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35mm Film vs. the Top Video DSLRs – A Shoot Out by Zacuto

All I have to say is… WOW! And I’m jealous I couldn’t sit in on the screening. This information is taken from Zacuto’s website. Note: I did NOT make this video. I’m working on getting web series director Steve Weiss to be on my fimmaker’s podcast Crossing the 180. Stay tuned.

Zacuto Great Camera Shootout 2010 Trailer ~ High Noon from Zacuto USA on Vimeo.

Zacuto Films presents, “The Great Camera Shootout 2010: a three part web series where gunslinging HD DSLRs face-off against legendary 35mm Film.” The webisodic series showcases the top performing hybrid HD-DSLR cameras: Canon: 5D MKII, 7D, 1D Mark IV, 550D/T2i Rebel, Nikon D3s, Panasonic GH1 and compares the image quality of these cameras against the gold standard of 35mm film. In addition, the Canon 5D MKII test includes the new 24p firmware. “This was an enormous undertaking,” says Steve Weiss, Web Series Director, “and great care was to make this an apples-to-apples test with scientific accuracy behind it.”

Each webisode of the series features various controlled camera assessment tests which include: resolution, latitude, sensitivity, speed & ultra high speed, noise, color & green screen. The battery of tests were administered under strict controls and conducted by Robert Primes ASC, Gary Adcock, Philip Bloom, Jens Bogehegn and colorist Ryan Emerson.

See the reactions to this test following 2K screenings, where “HD DSLR is compared to 35mm Film”. The test results were projected in a 2K theatrical environment at three screening locations: Stag Theater at Skywalker Ranch, LucasFilms Ltd., AFI (American Film Institute) Theater in Hollywood and the FilmWorkers Astro Color Timing Theater in Chicago. Hear commentary from the screenings by top ASC, Hollywood, Indie Film and Event & Convergence Photographers.

CREDITS:
Executive Producer: Jens Bogehegn
Producers: Jens Bogehegn, Steve Weiss and Scott Lynch
Web Series Director: Steve Weiss
Director of Photography: Robert Primes
DP – Color Profiles: Philip Bloom
Editor & Graphic Design: Daniel Skubal
Digerati: Gary Adcock
Colorist: Ryan Emerson

Posted in Film and Video. Tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

By Ron Dawson
March 18, 2010

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Inspiring Kids Through Photography

Think back to that time when you were just a lad (or lass) in elementary school…when that fireman, policeman, astronaut, or some other cool grown-up came to teach you about their job. Remember how inspired you felt?

Well, a couple of Saturdays ago, our long-standing client Pictage partnered with Canon USA to give a group of kids at the Boys & Girls Club of Las Vegas a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It was just a couple days before the official start of the 30th WPPI expo and conference and I had the honor to film the event and create a recap video.

Some of the top photographers in the country were on hand to teach kids ranging in age from about 8 to 16, how to take photos. The all star team included (in no particular order): Justin & Mary Marantz, Zach & Jody Gray, Mike Colón, Ray Santana, Kenny Kim, Will Jacks, René Tate, Shawn Reeder, Mike Larson, Chelsea Nicole, and Matt & Stevi Savage. Behind the scenes documentary photos taken by Joe Buissink and Monty Jessop.

The day started with Pictage CEO Jim Collins addressing the crowd of about 80 kids. Then it was pizza time and mingling with the photographers. Next was about a 30-40 minute classroom session where the photographers gave primers on composition, lighting, and use of the equipment. Then all the groups headed over to a preserve for a photo scavenger hunt. The festivities ended with all the kids getting certificates.

The video I shot that Saturday was finished by Sunday and showed at the WPPI awards ceremony Wednesday night, March 10. About 40 of the kids from the event were on hand to watch themselves on the big screens, then get a standing ovation from the crowd of photographers. As the kids marched out of the ballroom to go back home (it was a school night after all), they were greeted by high-fives and congratulations. How cool an experience must that have been for these kids, many of whom are underprivileged.

