My first music video

As it happens, my 5d Mark II shoots HD video as well as still photographs. Though I've studied photography for several years now, and owned my 5d for a year, I had not yet gone beyond mere tests of this newfangled functionality when the semester began. My best (and only) work beyond simply turning ON the video function was a dorky music video combining stills and video that I took when some girls pulled a prank on the guys we know.

But don't worry, I dove in head first to cinematography this semester and hit the bottom with a reassuring thud!

I took one class where we did a crash-course in movie production by making short films. I was lucky enough to work with a talented child actress who is familiar with film work, and had to put in hours of work editing that I never expected. In the end, we turned out a good little product considering none of my classmates had ever produced a film, and hopefully it will be posted in the next couple of weeks.

Meanwhile, in my advanced digital photography class, I decided that since I was working on a short film I was more than qualified to play with video for my final class project. I mean, a two-month project? One simple music video? Of course I could handle that... single handed...

In the end, every plan I tried to make collapsed. Since it was not a group project like the short film, I was left to location scout, direct, produce, decorate, shoot, and edit, only having hands on board to help the day of the shoot. Were it not for the generosity of those who showed up to help, I'm not sure how it all would have turned out.

Many thanks to The Indecision for participating in the circus and volunteering their time and talents. The song War Wounds and the recording are theirs, all original, and a part of their album you can listen to and purchase here.

Below is the end result! My second real video (first flying solo), shot on two 5d Mark IIs, and edited in FinalCut Pro!

P.S. The online video is low-res due to difficulties uploading.  The actual video is HD.

Lois and Dean - Wedding

Here we finally have some images from a wedding I shot in October.  The bride and groom were super easy-going and I enjoyed getting to photograph their outdoor reception!

Merry Christmas! Drink chocolate!

Two more things from the still life class

The first is a copycat ad, which nearly kicked my trash when I tried to mimic the lighting on the glasses in the background.  It took FOUR lights on the background alone!

(Go to Bigelow's site to see the original.  I switched to herbal tea.)

The next I just turned in today.  The subject was technology, so I borrowed my roommate's Ipod and my friend's hands.

I claim no affiliation with either brand.

Happy Halloween, from the Cheshire Photographer!

It took me three and a half hours and a helper to do all the makeup, and my brother made the ears while I was painting.  Enjoy seeing what your photographer does with her personal time.

Erin and Steven - Engagements

Meet two lovely people that I have the honor to call friends - Erin and Steven!

We did an early morning photo shoot, leaving to head up a canyon at 7am on a chilly Saturday.  To combat the chill of an October morning in Utah, I wore three layers and hopped into the car with a steaming cup of sugar cookie flavored herbal tea.  Thankfully for the happy couple, we had access to a house where they could thaw between shots.

And it all turned out perfect!

Abstract

Points if you can tell me what exactly is in this picture.

Figure Skates

For still life class, we had to do a white on white photograph, so I grabbed my very own figure skates and took them to the studio.  I used to compete when I was younger and I miss it a lot, so this particular set of footwear is important to me.

Marsha and Daniel

Here we have one of three engagement shoots done in the past month.  It has been awesome to work with all of these wonderful couples!

DRINK!

This semester, I'm taking a still life photography class at BYU.  We were finally turned loose in the studio this week, and here's what I came up with!  Enjoy gazing upon my favored health-freak soda, and I claim no actual affiliation to the brand.

... and I dare you to find a nicer picture of their product on google.

 

FOOD!

I realized that the last time I posted was somewhere close to forever ago, but I would like to reassure everyone that I have not ceased to make photographic goodness!  The time to post my work has been scarce.

That said, I present my very first food photography work!  Yes, this is my first dabble.  I'll be presenting one of these as a print in class tomorrow, so they can have a heyday pulling it to pieces, but I'm alright with that.  That's how you learn.

Food prepared by the wonderful Leland Spindler.

Ryan and Laura Wedding Preview

They got married in Manti.

I got sunburn.

Good day.

Sariah 2

"Ready... be joyous!"

It's not hard for her to be happy.

Preview - Sariah

There's much more to edit, but here is an image from a shoot this afternoon with the lovely Sariah.

Green Girl

I had the opportunity recently to hang out at the park with my friend and her nieces.  We had a good time playing with finger paints.

Hot Air Balloons

Out here in Provo, they launch hot air balloons from a local field every fourth of July weekend, and I decided to get up at 5:30 this year to show up bright and early!  More later, but here is my lovely friend, Jill (who was so kind as to hold my tripod).

Old-school printing

This is a picture from back at the beginning of winter.

There's a museum all about the history of the printed word and its role in the development of the nation and religion.  It's down on Center Street in Provo, and you can learn more about it here.

The image is of Mr. Crandall holding some of the lead type they make during the tour.

Sun Flare Light Test

My lovely assistant, Loraine, posing for a light test.  She makes a lovely test subject, doesn't she?

Laura and Ryan, PM shoot

You know you wanted to see the second shoot...

Laura and Ryan

Here's one from the a.m. shoot.  We're headed out for shoot number two in another two hours!

Lakeview Cemetery, Cleveland, OH... Take 2

Opting to edit a few of the things I did on vacation instead of sleeping.  Here are three more from my visit to Lakeview Cemetery.

Pioneer Trek, Set Two

Continuation of images from a two-day pioneer reenactment.  More later