[Gary Dahn]

Mark, not sure what you me by shooting techniques but I tried to get shots from as many possible places I could think of. I was on the sidelines for most every game, but also went up above at times too. Because I wanted to tell a story rather than just do highlights, I felt I needed to be in places where I could get close to the people in the story. I found that I was able to get a couple cool shots by going to the side opposite of our team. That way I was able focus on some of our players on the field and then when the ball was snapped and they moved out of the shot, I had our coaches and bench players in the background. This got me a couple of neat shots.

I also got a couple cool shots from the back end of the end zone when we scored, and as the ball was kicked toward me.

Some of this was done on a tripod, some handheld. I did not open the tripod to its tallest position. I wanted to be able to to get out of the way in a hurry if I needed to. Never had to luckily.

I will say this: football is tough to shoot, especially the passing game.

I’ve been looking into upgrading my tripod to something that has more of a fluid head. There’s a Sony on Amazon that, while it does not actually have a fluid head, some of the reviewers note that it’s panning ability is very smooth. I say this because some of the shots in the video are painfully lacking a smooth pan.

If there’s an easy way you know of that I can get it to you, I’d be willing more than willing to let you have a look.

[Gary Dahn]

Well, everyone…its done! I put together what I think is a decent production. It is 9:15 long. I’m my own worst critic but my wife is even worse. If the video didn’t work, she certainly would let me know, and she seems to like it.

I decided pretty early on to just take Kenny Chesney’s “Boys of Fall” and just follow the lyrics. I found a version of the song with the Saint’s Sean Payton talking to his old high school team before a game and boy is the speech powerful. It really added to the song. I then followed it up with Uncle Kracker’s You Make Me Smile. I think the latter will help soothe the 4-6 season at the banquet. I do not intend to sell the DVD because I recognize these are copyrighted songs, but if anyone wants one I will find a way to burn it at no charge.

I learned a very valuable lesson: back up your material!!! I had basically the entire thing done with about 3 games to go, and then opened the project only to find all my video was “corrupted.” I was sick. I was able to recover about 70% of it through time machine, but I did lose about 25% of my footage. I thought “thank God I don’t do this for money or someone would be pi$$ed!”

So THANK YOU Mark & Brent for your suggestions. I checked back often to review your suggestions!

[Gary Dahn]

Mark…I’ve had your response bookmarked so I could revisit it before I start the season. It’s rolling around pretty quickly here. Such a great response to my inquiry. Thank you again,
Gary

[Gary Dahn]

Wow Mark, just wow. Thank you so much for taking the time to share all of that; it was exactly what I was hoping for. I know the basics of shooting and editing, but creating a masterpiece is an entirely different challenge. So, your direction is going to be invaluable, so thank you again!

A couple of comments on your response:

1. I agree wholeheartedly about the entire dvd being nothing but highlights…gets boring very quickly.
2. I love your interview ideas, both the possible questions to ask but also having them do it twice…great idea.
3. It’s amazing the small things one overlooks that will make great cuts like you mentioned: balls, equipment, etc. Thanks of the reminder.
4. You asked about my restrictions: I’ll be able to get right down on the field, will not be stuck in the stands.
5. Great reminder on the tripod…I seldom take without one. Invaluable.
6. I just got done reading Steve Stockman’s book “How to Shoot Video that doesn’t Suck.” Rule of thirds was a chapter…good stuff.
7. Not a bad idea to get other parents involved.

Well, thank you again Mark…so very helpful.
Gary