Go Speed Racer

After a recent wedding for a couple that I was connected to on Facebook, I started thinking a bit differently about what I can do to keep the energy of the wedding day going and allow friends and family to experience a little bit of what I observed and recorded as a videographer. Not wanting to let the photographers have all the fun of instant feedback, I wanted to contribute in my own way. Therefore, I started putting together a highlight video within a couple of hours.

Knowing the footage intimately, I was able to capture those scenes I would use, set them to the right music, add a few classy effects and encode it for immediate distribution. Of course, this still takes quite a few hours. But since I'm not working on all of the footage, my first few hours are the most crucial ones to getting a great final trailer. There are so many great and emotional shots to choose from...but you've got to really focus on those that tell the story best. Within a half-day of the wedding, I was able to post this video on Facebook to share with Grace and Russ.
Location: Los Gatos Hotel
Flowers: Natalini Flowers
Cake: Jen's Cakes
Photographers: Kim and Niki

What comes around...

When I was just starting out in my video career, I had a job at ABC News in New York's Kennedy airport. I loved it, even though it was a part time job in a small office with no one to talk to. My task was to downlink (not download...this is 1988) "This Week with David Brinkley" and "Nightline" and re-edit them for Delta Airlines in-flight news programs. I would also duplicate the tapes (Sony's Beta format, RIP) for each Delta flight according to the daily manifest. The fun part was rushing to deliver each one to the flights (often minutes before the flight departure).
It was in this job that I got to know Cokie Roberts and Ted Koppel, as well as the late David Brinkley and the other fine journalists of ABC. Unfortunately, I never got to meet any of them in person...but I felt like I knew them. So it was with great satisfaction that I happened to run into Cokie at a video shoot honoring Prof. Charles Ogletree (Obama's Harvard Law professor). When I told my table-mates at the Kaiser Family Foundation about the ABC/Cokie connection, they insisted I introduce myself and repeat the story I had just told them. Well, Cokie got a kick out of it, having been reminded of old times and we chatted about the state of journalism today (having a background in journalism myself). I've never been a star-seeker, but here was a journalist I greatly admired and respected, so I'm proud to have finally come full circle and met 'in reality' the woman who I've seen hundreds of times before.

Charging into 2009

Its a New Year. My first wedding of 2009 is in progress. There is a shaky economy. War hasn't disappeared. Yet I feel confident that this will be a transformative year. I always go into a new year with the hopes that things will get better. This doesn't mean that problems will disappear...but its the HOPE that they can be worked on. Already, I'm excited about the prospect of some fresh leadership in the white house. If we need anything right now, its a bold vision of a better future.

My small part is (and always has been) to consume less and give more. As 'green' as the video industry might be, there is always room for improvement. To that end, I've almost completely eliminated my dependence on Alkaline batteries (audio gear, mostly). The 9V batteries I've used in the past 20 years could easily fill a small room. The rechargable alternatives have never been attractive in terms of performance and lifespan. I had plenty of 50-60% full 9V batteries that I had to dispose of. Recently, I've purchased a new wireless system and audio recorders that use AA batteries. The hybrid rechargeable AA's are much more advanced and do no self-discharge as readily as the old NiMh ones.

I've always relied on (very expensive) rechargeable batteries for my video cameras and portable lights, so I jazzed to be able to replace the alkaline batteries that always seemed to pile up (half used, of course). There is only so much re-purposing one can do with a used AA (trust me, I've tried it all).

So its the calm before the storm. Hard drive is cleaned up and ready for the new batch of footage, desk is (slowly) getting uncluttered, and I have even found time to return to the gym regularly (more than twice a week). I always look forward to this time of year as a time of catching up with the workload, the friends and the family. This year will be a challenging one for everyone, and I often retreat to the safety of my office...even if I don't need to be there. So it was little surprise today that I found myself photoshopping some pictures of our studio-cat Binky. This is his first appearance on my mostly-business blog. At 19 years old, he might not be making a long-term appearance, but we certainly hope he sticks around. He is family, after all.

