitzvah at The Loews in Philadelphia

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Williams) — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 06:14:00 +0000

Watch in HD

Don't call Will Smith yet - it's just a reflection of the overhead light behind us as we gazed at the view from the 33rd floor of The Loews.

Arielle and her red-headed brother Isaac surrounded by friends

Chrishanukkah - Just for Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Williams) — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 10:10:00 +0000

PLAY HD VERSION

Watch this short I made tonight after our visit to my sister-in-law's where we celebrate both holidays.

Sarah and Tony's Super8 Wedding Recap

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Williams) — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 05:18:00 +0000

Sarah and Tony's Super8 Film Recap By Dave Williams
View in HD Download Version Visit Dave Williams's ExposureRoom Videos Page

Amanda and Brett's Wedding Trailer at Knowlton Mansion

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Williams) — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 23:51:00 +0000

Wedding Trailer By Dave Williams
View in HD Download Version Visit Dave Williams's ExposureRoom Videos Page

The Sound is More Important Than The Picture

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Williams) — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 04:38:00 +0000

One of our recent grooms (a new york wedding and event videographer himself) recently asked me how we do our audio. In fact, when I speak to professional videographers associations, it is one of the top questions I am asked. Well, I let my audio engineer, Tamer Tewfik, answer this question directly and I thought you might want to read his response. . .

Hi Michael,

I'm happy to be available to you to talk about the logistics about improving audio for your productions. I have spoken to many videographers about this since I started working with Dave. Basically, the biggest question I get from videographers is how to get Dave Williams Films quality audio on their own. It always makes me chuckle inside because I suppose they believe it's a secret and that the only reason I am at a DWF shoot is because Dave just doesn't want to be bothered with audio. False. My answer is always, if anyone could do it alone, there would be no need for professional audio engineers. I'm sure there's a way to improve your audio - down and dirty style - but I'd need more information to see where you are with your audio now.

Keep in mind that I met Dave after 15 years of experience freelancing mostly for broadcast television and film so my experience comes from those realms. The result is a high standard of audio equipment I need to be able to work in that market. The equipment I know best and use is of the utmost quality that can only be purchased from specialty audio places and, as you may have already realized, the equipment is pricey. For example the SoundDevices 744T that records 4 track for Dave is about $4000 and the 4 channel field mixer we use (SoundDevices 442) to send the audio to the 744 is about $3000. So your talking about $7K before you even talk microphones. We use 2-4 Broadcast quality Lectrosonic wireless, standard for broadcast television, which cost about $3K each and Sennheiser Evolution wireless to send wireless to cameras. The camera mix is also just for reference as the 744T records everything as separate feeds so the editor can have full editorial control over the final mix. So, in all, we are bringing almost $20K in equipment to a wedding. This equipment is essential since it determines what sound goes onto tape. The better the wireless, the quieter the noise floor, the stronger the wireless signal and all around control over the audio "environment", if you will.

If I sat you down to tell you all the components involved, it would become obvious to you why Dave's audio is exceptional. I don't have much advice as to how you can improve the audio alone without an audio engineer as even I get nervous about not monitoring the audio feeds when I play cameraman and audio engineer at the same time. When I have to leave the mixer, I still wear a broadcast quality IFB in my ear so I can monitor the mixer while I shoot, but it's still not ideal. Even with the best equipment in the world, you really need a second set of ears to monitor and babysit the audio. One will never have TRUE quality audio without an audio engineer. Good audio depends on mic placement, knowledge of how to use the equipment, ect. There are so many components that quality audio depends on.

Now, that being said, there are some prosumer recorders out there that can at least help you improve your audio (down and dirty style) but I'd need to talk to you personally. To assess your situation, I'd need to know what you're doing now and what you're looking to do. In other words, I'd need to know what your doing to assess how much you can improve doing it on your own. Feel free to call me anytime at the contact information below.
Best,
Tamer

The Nostalgic Feel of Super8 Wedding Films is Back

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Williams) — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 13:20:00 +0000

The future of wedding film making is not always about utilizing the newest technology. Sometimes, in order to evoke the right emotions, we borrow from the past.

What's more nostalgic than the old films many of us have stored away in our attics and basements? The body language and the personalities that come through on moving images give us that timeless link to the past. Even a wedding shot yesterday on film will immediately resonate with viewers as a classic, timeless keepsake like no other medium.

Today's leading wedding film makers and videographers keep pace with major media trends. For example, even as HD digital video cameras get more sophisticated, several national ad campaigns have utilized the look and feel of real film, specifically lower resolution formats like Super8 and 16mm. The organic feel, the colors, and the cadence of film can have as much impact on our wedding film clients as it does on a national viewing audience.

Our clients who order Super8 or 16mm film vignettes truly have an appreciation for that vintage look of film. This particular Super8 vignette was shot for a bride who is a fashion designer in New York. Like many of my film clients, she wanted the documentary feel of HD for the majority of her day but she also wanted film for her highlight reel.

Variety Club Honors Amanda McGrory - World Champion

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Williams) — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 04:02:00 +0000

Next week, the Variety Club will honor World Champion Amanda McGrory. Meeting and working with Amanda on this Dave Williams Films project was extremely rewarding. What a beautiful person and a wonderfully supportive family!

I'd like to thank John Zale and Robert Busch of the Illinois Videographers Association for the local help in Chicago as I had to fly there to interview Amanda. Also, I'd like to recognize our own Jordan Oplinger for his part in the post-production.

Post a Comment

JDRF turns to Dave Williams Films

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Williams) — Mon, 21 May 2007 17:39:00 +0000

Dave,

It was great!! We received such a positive response regarding the video (and, of course, we informed patrons about you - the award-winning videographer who put it all together!)! And the mosaic ‘sold’ for $12,500 (way beyond what we thought it would go for); and the fund-a-cure (which shortly followed the tape) raised almost $600,000 (our goal was $490,000), of which 100% goes to diabetes research. Overall, the evening proceeds raised $1.3 million (our goal was $1.16 million).

The silent auction room looked great and Don’s trio sounded beautiful. The ballroom looked elegant, the food was very good, and Don’s band was, of course, terrific!! I think the patrons had a great time and also came away with new insights about diabetes, both daily handling of issues (via the tape) and chronic concerns (via the honoree (Kathy Crothall, who started Animas) and her friend and business colleague John McDonagh, who spoke before fund-a-cure.

Thank you again for taking us on…it is truly appreciated!!

Take Care,
Nancy

Dates still available in 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Williams) — Sat, 27 Jan 2007 23:30:00 +0000

I am now booked for 2008. 2009 dates still available.

Last year's destinations included St. Thomas, USVI, Melbourne, Australia, Las Vegas, NV, and Los Angeles, CA.

Welcome to Dave Williams Films

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Williams) — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 17:58:00 +0000

High end productions for high end clients.

Super8, 16mm, and High Definition Films

Productions starting at $10,000.

To schedule a pre-production meeting, call toll free 866-989-0158.