Adventures in DIY

In a previous blog, we talked a little about our video switcher. We are really excited to use this on our next big project. However, the event we will be shooting requires quick set up and tear down. To cut down on this time, we've decided to embark on our own DIY adventure to make the switcher built into one of our pelican cases.

 

The first feat was how to fit the monitor into the top of the case. We contemplated screws, glues, and other solutions and finally decided on using rivets and L-brackets. Using rivets makes it so that it will never come loose and stays put.

After drilling four holes, we placed the L-brackets and monitor into the top of the case and began riveting. We also put soft pads on the L-brackets as to not damage the screen.

After the screen was secure, we also put in foam around the monitor to keep it in place. To make sure it fit, we ended up taking the back off the monitor.

 

Ben was pretty happy that everything stayed in place and was working. The whole ordeal was quite riveting. :)

 

After the screen was in place, we broke apart foam to situate our switcher, mixer, hard drives, and converters. We had to get creative with the wires, figuring out how to route them.

 

For the most part, this case mod is near completion. However, we have some space left over where a router and microphone packs will go. Using this case will make things go smoother at events when we use the switcher. All we'll have to do is open it up, plug in some wires, and then we're ready to go. Not to mention that having it in here provides a great way to store it all.

We are always looking for ways to aid the production process. If you would like to request our services, please call us at 480.240.9270

Capturing Portraits, Both Video and Photo

Did we tell you August would be busy? This week we already have two shoots to accomplish. One was shooting some piano portraits and video montages for a Suzuki distributor. We had the opportunity to shoot these pianos in a awesome location which we had shot at before.

 

Our client wanted to make sure to get these pianos in a home environment. Many product photos simply show the item with a blank white backdrop. This works to an extent, but people also like to see how it would work in their own home. By shooting products in a realistic environment, people can easily imagine them in their own home. It also gives a better sense of size and scale.

 

We showcased two different electric pianos, one that could convert into a stylish furniture piece, and the other, a bit smaller and open. We used a combination of LED 500 lights as well as separate flash units for our photo and video.

Check out Scott using our slider to focus on the details of these pianos. We always try to create interesting angles and shots to feature things in new ways.

Sliders are a great accessory for HDSLR film making that we use often. They are easy to set up, pack up, and carry around. These sliders also get into small spaces, where a dolly otherwise could not. It also provides great simple motion shots, adding a bit more finesse to our final presentation.

We love coming up with new and creative ways to shoot things and are always up to date on new technologies. If you would like to request our services, please call us at 480.240.9270

Filming in Colorado

August is here, and we have a busy month ahead of us. Starting the month off right, we traveled up to Steamboat Springs, Colorado. This town is absolutely gorgeous and is located in the Rocky Mountains.

 

Here, we were shooting an impressive home and loving the surrounding views of mountains. Whenever we shoot a house, not only to we capture stunning video, but we also make sure to take ELC pictures. Previously, we talked about what ELC and HDR photography is and how it's used. We continue to use this technique on all our photos which creates some amazing images.

By using this technique, we have a better depiction of color and really enhances the image. We want to supply the best representation possible, and do so using this method.

 

The views alone were gorgeous, but add some ELC, and the image becomes even more beautiful. It gives a better definition of depth and space. 

 

We also like to use this technique for night photography.  This offers a unique blend of color that otherwise would be lost without ELC.

From video to photo, we pride ourselves in exploring new techniques to produce the best product. We love to travel, and are happy use our creative abilities to serve you.  If you would like to request our services, please call us at 480.240.9270