It’s been a long time since I have had something new to share. I’m not talking about new photos or a new blog post but rather a new project. One of my current cameras has an added feature of HD video. I have been using this camera for a couple years and still hadn’t figured out how to use the camera to it’s full potential, in a way that would work for both myself and my clients.
Last fall I attended my very first photography related conference, Foundation Conference. After sitting through multiple sessions of incredibly talented wedding photographer presentations I was introduced firsthand to Fusion – the blending of still photography and video into finished productions. These pieces really spoke to me and I had my “A HA!” moment. I knew THIS was the way to use my tool. THIS was something I could offer my clients. THIS was something different and new and fresh.
Here’s a photo my buddy, Gian Carlo, took during one of the sessions at the conference . . . of my notes and my “A Ha!” moment.
My first venture into Fusion was our Holiday Greeting from last December. I came up with the idea, drafted a mock storyboard, begged and pleaded Victor to be a part of it, and finally on December 23rd when it stopped raining in the desert outside Yuma, we were able to head out and shoot the footage (all still photos!) Then, with 2 days to go before Christmas, Victor kindly edited it all together into a finished piece. Here it is again, in case you missed viewing it the first time – Victor and Rachael 2010 Holiday Greeting.
Now, the question is how does Fusion relate to Metropolitan Imageworks clients? For starters here is my very first Fusion project that I produced, from start to finish (with only tutorials from Victor, while I did the actual nitty gritty editing and learned new software.)
This type of project will work well for creative Save The Dates, Engagement Portrait Sessions, Children and Family Sessions a la A Day In The Life, Anniversary and Wear The Dress Sessions, Weddings and of course in a multitude of ways for our corporate clients. The possibilities are endless!
Today could have been a typical day for me, I got up and walked the dog. Said good morning to the chickens and watched them for a bit. Started in on my 1st cup of coffee. I was trying out a new breakfast recipe for three grain breakfast cereal when I got a phone call from the local hospital maternity ward.
I am a volunteer photographer for an honest and dedicated and giving organization, Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep (NILMDTS), that provides photography for parents and families of terminally ill and recently departed infants.
So instead of continuing on the path to a lowkey morning of photography work and housework, I grabbed my gear and hightailed it to the hospital to provide the family with professional photos of their new son, W.
I have know of NILMDTS for a few years and I am in awe of the compassionate photographers who volunteer their time and services. For me it took time to work up the nerve to join the organization. It took time to work up the nerve to send in my completed paperwork for my file. It took time to ask the area coordinators to allow me to shadow another photographer and learn how a session is handled.
This morning marked a personal milestone for me. I wasn’t sure if I could be strong enough to photograph and create everlasting memories for a family experiencing such a loss. I did it. I handled the session with grace and compassion. I held in the tears until my drive home.
I FINALLY added a blog. A photography blog. Just like all of my peers. Albeit 2 years later. Metblog will be another area to share our work and talk about what we love – photography!
2008 is the year of great happenings at Metropolitan Imageworks and what better way to share new offerings, successes and of course what we do best – photos! You may have noticed we updated the website with new images, more details about weddings and portraits and my personal favorite, bios on the entire Metropolitan Imageworks team complete with photos of each Associate and Assistant photographer.
We plan to share highlights and some of our favorite images from the weddings, portraits and exciting events we shoot. We’ll even share some personal projects here and there.
Please bookmark us and check back for updates and leave your comments.
