Cinema

I love movies! That I'm sure doesn't shock anyone reading this - but I really love good movies. Movies that move and inspire - especially movies that seem to go in different directions than what I'm expecting, which isn't hard considering how gullible I am. There have been times when the right movie just catches me at the right time and it clicks.

My top 6 movies? Here is the list that I've wanted to share for a long while - in no particular order:


Amazing composition and classic story. Previous to this movie the only version I knew was the 6 hour BBC version that my wife would watch when she would get sick. Maybe for that simple reason I like this shorter and much sweeter version. Visually Stunning!

Eye opening movie about human behavior, hope, and storytelling.

Life is what you make it - and when I tell the story of my life to my kids I want it to sound just like the story of the dad in this movie. Anything is possible -

This movie took me by surprise by how different it actually is. Extremely creative and interesting from beginning to end. Not a typical love story, but well worth watching.

Of course a good guy movie - but what Batman and its sequel have that have made it so different from the others is the solid story. It really connects with the background of Bruce Wayne and making Batman believable. This movie has changed the way superhero movies are done - but none may live up to the standard of this great original!

Music! Love the music in this movie - coupled together with great humor. Fun entertainment - that's it!
Here are some recent movies that I have also liked a lot and debated putting them in the top 6 - it is increasingly surprising to me how many great stories are still being told. I supposed each story is truely unique and everyone has a unique way of telling that story -



How does this apply to wedding videos? Good movies, whichever those are for you, we connect to because the people and emotions are real to us and that is what inspires me as a videographer. The realness, if that is a word, of what is happening or being candid is the result of capturing who someone really is - and that is my goal - to not fabricate a false impression of the day, but to show the joy of your day in your way - Thanks for the inspiration!

Backyard Reception

This reception ranks in the top 2 of the 2009 year! Seemed like a completely normal backyard reception - beautiful decor, line, food, and then... a dance that makes a dance at a wedding reception worth while. Now dancing isn't everyone's thing at the reception, but when caution is thrown to the wind and embarassing pretense is thrown out the window - it makes for great video! Enjoy the fun dancing clip above and the full reception video below to get a taste of both worlds- enjoy :)

Haley and Chase: Engagement

When I sat down with Haley to talk about what she wanted to do for her engagement shoot she wanted it to be green, fun, and with lots of bright colors. The only problem was we had between January and March to shoot the video and Vegas, where she is from, didn't fit that description - and unfortunately neither did the great snow state of Utah where I'm at. What did we do? She braved the long drive with her fiancee to San Diego the week I was there and we found some great places that just simply worked. You guys were great for making that long drive - was it worth it? For me absolutely YES!
Check out the photomotion highlight below using gideonphoto.com stills-

San Diego Highlight

The San Diego trip was too short! I was there with Jimmy and we had a blast shooting two engagement videos, one family video, and an amazing wedding! This is a fun highlight I threw together to preview the great moments of the trip. Look for more soon!

a shot in the dark

I have now accomplished one of my unwritten goals for the year. Shoot an entire video in black and white. Jimmy at gideonphoto.com and I had the idea, while working down in San Diego this week, of shooting at night using only natural light - Joy and Jeff are a great couple and she is due in May. This is just a taste of the many shoots we've done together this week as we prepare for the wedding on Saturday of another couple, Roselyn and Ben. Until then - enjoy!

James

Posed vs not posed - hmmmm.... the great photography question - what is your opinion?? Most say that they prefer to not be posed.

The truth is - most everyone needs to be posed or guided for good photography. I like to call it "composing" the shot. The most important part is to not appear un-natural, stiff, or most importantly resemble someone who you are not. A great photographer is one who can compose the shot without you even being aware of whats happening. When done right, it allows for the action to take place as if it were simply happening - the only difference being when directed by a good photographer you are the best looking you possible - who doesn't want that? Simply shooting on location at a great new barn or field doesn't ensure great pictures.

Why do I mention all this - because Jimmy Bishop of gideonphoto.com is one of those photographers. And the video above was shot entirely by him and I had a lot of fun editing it for him. See video... through a photographers eyes!