Anna Marie & Dale

San Francisco is known for many wonderful things, but consistent weather is not on the short list. Driving up the coast as the fog got thicker, I was glad that this couple chose to tie the knot indoors at the Cliff House, rather than on the deck overlooking the cool-blue Pacific. However cold an windy it might have been right outside the doors, there was a wonderfully warm and inviting group of friends and family that came to watch these two exchange their vows. Anna is a wonderfully expressive and outgoing bride, and Dale could pass for Hugh Grant if he pulled off the British accent.

Amazae & Claudia Akers Photo Studio Grand Opening

This past Thursday was the grand opening of Crystal and Claudia's beautiful new studio space in San Jose. The dynamic duo pulled a few rabbits out of their hats in lining up some wonderful sponsors and assembling a great group of people to help them celebrate. Super DJ and radio personality "King" Raffi helped immensely in getting some fun and irreverent interviews from the assembled guests. Congratulations to you both, and thanks for including me in the festivities.



Guilty parties responsible for the party are:
Amazae Special Events
Thomas John Events
Enhanced Lighting
Asiel Design
Nicole Ha Floral Design
Naomi's Chocolate Catering
Jen's Cakes
Wildflower Linens
Classic Party Rentals

A wedding we captured just about 2 years ago has recently been featured in a relatively new wedding magazine, Your Wedding Day. This particular wedding had never been mentioned by me, nor had a video been made public because the couple wished to maintain some privacy. I'm guessing the proverbial cat is out of the bag. Kudos to the dynamic duo of Kim and Niki for their beautiful still photos.

A trip to the past

Growing up on the east coast, it was pretty easy to run into historic sites dating back to the founding fathers. I often passed by signposts saying 'George Washington Slept Here' (he got around, apparently). I didn't really appreciate these until coming out to California in 1996. History here almost always begins with the earthquake of 1906. So when I read the history of the Mill Valley Outdoor Art Club I wasn't at all surprised to find that it served as a shelter for those made homeless by the quake. But its history is much more interesting than that tidbit...worth a read and a visit.
My visit was for the purpose of Kelly and Lance's Wedding. I'm a big fan of outdoor weddings, even though they have their own unique challenges (ask Kelly about falling leaves). There is something about the outdoors that puts people at ease. This intimate gathering of friends and family was enhanced by the beautiful Indian-summer weather of Mill Valley. I did my best to capture the fun and energy of this couple while Kim and Niki were there to capture the still shots. Check out there blog for the amazing still photos! So what started as a trip to the past ended up as a glimpse into the future...I see many great years ahead for them. Cheers!

The Outlaws

Okay, so they didn't break any laws..but could you find a more aptly named couple than Jessie & James. Jessie (Jessica) was the maid of honor when I covered her sister's wedding in 2006. Now it was her sister's turn to return the favor. Keep an eye out for the beautiful baby being wheeled up the aisle. The bride is also a new auntie!
The location was beautiful and serene Carmel Valley, the Community Church of Monterey and Rancho Canada. A fork in the road leads you to "Play" by turning left, or "Pray" by turning right. Sweet!
Tunes and MC duties were aptly handled by DJ Steve Prelsnik, of Rock Bottom Mobile DJ's. John, from Laura Frost Photography kept a keen eye on the action and captured the bride and grooms joyous day. It's great working with such an easy-going team.

Jessie/James from Oren on Vimeo.

California Fusion

While we often associate California with 'fusion cuisine', there is another kind of fusion I have been witness to since moving here a dozen years ago. The melding of two (or more) cultures. Just as the Romans did with their expansion from England to Egypt, when they came across a new civilization, they didn't seek to erase it...but to incorporate the best elements into their own.

Likewise, the marriage of Latika and Gianluca is a just such a blending. India and Italy...the Tarrantella and Bangara. Hosted by Nestledown, in the beautifully serene Santa Cruz Mountains..this one was a feast for the senses. Superbly executed by Nicole D'Ambra Wedding Consulting, there was beauty in all the details. Family came from near...and very far to help these two celebrate a wonderful new type of California fusion.