This was an amazing and fulfilling project to be a part of. As my company Dare Dreamer Media turns its primary focus to highlighting worthy causes, this is just the kind of work that is right up my alley.

How can you inspire a child today?

Lens & Learn – Inspiring Kids Through Photography from Ron Dawson on Vimeo.

Posted in Inspiration, Photography, Portfolio. Tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

By Ron Dawson
March 16, 2010

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Full Frame Boogie in “WPPI…Rocked!” – Teaser Trailer

Photo by Tasra Dawson. © 2010

So last Tuesday, late in the afternoon, the day before the WPPI awards ceremony, I get a call from RangeFinder editor Bill Hurter.  He tells me that someone wants to talk to me. He puts master photographer, speaker, and consultant Tony Corbell on the line. “Hey bud,” Tony says. “Are you available to shoot a gig tomorrow.”

“Um.  Sure.” I say.

“Great. My band is playing before the awards ceremony and I’d like you to shoot it.”

“Cool.”

And so was the beginning of a short rock concert film.

It seems like most visual artists I know all have one other significant artistic talent besides their visual artistry. And it usually tends to be something related to music (I even fancy myself somewhat of a dancer). Last week at the annual WPPI conference and expo, where over 14,000 photographers from around the world were in attendance, we were treated to the musical melodious talents of some of the world’s most renown photographers. Tony Corbell, Josh Haftel, Robert Hughes, Mitche Graf, Jay Goldman, and that “wonder from down under”, Jerry Ghionis, put down their cameras (where applicable) and put on a “concert” for the award ceremony attendees. I must admit, I was quite surprised at how good they were.

I was able to record some pre-show preparation and filmed the show like a concert documentary (as best as a one camera man can film a 6-piece rock band armed only with a Canon 7D and tripod). I think you’ll like the results. Until the main film is finished, I’ll post a few teasers for you. Here’s the first. Enjoy. Special thanks to Nik Software for sponsoring this project.

Posted in Photography, Portfolio. Tagged with , , , , , , , , , , .

By Ron Dawson
March 15, 2010

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Help One Homeless Person While at WPPI – Billy

Right now as I write this blog post, over 11.000 photographers from around the world are bearing down on Las Vegas for the annual WPPI Expo. I’m hoping those of you who are part of that mob of people that read this will be moved to take action.

WHO IS YOUR NEIGHBOR?

All around you are forgotten people. People who have broken lives. (Then again, which of us doesn’t have some kind of brokenness in our life?). Lives that for one reason or another lead them to living on the streets. Homeless. Destitute. We pass these people every day. Sometimes we see them. Sometimes we don’t. But trust me. They are there. When we do see them, it’s not uncommon for our internal response to be any one of the following:

  • I wish I could help, but I got to get to…
  • I’d love to give her something, but I don’t have anything smaller than a $20.
  • If I did give him money, how do I know he’ll use it for food and not drugs or alcohol?
  • Why don’t they just get a job?
  • I can’t carry the burdens of the world. I have my own problems.

I guarantee that if you’ve ever passed a homeless person on the street, chances are you thought one of these thoughts. I know I have.

It’s ironic when you think about it. All around me are thousands, perhaps tens of thousands of people literally throwing their money away. Sitting in front of slot machines like brainless automatons. Casting dice. Fanning cards. Being suckered by multi-billion dollar corporations to give them more and more money. Yet, those same people, those ones who just threw away $100, $500, $1,000 or more at the craps table, can’t give two bits to the person on the street.

This week, as I’ve passed homeless on the streets of Vegas, I’ve found it hard to turn away. I’ve resorted to stopping and giving what little change I have in my pocket. Every little bit counts. Right?

But I think they need more than that.  I think more than not having food or shelter, they lack dignity. Every day thousands and thousands of people pass them on the streets and don’t even acknowledge their existence.  It pains me to write that I’ve been one of those people. That I could pass a hurt, cold, lonely person on the sidewalk and act no different than if I had just walked by a pigeon, or a dog. (Actually, I bet if someone saw a cold, hurt, homeless dog they’d feel more compassion than if they saw a person). I feel ashamed.

