Learning to Dance – One true moment in time
Sophie and Chris share their first dance from Glen Cooper on Vimeo.
Sophie and Chris were clients that every photographer dreams about–good people, beautiful family and friends and just easy to work with. Still I found myself struggling–not making photos which were everywhere as evidenced below–but to find a place to interject the stunning video that my still camera, the Canon 5D Mark II, produces. Even with two camera bodies I found my self asking, “Should this be video?” A friend of mine and amazing photographer, George Rizer from the Boston Globe, once said to me during one of his yearly visits to the class I teach at the New England School of Photography, “When my editor asks me to shoot some video for the web site I ask him if the firefighter is running out of the burning building after rescuing a small child do you want a Pulitzer Prize or 30 seconds video for the web?”
While I am not worried about missing a Pulitzer I am conflicted as to when to let the tape roll so-to-speak. Audio is a great added bene to all this too but can I truly sell this–or more importantly, who’s buying? As I look through the still images I find myself reflecting on their timeless quality and see them for what they are–art captured in a split second. There is no real truth to any still photograph when you compare it to an entire clip of moving video. Our clients are asking us as photographers to capture and select instances of time that do not exist in “Real Life”. That moment is gone in the blink of an eye and for most of us scanning the floor it is never seen or recorded with the naked eye.
Yes the new video from the Canon 5D MII is amazing and I’m sure some, more skilled than I at finessing the final edited output, can create true art–we’ve all seen it in just about every TV production and movie we’ve ever watched. But this is not truth anymore either. If it is truth you seek watch CSPAN or that 2o second video clip from your cell phone.
I’m always learning but dancing between two types of media housed in the same camera body is proving to be quite the challenge.
Pix:
Chris just lost in the moment--this guy could really dance!
My hope is that these guys look back at this photo often and remember who they really are.
A real nice moment from my Second Camera - Darcy Coyne. Nice shot Dar!
Another nice find from Darcy.
Great late day light coming right down Beacon Street in to the Public Garden. Photo by Darcy Coyne.
On (in) the Public Garden.
I know this is a near miss but I just love the feel of it.
Again same feel as above.
Like on BW can do for a shot. This just insn't the same pic in color.
I don't know what it is about some shots that just ask to be BW but many from this wedding asked for it.
This room just screamed BW to me.
Like son like father--not afraid to let it out!
"Billy Jean is not my lover."
Another fun shot from Darcy of the Best Man and the mysterious silver brief.
Groomsmen. What else can I say--great shot Darcy!
The room at the Hampshire House in Boston--right above "Cheers".
Sophie's mom and dad danced the night away. Photo by Darcy Coyne.
The dress!
A quiet moment--great catch Darcy.
"Its up to you, New York, New York."