I was uploading a video the other day to my Vimeo account when I suddenly realized that to date I have uploaded 42 videos since I got my Canon 7D. Wait a minute. That must be a mistake. But it wasn’t. 42 videos total. 24 of which I consider “finished” enough to put on my MERimages vimeo channel that I have a link to from my website.
The first video that I uploaded that was shot with the 7D was of the band Raven Congress performing at the Fitz on June 11th, 2010. It was shot with me walking around getting various angles during the song Travelers Tale. All in one take. I remember my arms getting tired holding the camera up. Steady it was not. Interesting perspective yes. I kind of wish I could watch all my favorite bands this way.
That was followed up by another live performance, this time Marshall Law at Bridgefest. I changed it up a bit by editing together the footage I got of one song with the footage I got of a couple other songs. I was trying to make it look like I had 2 video cameras rolling, which I didn’t. What was great about this performance was having a huge crowd as a backdrop which created some really neat shots from the stage. I was starting to see that video was more than capturing just the subject. It could also capture feeling and emotion.
Then there were a few attempts at just picturesque stuff like “Summer on the Portage Canal” and a sort of funny mini documentary of what happens when the “Bridge is Stuck”. Then one about “Goin’ Fishin’” and another about a “Weasel and a Worm”. None of them perfect or award winning, but still they each have their own slice of time that is now captured forever.
Then there is the one I did of my son drumming on the beach of Eagle River with Lake Superior as a backdrop. I was going for a music video kind of thing. It was an opportunity for me to try putting together a few takes of Neal drumming, ala MTV if anyone remembers that, while he listened to Misery Business through an old Rio MP3 player. Now that was fun!
And then there was the opportunity to document a very special week for a mother and her son. None of this was planned. I just kept grabbing video footage whenever it seemed appropriate and by the time the week was over I realized I had enough content to document not only what we did, but also what we felt which resulted in “The Visit”.
And then there were the basketball clips put together just because, the start of the Copper Dog 150 and the “I had to sneak in a short video clip of Luke Bryan during a concert” that again capture a moment in time so well that it’s like I’m reminiscing about the good ole days yet none of this is yet a year old.
I was honored to be asked to document Wright Aid. It was a special opportunity to document the power of kindness and willingness of others to help out a friend in need. This one actually brought tears to my eyes when I finally finished it. I now realize that’s my personal litmus test for my own videos. Do they pull on my heart enough for me to feel it.
Then there’s some fun with Chipmunks and springtime along the big lake. Sunsets at the breakers, summer love and the occasional walk over the Lift Bridge and along the Portage Canal.
Yes. I am amazed at how many videos I have actually put together in just over a year. But more importantly I am very blessed to have had these opportunities to capture what moves me and share what I love.
To see my full collection of videos visit my MERimages vimeo channel.