Today I decided to take it to the next level. As I crossed over from New York, New York to my luxurious room at the ever so opulent Excalibur (yes, that’s sarcasm), I ran into Billy. She had a rather homely look. Sad eyes. Staring straight ahead with her sign asking for help and “God Bless.” I gave her the last dollar in my wallet and walked on. But, then, I felt compelled to walk back. I asked her how she got this way and she said she lost her job. She commented on how some people have judged her by yelling out to her, “Get a job!” Well,” she said, “I had a job. They don’t know my story!”

I asked her where she sleeps at night, and she said that if she raises enough during the day, she’ll get a room. Otherwise, she’ll go wherever. She’s ultimately wants to get another job and raise enough money to get back to her son, Brenden, whom she sent to live with parents in OK.

I asked her if it would be okay for me to pray for her and she let me. I said goodbye and left. Wishing I could do more.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN JUST ONE PERSON’S LIFE

Then I had this crazy idea. I know a few of you out there who read this blog may be in Vegas this week. I want to ask a favor of you. Seek out Billy. She’s on the bridge between NY, NY and Excalibur. Today she was wearing a gray sweatshirt. She has stringy brown hair and glasses held together on the right side by scotch tape. I ask that you take 10-15 minutes out of your day, find her, and give her some money. Or, just say hi. Make her feel like a human being. Or go pray with her if you’re so inclined. If you can’t find her, I’m almost 99% positive you’ll see another homeless on one of the two bridges leading from the MGM to Excalibur. Whatever time or money you would have given to Billy, give to some other person.

And for the rest of us, out and about, the next time you see a homeless person, even if you don’t want to give them  money, try stopping and talking to them. Find out their story. You may be surprised.

Posted in Inspiration, Photography.

By Ron Dawson
March 7, 2010

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Wedding Video Taken to a Whole New Level

I want my blog to be a place where visual artists can get inspiration and encouragement for their work and their business. I also use it as a place to showcase some of the latest work I’ve done, whether for business or pleasure. Today I’m going to showcase the work of a colleague. I’m not going to write much because I think the film will speak for itself.

The video below is a trailer for a wedding video. Yes, a wedding video. Now, I’m almost certain the guy who created it, my friend and colleague Kevin Shahinian of Pacific Pictures (he’s the good lookin’ dude in the photo on the right) would hate me calling it a wedding “video.” In fact, I normally try NOT to use that term because it carries with it all sorts of negative stereotypes and connotations. But that is PRECISELY why I’m using that term now. I want you to take every last negative stereotype that term “wedding video” conjures up, and throw all out the freaking window. For years I and many in this industry have worked hard to elevate what can actually be done in the process of capturing the once in a lifetime memories of a wedding day. Kevin has taken this genre to a whole nother level (and yes, I know there’s no such word as “nother” but I don’t care). The video below is a trailer for a wedding “video” that is a combination of a scripted story woven into an actual wedding documentary of real events. It is purported (albeit by the filmmaker) to be the first one of its kind on this scale. (It was shot with five Canon 7Ds and two 5D Mark II’s). I think he’s right. Words cannot express how amazing this wedding “video” is. You have to see it to believe it.

Congratulations Kevin (and team) on an amazing accomplishment. Now, I hope the final film lives up to the hype I know this trailer is already creating. :)

I also wanted to say, watching this piece almost brought tears to my eyes. In the current issue of EventDV magazine, I write about my passion as a filmmaker being awakened in large part due to my interaction with Kevin and the DP on this film Patrick Moreau of StillMotion fame. Seeing this work has greatly inspired me again and I’m proud to call him friend and inspiration.

NOTE: I had the pleasure of interviewing Kevin about the making of this film on my filmmakers podcast, “Crossing the 180.” You can read about it and listen to the podcast here. For now, enjoy this amazing FILM!