Lucky #2

I'm sure you've heard the saying "The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco" Normally, the same can be said of foggy Half-Moon Bay. Having completed my 2nd wedding there this season, I figured that (once again), I should dress in layers, keep a heavy coat handy, and prepare to wipe down my lens often. But nature threw me a wonderful curve ball with Larissa and Matt's wedding at the Ritz

Perhaps it was Taylor Nguyen, a force of nature herself, who ordered up the sunny skies and beautiful weather. After all, Ha Le Events has been known to pull off a miracle or two.

The stills were handled by the super-skilled Todd Rafalovich.

Of course, credit must be given to the radiant smile of Larissa, whose smile would have broken through any clouds daring to intrude on this wonderful union of families.

Larissa & Matt: The Beginning from Oren on Vimeo.

The fire isn't only in the hills

This being California's wildfire season, I was saddened when the mother of the bride for an upcoming wedding told me that the hills behind the Clos La Chance Winery had fallen victim to the Hummingbird Hills fire. This beautiful area, more Napa than South Bay has Oak and Manzanita covered rolling hills and a beautiful spread of manicured grapevines. I read about the winery's struggle to fight back the fire that threatened their beautiful estate. Thankfully, they were successful. When I arrived on-site, I was pleasantly surprised that the hills weren't bare. In fact, the charred section dotted with trees almost looked like a planned clearing.
None of this took away from the fact that Katelyn and Jason were exchanging vows among friends and family in a majestic setting. The black tie affair was as an elegant affair with gourmet food, wonderful wine (of course), and flowers everywhere. The party crowd filled the dance floor at times drowning out the music from DJ Tim. We were there to capture the beauty and emotions of the day.

Katelyn & Jason from Oren on Vimeo.

Can I count on your vote?

This was sent to me by my wonderfully talented illustrator cousin Elite Avni. She likes to play jokes on me, but I thought this one was well done. I might even be including some of these techniques in my next production.

Gayle and Mark- Great Sports

Gayle & Mark: The Trailer

Here is a great couple that I met almost a year ago. Right away, we had a lot in common. They are both avid outdoor enthusiasts who've camped and hiked some of my favorite locations. Gayle, like my wife has rescued cats and they have even decided to honeymoon in one of my favorite destinations, Costa Rica. I listened to their story of how they met over a softball game, and I knew this couple was destined to stay together (they already play together). So I hope to spend more time with them upon their return and perhaps even join together for a camping trip.
Claudia Akers of Claudia Akers Photography deftly handled the stills and got stunning shots (which she kindly shared with me for inclusion in the video). Gayle is a natural in front of the lens and was working her angles like a top model.

Mark had a few butterflies in the stomach, which matched nicely with the theme of butterflies that decorated each table. Even the cake reflected their love of the great outdoors. It was a tribute to their hike up Yosemite falls, where Mark proposed to Gayle.

So while the lucky couple are still zipping through the cloud forests, I'm hard at work here on terra firma.

Carrie and Andy: Dedication from Dad

The Hayes Mansion is one of San Jose's most enchanting wedding locations. This Mediterranean Revival-style mansion with 65 rooms and 41,000 square feet is fit for a modern day king, (or Hollywood celebrity). I often wonder when Angelina and Brad will buy it from under our feet and keep it out of sight from the public. Until then, I'm glad that we don't have to own a Gulfstream IV to be able to stop by (or attend one of the many conferences held there).
Our very own Carrie and Andy were the celebrities du-jour on a warm May 17th as they exchanged their vows on the stately lawn. Andy's Marine-colleague sword detail was on hand to announce the bride and groom as they began their new life together.

Before the evening ended, the parents dedicated the song "I hope you dance" to the newlyweds, and this is where our recap begins.

Reality shows and the bride

It used to be that the quality of production was one of the most important factors in getting distribution and airtime. Thanks to reality shows like "Big Brother", "Survivor" and almost anything aired on MTV, a paradigm shift has taken place in broadcast television and on the internet. When a clip on YouTube can garner more viewership than a nationally broadcast program, you know that the rules have changed. Armed with a typical cell-phone, almost anyone can become a broadcaster. Television programming has busted out of the small screen, and onto the smaller screen.

