We’ve published the Flash video version of their wedding online at: http://kyleroot.com/video/dempsey/
There are two videos. The first is the ceremony and is about 10 mintues long. The second is the reception and is about 13 minutes long.
Enjoy!
The Christmas Season is upon us! I know it’s hard to believe, but as I write this we are less than 9 weeks away!
Recently, I’ve had a several people ask me about what kind of DSLR camera they should buy. So, I’ve decided to compile my list of thoughts on this matter for everyone’s benefit! Grab a cup of your favorite drink and a snack, because there is quite a bit here!
This is written for folks with a budget in the $700-$1000 range. To me, this is where you want to be. That’s because, if your interest ever grows into doing -something a little more on the pro/creative side-, your camera will have enough controls to allow it. Some of the cheaper entry DSLRs, baby sit too much and don’t allow for total creative freedom, should you ever want to go that route. If you don’t ever want to go that route, you’ll still get better performance (for things like focusing speed, focus points, image size, noise etc).
Question 1 – Which brand should I choose?
One thing to keep in mind is, the operational philosophy for different brands, is as you can imagine, different. So, what I would recommend is, going to some place like Best Buy, or a local camera shop, and just handling the cameras to see how you like it. And not just once. Go several times over the course of a week or two and make sure you are ok with the control layout. You’re about to spend some $$$, so get what works best for you!
I have had a Nikon D90 for 2 years now and like it. Prior to that I had a Canon Powershot (pocket point and shoot) G9. I have friends who have pro Canon DSLRs and the operation of the DSLRs is practically identical to the point and shoot. So if you do have previous experience with a point and shoot, it may be an easier transition if you stick with the same brand.
In my case, I decided to go with a Nikon, simply because Nikon’s are known for being awesome cameras with awesome lenses. Nothing against the Canon. In fact these days, for all practical purposes, you simply will not go wrong with either a Nikon or a Canon for day to day shooting. It all comes down to personal preference in handling and operation I believe. The reason I don’t talk about Olympus, Sony, or Panasonic etc is I don’t know anyone that shoots with them, and I have never tried them.
Based on what’s on the market today, I see two choices in the $700-$1000 range:
For $949 – you can get a Canon T2i with 18-135 lens (a good zoom range right there). This offer expires Oct 29, 2011.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/680673-REG/Canon_4462B005_Canon_EOS_Rebel_T2i.html
For $749 – you can get a Nikon D5100 with 18-55 lens. (not quite the range of the Canon, but also $200 less)
This offer expires Nov 19, 2011
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/764102-REG/Nikon_D_5100_Digital_SLR_Camera.html
Question 2 – What accessories should I get?
As with any hobby, the expense doesn’t stop at the cost of admission. To get the best performance out of your camera, you’ll need accessories. Here are 9 things you’ll probably want to buy at some point. I’ve broken them out into 3 groups of 3 each based on wen you should probably purchase them.
** MUST BUY **
(1) When you get a camera, you should get a bag/backpack to carry it in. Say, about $50-$100 depending. I’d get something you can grow into (ie holds 2 or 3 extra lenses, charger etc.. in the extreme case also holds a laptop)
(2) Also get a clear Ultra Violet (UV) filter to protect your lens from scratches. Make sure and get the right diameter based on your lens size!
(3) Definately buy an extra battery, or two if you can afford it. If you plan on travelling, this will be a very welcome thing. You’ll never have to worry about what to do if your battery in the camera dies.
** SHOULD BUY **
(4) If you plan on taking a lot of portraits, set up shots, or low light/night time photography, I’d recommend a decent tripod and head combo, in the $70-$100 range. I prefer Bogen Manfrottro.
(5) If you plan on shooting a lot of sports and moving around/hiking, I’d recommend a monopod in the $$30-50 range. I prefer Bogen Manfrottro.
(6) If you plan on doing a lot of low light/night photography, I’d also recommend a remote, for about $15.
** BUY A LITTLE ON DOWN THE ROAD **
(7) Eventually you’ll want a more powerful zoom, with something in the 200 or 300 mm range (say 18-200, 70-300, 28-300 etc), especially if you’re got kids in dance or playing sports. You should be able to get one of these for around $500-$1000 give or take.
(8) You simply can not beat a “prime” lens (aka fixed lens) in terms of picture quality and sharpness. I have a 35mm F1.8 that I paid $200 for that is simply tremenduous. Plus being at F1.8 means you can shoot in low light at higher shutter speeds, reducing blur. Also, these give you that fabulous “out of focus” background (bokeh) that makes your shots look 1000% better. This would actually be the first thing I would do after (3) above.
