I agree and disagree with you Ethan. I agree that this isn't the best song choice, but mostly because it's a song that has been overused and (for me) has too much of an 80's feel to it. I rarely get to use what I feel is the best song choice. However, I don't think it's a "bad" song. A bad song would be a song like the "Hokie Pokie" because that song has nothing to do with the visuals and the story. This is a love song, and because the visuals are telling a story of love the song fits with the visuals in my opinion.

There are times when I would like to have full control over what song is used for the highlights video, but couples seem to really enjoy having the opportunity to pick something on their own. If they absolutely love this song, who am I to say it's not the best choice, just because it's not MY favorite? Afterall, this is THEIR highlights video for THEIR enjoyment, right?

On a side note, the very first wedding I ever filmed had the highlights video set to this song (and this is the first time since then that I've used it). It was very odd to edit to it again after all of these years.

Tell you what, if I get a Flyer you can pay me to take care of all those pesky flying shots, which will free you up to concentrate on those very import locked down tripod shots. ;-)

I never said wrong music doesn't hold back great visuals because we are certainly in agreement on that. But this tune wasn't the hokie pokie....luckily for travis!

Music choices can certainly be a very tough part of the edit process, especially when we are forced to use certain tracks. i even preach to my own clients that "not all music will compliment their video".

i just didn't think the tune used clashed or took away....thats all.

cool, that's what i thought but good to hear from someone who uses it. thanks.

Now that we've both clarified our points, we can agree to disagree.

But I like flying .... d;-)

Absolutely agree. I formed my opinion within 5 seconds after hearing the song choice. I then reformed that as I watched more, but the song certainly held this piece way back- I believe. An excellent soundtrack is as important as composition, color, movement, depth, story and all the other elements that go into a solid production.

P.

Patrick - Thanks for saying it better than I could.

Could you elaborate a bit more on how the song held the piece back? I mean, I'm no big fan of the song, but it didn't seem as detrimental to me as it does to others. Is it the style of music? Is it the pace? Is it the time period? I'd love to get some details on this. Thanks!

Travis,

Take it as a compliment that Ethan & Patrick are holding you to a very high standard. The first time I watched, I thought it looked great. But having me and/or many others say it's great, versus having more experienced and refined eyes and ears critique it is certainly more valuable. After reading the comments by Ethan and Patrick, I watched it with a more critical eye (or ear), and heard what they meant. The Music you used is perhaps more suited to a Jamaican beach wedding IMHO. You know the clients, and I'm sure they are ecstatic with the product. But I think that the honest, objective opinions of some exceptional wedding videographers is a valuable tool not only for you, but for the rest of us who aspire for greatness in the field.

Keep up the great work!

BTW, what camera are you flying on that merlin? I really liked the opening shot and just picked up an HV20 to use as a backup for my h1. It's the first time I've held one and it feels like a toy compared to my h1. I want to fly it on something, and the merlin has been suggested as being the best bet for such a small cam.

Ken, thanks for the comments. If there is anyone who posts there work and hopes for constructive criticism it's me. I simply wanted a bit more info on why people were so opposed to the song. Like I said, it's not MY favorite either, but it didn't strike me as a song that would actually take away greatly from the video either. I can see your point about it being more fitting to a Jamaican beach wedding, since it is technically classified as reggae music.

I fly the XH-A1 on my Merlin. I used to fly a GL2, which is half the weight of the A1. So my rig went from weighing about 5lbs to about 10lbs in total (accounting for the extra weight on the arm as well). It's quite tiring over the course of the day, but I do feel that the heavier camera flies better. I also have an HV30, but I don't want to use it because of that. The more weight the better the unit seems to work. You just have to build up the body, lol ... or buy a vest!

music fits well, from my Russian POV :)

Loved first shot. great location, nice stedicam moves..
great shot from above..

Close up shot on earings at the beginning.. not sure about significance..
preparation went well! the ceremony, the hall very smooth..

one thing, that's what I moved towards to, at the end of the last year, to
have more "live" interaction with the B&G, the guests, to get to know them
better, videography by itself becomes boring, (and that's what I hear from
some of my clients :)

CHeers!

Thanks Oleg. It really is important to get to know people. Only then can you truly film what is important to everyone.

The song was definitly not the best pick on the couples behalf and you have to work with, with what you got to work with. If the customer is very persistent in their song choice and it is dear to them, well they are the client after all and THEY are going to be the ones watching the clip a lot more often than you. So i think you pulled it off quite well considering it wasn't your favorite song. I don't know how many times i was stuck trying to start an edit with a song that just didn't do it for me.

I liked how the couple's shots at the beginning where intertwined, it made the story look like they were getting ready simultaneously.

The color grading over all was good but i wasn't too crazy with choice in colors at the reception and the ceremony. The over the top orange look made it seem like the white balance was set on the wrong color temp setting.

Job well done Travis, as always.

I liked the highlight. What program are you using for color? I also enjoyed the steadicam shots within the piece.