The reason I cover this is that we are witnessing a revolution (and it will be televised). I've just begun to take advantage of this in small ways (posting a couple's recap online for family to share, transferring their weddings to iPods and other portable media players. There are even resources I can call upon to webcast a wedding...live!

My newest foray into the 'small screen' is a way for couples to preserve moments from their honeymoon on video. Unfortunately, I don't often get to follow a couple to Fiji, Italy, Japan or India...but I do offer a portable camcorder (about the size of an iPod) that they can use to videotape memorable moments. (Of course, I tell them to keep it PG rated).

The mini-camera comes with some quick and simple instructions and tips on getting good clips. It recharges via USB, holds about 1 hour of high quality video and has the all important 'delete' button to erase any clips they don't like. The returned footage will be edited down to a short music video and delivered on DVD or posted online. Since this is the first summer I am offering the service, I don't have any samples to share (yet).

As a videographer, I greatly enjoyed videotaping my honeymoon in Bali. The resulting 10 minute edited video is the highlight of my wedding video. It didn't distract from my enjoyment of the honeymoon any more than a still-camera would...and the sights and sounds are infinitely more enjoyable than a collection of snapshots.

Another year older..but wiser?

Its my birthday, and I haven't written anything in a while. While the calendar says I'm 38, I still feel like the guy who just graduated from college and has a whole lot of living left to do. I'm very glad to be in an industry I love that affords me the opportunity to be creative, travel and meet wonderful people.

I've been a bit busy with the forums and my newest addition to my growing video camera collection, the Canon HV30. Its a small, light handheld camera that would have blown the doors off of any video camera 5 years ago. That isn't to say its the bee's knees (who came up with that expression?). Its a consumer/prosumer camera with cruder controls and tweakability than the pro HDV cameras. I plan on using it as an unmanned camera during 2 camera shoots.

All things considered, the 'big brother' XH-A1 and 'little brother' HV30 are playing nicely together. I even put a rig together to compare them side-by-side at the same location.


Canon XH-A1 vs. Canon HV30 side by side from Oren on Vimeo.

Vampires.

Thats what I like to call the good folks over at Stanford Blood Center. They call me without fail for a blood donation (in for an ounce, in for a pound). My first donation was in high-school...and I’ve probably donated on average once a year since then. When you finally settle down someplace and donate to a place that keeps records (like Stanford), they put you on a ’rewards program’. So this being my 8th donation to SBC, I get the gallon pin (seen here). Obviously, I’m in this for the gifts. I think when I get to the 10 gallon mark, I get a pen...or is it the scarf. But all joking aside, they really are a caring and dedicated bunch of workers and volunteers doing a great service. Just a day before my donation, I read an article about the shelf-life of blood being shortened from 6 weeks to 2 weeks. Needless to say, this would put a huge crimp on current inventory.

My father was always a blood donor, and I consider him a great person, so why not follow in his footsteps?

Thar she blows

I can't believe that I've been living in California since 1996, and the closest I came to a whale was from an overlook at Big Sur. I've always wanted to see one up close (preferably in their natural element). So on a recent trip to Mendocino with friends, we had the opportunity to book an excursion with Noyo Harbor charter boats. The sky was grey and the air misty with saline, but we were all excited to get up close with the migrating grey whales of the Pacific. Sure enough, we weren't disappointed. Much of what we saw was spine and tail, especially as they took a big gulp of air before their deep dives. I left the still photography to our most-capable friends while I handled the video. The swells were enough to put a few unlucky passengers clutching rails, but we had a blast.

Welcome to the madness

Archbishop Mitty puts on quite a show for their March "Monarch Madness" battle of the classes. I've been lucky to be a part of this since 1998, and I've seen many a freshman class lose only to triumph as seniors 3 years later. This is a loud, raucous and energetic exhibition of sports, dance and artistic skills that fills the San Jose Civic center with a crackling energy. The shoot is always challenging, as the events change and the floor is crowded. But with two cameras always rolling, we are guaranteed to get good results. Guess that is why they keep me coming back year after year.