(9) If you’re shooting a lot indoors, you’ll probably want to pick up an entry level flash unit for a couple hundred. I have yet to do this myself, but it’s on my list. From what I’ve read, and seen, this one thing will really take your photos to the next level. This will cost around $200-$300.
Question 3 – What about 3rd party lenses?
There is nothing inherently wrong with a 3rd party lens like Sigma or Tamron. However, in the past I’ve had some compatibility issues on the electronics side. For instance, my cameras light meter indicated proper exposure, but the picture was actually blown out. For reasons like that, and simply not being big on third party gear, I stick with name brand lenses.
Question 4 – Will I need software to edit pictures?
Yes. A decent piece of software is Adobe Photoshop Elements for around $100. If you want to go all out, you can get the full Basic Photoshop for about $700. Or, if you know a teacher or have kids in school, you can get a huge discount by buying the educational version, which is absolutely no different from the retail version. I know because that’s what I did. visit www.campustech.com for details. I’ve bought 2 different Adobe Creative Suites from them. CS2 in 2006 and CS5 Production Premium this year.
You can get photoshop CS5 Extended for $198 vs $999.
http://www.campustech.com/item/Adobe/Photoshop+Extended/100972073
There is free software out there, and I’ve downloaded it, like GIMP for instance. It’s ok, but no where as polished as say Photoshop. Also, Paint Shop Pro is a decent alternative and I used that for a while back in the 1999 timeframe. I’m sure it’s much better now.
Question 5 – Photoshop is complicated, but I want to learn it. Where should I go?
If you want to learn photoshop, you can join The National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP) and get access to Photoshopuser.com. I joined this year and there are tons of tutotials on the website, plus you get a magazine every month with great articles on everything. It’s really pretty good.
Alternately, you can google just about any subject and find tons of free tips and tutorials, the quality of which varies wildly.
Question 6 – What are some trusted web resources you use?
Some other excellent web resources are:
- www.bhphotovideo.com (I buy 99% of my stuff here, and have for over 10 years)
- www.dpreview.com (excellent review source and forums)
- www.nikonusa.com (tutorials under the ‘learn and explore tab)
- www.bythom.com (reviews and content, alot of it)
- www.kenrockwell.com (reviews and content, alot of it)
Question 7 – What books should I read on photography?
If you ever get interested in wanting to learn more about photography techniques these two books are great (and reasonably cheap) resources. I have them both and refer them regularly.
- The Digital Photography Book Vol 1 and also 2 (It’s an easy read) – Scott Kelby
http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Photography-Book-Scott-Kelby/dp/032147404X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319584345&sr=8-1
- Understanding Exposure, 3rd Edition – Bryan Peterson
http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Exposure-3rd-Photographs-Camera/dp/0817439390/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_c
I’d also recommend picking up a relatively inexpensive subscription to a photography magazine like “Digital Photo” (www.dpmag.com).
Are you:
> Unemployed?
> Under-employed?
> Not enjoying your day job?
> Interested in doing something different?
> Making as much money as you want to make?
If any of those questions fit you, and you’re female, then this note could be a potential life changer for you: but, only if you are serious about what I’m about to lay out. Consider this scenario – What are your odds in your CURRENT employment situation that you will be making say $7,000-$10,000 a month 3-5 years from now? What I’ve learned from my wife’s experiences with starting her own Network Marketing businzess in August 2011 is the following:
> If you enjoy throwing parties with your family and friends
> If you are very outgoing
> If you love to talk and meet people
> If you believe in your product…
Then you can be very successful in the Network Marketing arena. (It’s a well known fact that being good at sales -of anything- can lead to very high income due to commissions)
In mid-July, my wife signed up to sell a line of products from a company that specializes in purses, totes, lunch bags, organizers etc. She had her first “Party” on Aug 1, 2011. About 10 of her friends showed up. The party lasted from 6:30-8:30 PM.
She sold products and as a result earned a $200 commission check. Holy Cow! That’s $100/hour for hanging out with your friends and getting to eat some snacks. Not to mention getting some free products of her own just from hosting the party!
With the current state of today’s economy, why rely on an employer to pay you, when you can earn more money, working from home, setting your own hours, and having fun? For the Stay At Home Mom, this is a fantastic way to add to your household income. For the working mom this is also a great way to bolster your income by doing this on the side.
As I said earlier, you must have the ability to get out there and talk to people and sell your product (by hosting parties, and helping your friends, and their friends host parties). The process is pretty simple.
