Steadicam/Glidecam during Ceremony at DVinfo.net

Bill Vincent · June 2nd, 2010, 05:11 AM

Just wondering - for those of you who have Steadicam/Glidecams, are you using these during the actual ceremony much? I'm concerned about using one in a ceremony situation, basically because the rig really could be distracting/disruptive. I think there's a fine line between using big rigs to get the great shots and being a disruptive/distracting presence during the ceremony.

For those who own these rigs, what are your thoughts?

Nicholas de Kock · June 2nd, 2010, 05:29 AM

I use my Glidecam Smooth Shooter while the bride walks down the aisle and for random shots before that - once my second camera operator has a good stable shot I take off the Glidecam and go tripod.

Simon Denny · June 2nd, 2010, 05:42 AM

How do you pull focus with the glidecam while tracking the Bride etc.....

Susanto Widjaja · June 2nd, 2010, 07:18 AM

I'm pretty much doing something similar with nicholas but sometimes try to let the steadicam go and try other things as well. although its hard to beat steadicam shot while the bride is entering...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simon Ash

How do you pull focus with the glidecam while tracking the Bride etc.....

you cant focus pull while on steadicam except using wireless focus pulling device which most of us don't use.

Just set your focus point to a certain distance and try to stick to that. having longer depth of field also helps a lot. i'm usually on f4-5.6 on my 5d if I want to be safe. I'd go as far f2.8 but that's it

Btw, which studio are you from Simon? Are you coming to exposed down under in Sydney this July?

Santo

Ivan George · June 2nd, 2010, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simon Ash

How do you pull focus with the glidecam while tracking the Bride etc.....

What!?! Who in the f^&@ pulls focus on a wedding? This is news to my ears and that's probably the way you guys do it in Australia but around here it ain't happening...

Chris Harding · June 2nd, 2010, 07:46 AM

Hi Guys

I gave up with using a full vest Steadicam in a Church! The aisles are just too narrow and it's pretty hard to try and control your second cam still suited up.
I guess something like a 5D on a Blackbird would be more practical but trying to keep focus to me would be pretty hard unless you have a fairly big DOF ...seems to defeat the purpose using a DSLR !!

I commend anyone who can use a full Steadicam with a DSLR and keep focus as well!!!

I have simply modded by monopod with a swivel handle and the cam balanced with extra stabilized legs and weights...when I'm done with the bridal entry the legs just fold up and it becomes a monopod again!!

Chris

Matthew Craggs · June 2nd, 2010, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ivan George

What!?! Who in the f^&@ pulls focus on a wedding? This is news to my ears and that's probably the way you guys do it in Australia but around here it ain't happening...

I think he was referring to adjusting the focus himself, rather than having a dedicated focus puller.

Simon Denny · June 3rd, 2010, 06:37 PM

What I was asking, how do you keep the talent in focus as you move about the talent. As Santo replied
"i'm usually on f4-5.6 on my 5d if I want to be safe".

This is what I thought you guys are doing.

How does the 4000 work with the Sony EX1? and also do I need a special base plate to connect to my EX1 and Miller head?

Thanks

Robert McGowan · June 4th, 2010, 12:54 AM

It also depends on which lens you use. For example, if you use a 14mm on a 7D and close down the iris you'll have a lot of latitude in terms of what will be in focus.

Sean Seah · June 4th, 2010, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simon Ash

What I was asking, how do you keep the talent in focus as you move about the talent. As Santo replied
"i'm usually on f4-5.6 on my 5d if I want to be safe".

This is what I thought you guys are doing.

How does the 4000 work with the Sony EX1? and also do I need a special base plate to connect to my EX1 and Miller head?

Thanks

EX1 works but your arm will break =) U could get a quick release adapter. I use a common one between a stabiliser > monopod > crane > slider dolly > tripod

Travis Cossel · June 4th, 2010, 03:20 PM

Considering the strict rules in most churches we don't Steadicam during a ceremony generally. Also, we don't want to be distracting from the ceremony. That said, we sometimes will follow the B&G down the aisle after the ceremony with the Steadicam.

For focus you just need to be familiar with your lens and set the focus manually and then keep your distance to the subject correct. Not always easy, but doable.

June 2nd, 2010, 05:11 AM	#1
Bill Vincent Major Player Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 253	Steadicam/Glidecam during Ceremony Just wondering - for those of you who have Steadicam/Glidecams, are you using these during the actual ceremony much? I'm concerned about using one in a ceremony situation, basically because the rig really could be distracting/disruptive. I think there's a fine line between using big rigs to get the great shots and being a disruptive/distracting presence during the ceremony. For those who own these rigs, what are your thoughts?

June 4th, 2010, 03:20 PM	#11
Travis Cossel Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 2,933	Considering the strict rules in most churches we don't Steadicam during a ceremony generally. Also, we don't want to be distracting from the ceremony. That said, we sometimes will follow the B&G down the aisle after the ceremony with the Steadicam. For focus you just need to be familiar with your lens and set the focus manually and then keep your distance to the subject correct. Not always easy, but doable. __________________ Black Label Films www.blacklabelweddingfilms.com

June 2nd, 2010, 05:29 AM	#2
Nicholas de Kock Major Player Join Date: May 2007 Location: KLD, South Africa Posts: 983	I use my Glidecam Smooth Shooter while the bride walks down the aisle and for random shots before that - once my second camera operator has a good stable shot I take off the Glidecam and go tripod.

June 2nd, 2010, 05:42 AM	#3
Simon Denny Trustee Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Australia Posts: 1,409	How do you pull focus with the glidecam while tracking the Bride etc.....

June 2nd, 2010, 07:46 AM	#6
Chris Harding Inner Circle Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 8,441	Hi Guys I gave up with using a full vest Steadicam in a Church! The aisles are just too narrow and it's pretty hard to try and control your second cam still suited up. I guess something like a 5D on a Blackbird would be more practical but trying to keep focus to me would be pretty hard unless you have a fairly big DOF ...seems to defeat the purpose using a DSLR !! I commend anyone who can use a full Steadicam with a DSLR and keep focus as well!!! I have simply modded by monopod with a swivel handle and the cam balanced with extra stabilized legs and weights...when I'm done with the bridal entry the legs just fold up and it becomes a monopod again!! Chris

June 3rd, 2010, 06:37 PM	#8
Simon Denny Trustee Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Australia Posts: 1,409	What I was asking, how do you keep the talent in focus as you move about the talent. As Santo replied "i'm usually on f4-5.6 on my 5d if I want to be safe". This is what I thought you guys are doing. How does the 4000 work with the Sony EX1? and also do I need a special base plate to connect to my EX1 and Miller head? Thanks

June 4th, 2010, 12:54 AM	#9
Robert McGowan Regular Crew Join Date: May 2010 Location: New York Posts: 39	It also depends on which lens you use. For example, if you use a 14mm on a 7D and close down the iris you'll have a lot of latitude in terms of what will be in focus.