“CITY OF LAKES” The Official Trailer from PACIFIC PICTURES on Vimeo.

Posted in Film and Video, Inspiration. Tagged with , , , , , .

By Ron Dawson
March 2, 2010

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Creativity Under Pressure Will Often Yield A Diamond

It was about 11 am on a Friday afternoon, November 23, 2009. Me, Tasra (my wife), my daughter, and a production assistant had been waiting in the parking lot of the apartment complex for about an hour. Today was the day we were scheduled to shoot the third part of a 3-part film series for our client Pictage. The film series was to be used in the CEO’s opening Keynote for their annual PartnerConference to be held in New Orleans. The theme was “Dream, Create, and Inspire.” This was to be the Inspire film. It was going to be a mini-documentary about someone who had a hard past, but was making a go at turning his/her life around. But he/she didn’t show up. I called and left numerous messages to no avail. I was getting a little freaked. You see, all three films were due to Pictage by the following Thursday, and as of this day, I only had footage for the Create film shot. I was still kind of up in the air about what to do for the Dream video. Due to some technical issues with the hotel, my original idea had to be scrapped (let’s just say it involved smoke machines, lasers, three big screens, and 5.1 surround sound). This Inspire film was going to be the piece de resistance. The grand finale. The linchpin. The film that would carry the whole series. And my main subject was AWOL.

INSTINCT LEADS TO INSPIRATION

This is a case study on how when under great pressure, creativity can actually be heightened and you may find yourself making some of your best work. Art is funny that way. How many times have you been stressed, rushed, or put under some kind of strain to finish a project, then found yourself excelling beyond what even you expected. My theory is that in such circumstances, when you don’t have time to dissect an idea to death, you’re forced to go with your gut instincts, and your instincts are often times right. Sometimes we as artists can over-think a thing; especially if you’re also a perfectionist. However, like Luke had to do with the Force, sometimes you just have to give in to your instinct and pull the trigger already.

WHAT DREAMS MAY COME

This is what happened for me and my family-turned-film crew last November. On the drive back home from the apartment complex, we started thinking about what in the world we would do to replace the documentary idea. My daughter is an aspiring singer/song writer. She has big dreams. So I threw out the idea of putting her in the film. What if she were in a dream where she heard music playing. Then, when she found the source of the music, it turns out to be a future version of herself playing a song she was yet to write (just gives you goose pimples, don’t it?) She already had written a real song that would be perfect. We still had time in the day to get home, dress her up, and shoot all the scenes on the fly. No script. Just shoot what ever seemed to make sense. Creating the “story” together as we went along.

Then we took it one step further: what if we worked this storyline through all three films. She dreams the song in the first film. We see her writing the song (now awake) in the second film, the Create themed one; then we actually hear her sing it in the third Inspire film. THAT’S IT!

IN PURSUIT OF DREAMS

So, here you have part 1 of the 3-part “Dream, Create and Inspire” film series. The films are also being premiered on Pictage’s new inspirational respite inspire.pictage.com. As the films roll out there, I’ll share with you some behind the scenes stories. And definitely take a look at Pictage’s Inspire site. It truly lives up to it’s name. Enjoy!

What does the word “dream” mean to you?

Dream from Pictage Films on Vimeo.

Here’s the trailer for all three films.

Posted in Inspiration, Portfolio.

By Ron Dawson
February 17, 2010

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Save Lives While Learning

2/17/10: THIS JUST IN. HD DSLR MASTER AND INTERNATIONAL DP PHILIP BLOOM TOSSES IN ONE OF HIS DVDs ABOUT SHOOTING VIDEO WITH THE 5D OR 7D AS ONE OF THE PRIZES IF YOU WIN MY AUCTION!

Grow as a photographer while saving lives!

I’m participating in the 2010 ThirstRelief Mentor Auction. Our mission is to save lives by tapping into the incredible talent and generosity of the photo industry.