The final though is this – Think about how many people you can help if you had more money. Not only that, you are actually helping your family and friends by providing them a means to earn money in a down economy as well. There are a lot of people in our community who are still in distress from the April tornadoes. Being able to provide financial assistance to local churches and organizations who are actively providing relief efforts is a tremenduous blessing. We have personally been working with 3 Decatur churches off and on since April, and now that we have this extra income, we’ll be able to help even more. It’s not -all about the money- , but honestly if you don’t have any money, it’s hard to help in times of need (think Food and Supplies).
Contact me to learn how you can create your own income so you can begin to do improve your own financial situation and do even more in your community!
Also note that, I will be temporarily not accepting any new projects for the next several weeks while I help my wife get her new business off the ground. I do have people I can refer you to though.
Jul 072011
We strive to put together high quality video products. Here’s the latest testimonial from a wedding we recently received:
“We watched the video last night. It was absolutely AWESOME!!! This video was my favorite thing from the wedding. I wanted you to know that you did a great job and got
everything I asked for which is much appreciated!! It was a pleasure working with you. Thank you so much!”
Another satisfied client added to the books!
We are finishing up some big wedding projects as of late. However, that doesn’t preclude us from having a little fun right??
Now this is a far cry from our normal posts of wedding video and event video happenings. Today KR Productions took the plunge and bought a Nikon 35mm F1.8 lens. Granted, it’s not a bank breaking plunge (only $226) as compared to buying a 70-200 F2.8 (at $2,500), but still it’s something. Having said that, don’t worry. We are not getting into any kind of wedding photography or anything like that. What we are going to aim for is: Pet Photography! Just kidding. Sort of.
I know most people really love their pets, and some even more than their own kids! So, if you DO happen to not have any super high quality pictures of your favorite pet, we’d certainly be up for discussing snapping a few pics of ol’ Rover (or Gizmo the kitty). Here are some samples of Marleigh. If you want some of your pet that look like this, get in contact with us.
– Make sure and click on the image to enlarge it! –
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- Marleigh catches her ball.
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- Marleigh with her tennis ball.
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- Marleigh
On May 14 and 15, Dancer’s Inc held their Spring recital. This year’s theme was the story “Tinkerbell”. KR Productions filmed the recital using our trusty Sony NX5U. It worked like a champ! Below you can see a quick highlight reel of the Saturday shows: Pre-School, Performance Team, and the 7PM Main Show. See the staff at Dancer’s Inc to order your copy today!
Visit the KR Productions Facebook page to view the reel in High Definition!
We recently competed our on-location shoots for Bentley Systems in Atlanta, GA.
During the course of the our shooting we met with and interviewed top architects from Mack Scogin Merrill Elam (MSME) Architects and also Stanley Beaman & Sears (SBS) Architects. We shot with the Sony NX5U and 2 Light Panels. Audio was captured using Sennheiser wireless mics.
We also completed on-location shoots for Bentley Systems in Nashville, TN.
During the course of the our shooting we met with and interviewed leading designers and engineers at Structural Design Group. We also shot with the Sony NX5U and 2 Light Panels. Audio was captured using Sennheiser wireless mics.
May 112011
This past weekend, we had filmed Kimmy and Matt’s wedding! Their ceremony was at First Baptist Church and the reception was held at the Decatur Country Club. The reception was a major party and a lot of fun! Music was provided by the band Juice. We also got to work with our favorite photographer Leslie from Leslie Adair Photography. She always does an amazing job! Flowers were provided by Mary Burke Florist, and to my knowledge this is the first time I’ve ever seen one of their setups. I was impressed. Congratulations Kimmy and Matt! We wish you guys the best in your new life together!
[[ Update ]]
June 26, 2011 – Their full length (1 hour) reception video has been placed on line.
Last Wednesday, North Alabama (and states across the South) faced one of the worst tornado outbreaks in decades. Nearly 200 tornados killed over 300 people, and left some 700,000 without power in North Alabama for as much as 7 days in some areas.
While our immediate area was not directly hit, we did film some storm footage of it passing through.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by this event.
KR Productions is pleased to announce the acceptance of our proposal by Bentley Systems in Huntsville Alabama for video production services. We will be filming on location in Nashville TN and Atlanta GA in the coming weeks.
Bentley is the global leader dedicated to providing architects, engineers, constructors, and owner-operators with comprehensive software solutions for sustaining infrastructure. Founded in 1984, Bentley has nearly 3,000 colleagues in more than 45 countries, $500 million in annual revenues, and, since 1999, has invested more than $1 billion in research, development, and acquisitions.
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