For today's post we're going to dive into a little behind-the-scenes action at Aqua Vivus.  We have been getting quite a few emails lately asking questions about what type of gear we use and how we like it.  This is one of my favorite subjects because we are living in a very revolutionary time when it comes to camera gear.  First, a short story...

Last year around this time I (Tom) bought my first camera.  Before then I had rented and borrowed video cameras from friends and family, but it was about time I had one of my own.  You would figure that I would purchase a video camera since I own a video production business, but there was a new photography camera that was really making waves in the video industry because of its incredible imagery.  I speak of the Canon 5D Mark II, which may go down as one of the most revolutionary video cameras of our time.  It had plenty of limitations (no professional audio control, no manual video control) but with a few tricks, one could produce some amazing video. I decided this camera was exactly what I needed to achieve the looks I wanted for my films.  I fell in love with the dreamy quality of the shallow depth of field, which is impossible to achieve with a standard video camera unless you equip it with bulky expensive adapters. Another great advantage to the camera is that it is small and looks like a traditional still camera - perfect for taking video when you want to go unnoticed.  Sometimes people aren't comfortable around video cameras and they freeze up, which is the exact opposite of what I want.  I want to capture the real, raw emotion...no acting allowed! 

A screen capture from the 5D Mark II, shooting straight into the sun. So much detail is captured, incredible dynamic range.

One of the best things about the 5D Mark II is the ability to change lenses for different situations - which is what filmmakers do all the time in Hollywood.  The lens plays a big part in determining how each shot will look.  For weddings it can be a challenge since a lot is happening that you can't control, and you can't set up the shots how you would be able to on a traditional set.  The end result is well worth the challenge, I was blown away by the footage I got from this little camera.  With the right lenses, you can almost shoot in the dark and still get a nice looking image.  Simply amazing.

A few months later, the Canon 7D was introduced and at about $1000 less than the 5D.  It offered some additional benefits that the 5D currently is still lacking - namely the ability to shoot in different frame rates.  With the 7D you can shoot in the highly sought after 24 frames per second (or 24P), and also at 60 frames per second (or 60P).  24P is the frame rate that movies run at, so our eyes are used to associating that type of movement with movies, high quality commercials, and most television dramas.  If you have noticed that your home video camera has a certain look that is a lot different than what you see in movies, then you can be assured 24P is a major factor in tthat.  60P is especially useful for us when we want to get the super slow motion effect which we have been utilizing in our films lately. 

This month a new camera has hit the scene - the Canon Rebel T2i.  This will bring on a new onslaught of budding filmmakers with its ability to shoot such high quality full HD video at 24P/30P/60P, and for only $800.  Until last year this type of imagery was only available to people with large budgets for cameras over $6000, but now it is available to the masses! Canon has been airing this commercial to promote their new line of HD cameras.

I'm very excited to be shooting on these new cameras, it has definitely played a part in defining our style here at Aqua Vivus.  Thanks to Canon for making dreams come true!

Since posting Paul and Lauren's engagement video I've been in a nostalgic mood.  I decided it was about time I posted Tim and Meschelle's wedding.  Tim is one of my best friends and I've had the privilege of being their best man at their wedding (I'm actually in this video for a change!).  Since I had the responsibility of standing next to Tim during the ceremony, my brother Brett and my friend Matt Forrey were able to take some footage from the seats.  Of course, the ceremony would be the only time I didn't have a camera in-hand.  Throughout the rest of the day I was running around with my Super 8 film camera.  It's got such a great nostalgic feel to it, it seems like their wedding was many years ago. 

Near the end there is some footage of where Tim proposed to Meschelle (a photo booth in San Francisco).  Just wanted to make that clear, since not everyone knows their story and that part might seem a bit random.  This film has been a long time coming, I'm so glad to finally premiere it!  Tim and Meschelle: congratulations to you both in your marriage and remember that I love you lots!

For best playback results press play and pause it immediately, wait for the bar to load all the way, the press play again.  Remember to turn up your speakers and leave a comment below if you like it!

I'm so happy I want to shout from the rooftops!  In college I met Paul and Lauren and we became good friends.  I used to test out all my new camera gear on them and make videos for fun, not knowing that someday I would have the privilege of documenting their engagement!  Thanks for being my guinea pigs you guys!  Now I hope I can give back something that you will treasure forever!  Paul, good forward thinking - I wish more grooms-to-be would do this! 

Paul and I got together a few weeks ago and were looking for a good spot for his proposal.  After a few stops at various beaches, we came upon the perfect location at Wind and Sea Beach in La Jolla.  There is a gigantic bush to hide in nearby and it offered the perfect cover, Lauren would never see me in there!  Finally the big day came (which actually got rescheduled because of rain).  Their old friend (and my new friend) Julie was taking pics and I took the video.  We sat in the bush and talked for a while, waiting for Paul and Lauren to arrive.  In mid-sentence Julie whispers to me, "here they come!" and we picked up our cameras.  I didn't want to miss a moment, but it was very hard to get a good shot because it was so windy!  Luckily I got it dialed in before the big moment came, and what a relief that was!  It was very exciting to be part of this.

I love you guys, here's your engagement video!

We beileve that the Same Day Premiere is something that has to be experienced first hand to truly appreciate, but it's nice that influential wedding sites are catching on!  If you are still looking for something to make your wedding unforgettable contact Rachel@aquavivus.com to set up a meeting! 



Remember to push play and then pause, let the grey progress bar load completely, then press play again to watch it.  Feel free to leave a comment, we love those.  Have a great day!

Before you leave you have to go look at their still photos from Shanni Weilert Wedding Photography!

Click the photo below to see their pics

Check out this clip from our shoot! As always, press play and immediately pause it and let the grey progress bar load completely.  Then enjoy the video and leave a comment when it's done! 

For best viewing results, press play and then immediately press pause to let the video load completely.  Then sit back, grab some popcorn and enjoy!  We appreciate if you leave a comment below if you like it.

I feel there's no better way to kick off the year than to post this epic wedding video.  Many thanks to Shanni, a friend and excellent photographer.  Check out her Bay Area wedding photography skills here.  Just a warning for those who tend to tear up - it starts off with an emotional speech.  I usually don't cry, but I found myself getting watery-eyed while editing it.  Anyway, here's the video!  Feel free to leave a comment below.