Did you know that every 15 seconds someone dies of a waterborne illness? That’s 5,760 people every day! You can help. Bid on a mentoring session with your favorite photographers (or little ol’ me, the lone videographer in the bunch!)

100% of the proceeds directly benefit Thirst Relief. Add to that the incredible wisdom and talent that is being shared in the one-on-one mentor sessions and you have better and more successful photographers! It’s truly a win win for everyone involved!

About me and my mentor auction

If you read this blog, you probably already know what I’m about. Branding. Marketing. Social media. and Filmmaking. When you bid on me, besides helping save lives, I’m offering advice on consultation on the aforementioned topics. Bid on me if you want any of the following:

  • Help crystallizing your brand and marketing
  • Assistance using Twitter and Facebook effectively to grow your business
  • Help getting into video production with HDSLRs and need help with production and editing, including picking audio equipment, storytelling with movement, the special steps needed to edit HDSLR footage, etc.
  • Help save lives

My mentor session can take place in my hometown of Atlanta, GA OR on the phone.

Also included with my auction:

  • Power Pricing Strategies – a 75 minute coaching call session (downloaded mp3) where I go into details with a coaching client about pricing his services.
  • Autographed copy of my book ReFocus. Although written for videographers, 90% or more of the material is equally applicable to photographers. Learn more about it at http://peachpit.com/refocus.

Whether you bid on me, or any of the other amazing professionals giving of their time and talent for such a worth cause, I encourage you to bid. Go now!

Posted in Inspiration, Photography.

By Ron Dawson
February 16, 2010

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Thank God it’s…Monday?

That’s right. T.G.I.M! as in Monday. The day that most working professionals dread because it’s the end of the weekend and the start of another long work week. The day of Monday blues. Well, I’m happy to say that I now look forward to Mondays. Here’s why. REST!

My wife Tasra and I have always tried to have at least one day of the week when we rest. When we put away all the work and focus on our family and just relaxing. Traditionally this has been Sunday for us. But it would typically go like this:

  • I get up with our 5-year-old, Joshua, around 7-ish…or 8-ish if I’m lucky.
  • I play with him while the ladies of the house continue to dream away.
  • We rush to get ready for church
  • We go to church then get out about noon-ish
  • Come home and cram in the kitchen as we all try to make lunch
  • We try to put Joshua  down for a nap
  • From the moment he enters his bedroom, every 5 minutes (literally) we hear this “Is it time to wake up yet? Is it time to wake up yet? I want to wake up? Is it time to wake up?”
  • I try to relax and read some magazines, but by this time Joshua is now been released from confinement and is anxious to play again.
  • Evening rolls around and now we’re all cramming the kitchen to make dinner. It’s YO-YO night (i.e. You’re On Your Own).
  • We go through the Joshua bath and bedtime routine (which is sort of like training for the Olympics when you take into account the running around trying to catch him, the splashing trying to wash him, and the hoops you have to jump through to get him to actually lie down).
  • Then, at some point, ashamedly I must admit, either me or Tasra end up back at the computer tweeting, Facebooking, blogging, planning, or editing.

Now tell me. Does that sound very “restful” to you? I didn’t think so.

Now we’ve started this photography business that requires meeting with our team on Sundays. Our day of rest just got more complicated.

Then my brilliant wife had a most wonderful idea. “Why don’t we take our rest day on Monday? Joshua will be in pre-school and Imahni [our daughter] will be busy with her home school work. We’ll actually be able to have most of the afternoon all to ourselves to actually REST! Then we’ll make Saturday our new ‘Friday’ which works out well ‘cuz we always work on Saturday anyway.”

I must admit, my initial reaction was “We can’t do that.” But then, as the idea sunk in, it grew on me. Pastor’s take Monday off. I know a lot of friends in the wedding and event business who take Monday’s off. Barbers take Mondays off. Why not us.

Well, we’ve been doing it for about two weeks now and I LOVE IT! It’s so simple, yet so brilliant. A day I can actually relax and rejuvenate. To read. To re-connect with my family. And there’s something about it being a weekday that makes it all the more restful. (I’m sure it’s psychological.) Furthermore, I no longer have to feel guilty for working on Saturday. It’s now expected.

EVERYONE WINS!

This taking Monday off as my rest day is a win-win-win:

  • I win because I get to re-charge
  • My family wins because we get to have a day of peace and real connection
  • My clients and business partners win because I go into my workweek rejuvenated which is so important for a creative professional.

I gotta tell you. If you’re in business for yourself and it makes sense to do so, taking up Monday as the new “Sunday” will be one of the best decisions you’ll make.

Posted in Business, Inspiration.

By Ron Dawson
February 15, 2010

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Business Seminar for Wedding Pros Coming to the ATL

Click to see full flyer

I’ve recently been notified of a great business planning seminar coming to the great Atlanta area. This is one aspect of business that many small businesses are terrible at, particularly in the wedding and event world. I wanted to pass on the information and encourage any wedding pros in the Atlanta area to seriously consider this.

Sage Wedding Pros is a consultancy with a mission to create sustainable business in the wedding industry. This February 22-23 they will be in Atlanta with their business planning workshop, The Simple Plan.  It is an all-encompassing business strategy session where business owners will:

  • Write a mission statement and define a company vision
  • Set short and long term goals
  • Refine their target market and niche
  • Find the pricing sweet-spot
  • Determine how many weddings is needed to be profitable; write a sales plan
  • Examine branding and determine whether their branding projects their vision and values
  • Create a marketing plan, operational plan, and financial plan

It is open to all professionals who do business in the wedding industry: new and experienced, in all segments (photo, video, flowers, planners, etc.)  YOU WILL WALK OUT WITH A BUSINESS PLAN IN HAND, WRITTEN BY YOU.

Michelle Loretta & Kelly Simants, owners of Sage Wedding Pros, strongly believe that a business plan is at the core of business sustainability.  It is the one competitive advantage that successful businesses have over others in their industry.

The Simple Plan is a no-sweat, no-fuss, piece-of-cake, easy-peasy approach to writing a business plan.

For ticketing and click here.

Posted in Business. Tagged with , .

By Ron Dawson
February 14, 2010

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A New Focus and Direction for Dare Dreamer Media

Our company Dare Dreamer Media has evolved quite a bit over the nearly 8 years we’ve been in business. Our specialty is combining video with social media to help our clients achieve objective results. But lately I’ve been moved to specialize in providing services to organizations that represent worthy causes. Non-profits, schools, community organizations, and charity events are just a few of the types of clients we’re looking to serve. We want to create films that bring hope and enlightenment. To that extent, we wanted to help identify the type of organizations and jobs we’re perfect for:

  • An organization that has a message to communicate in a powerfully emotional way. A message that needs to be heard because of the positive changes it will make in the community. A message that will inspire your audience. A message of hope.
  • A Fortune 1000 company looking to motivate your personnel to aspire to higher goals than ever before reached. To encourage them in times when the horizon may seem bleak. To remind them of the important mission set out before them.
  • An individual passionate about helping other people improve their lives and move forward. You’re a speaker, coach, teacher, or author whose work has already had a powerful impact on others. Now you want to reach a wider audience using the power of video and social media to communicate your message.
  • A small business with a product or service that is unique and compelling. One that is best communicated via a film that will emotionally connect with your desired customers or clients.

Our New Mission Statement

Dare Dreamer Media is a social media and video production agency that specializes in partnering with worthy causes. We use our God-given gifts as storytellers to inspire, encourage, and move our clients’ audiences to improve their lives and better the community. We do that by providing superior customer service and a premium product marked by stunning creativity. We want nothing less than to change the world.

Our Latest Production

Below is our latest production for long-time client Pictage. It’s an inspirational recap from their yearly conference PartnerCon.

Posted in Film and Video, Portfolio. Tagged with , .

By Ron Dawson
February 5, 2010

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