I’ve been itching to play around with some new footage lately cause I love editing and it’s been a while since I had a good story to tell, so when Tiana invited me to Bobby’s second birthday party, I couldn’t resist. I also recently purchased some new gear in preparation of a wedding I’ve been hired to film in the Fall (with a second one potentially lined up), and I’ve been looking for an opportunity to field-test a new bag, shoulder strap, and monopod.
I tend to get really shy at Tiana’s parties cause I feel like I’m the only one who doesn’t know anyone else there, but she does a good job of making sure I’m never left alone for too long and included in most conversations. She’s also the only other person I know to actually design custom invitations. This time, however, she was sporting a perky new haircut, and no longer a vegetarian (for now). Such is the power of St. Hubert.
I had so much fun making this. It’s got the right depth-of-field (shot entirely wide open at f/2.8), buttery smooth bokeh, and moves like cinematic stock thanks to the latest Canon 5D Mk II update which gives it the ability to shoot in 24p. The monopod also did a great job of stabilizing most camera shake while retaining enough of that indie handheld feel that isn’t possible with a tripod. This was a one-lens job; a testament to the versatility of Canon’s 24–70mm. There were times when I wish I had just a bit more wideness or a bit more telephoto, but I never had the chance to change lenses as things move quickly when there are kids involved.
To be honest, I don’t like being a cameraman. I never know how camera shy someone is, I hate bothering people, and I can never keep a low-profile with my gear. At the same time, I find it hard to trust anyone else to compose the shots the way I want to see them, so I do it myself. When I look at my footage though, I forget how awkward it is to be filming someone surreptitiously and know it was totally worth it.
There were so many great moments — Bobby pretending he’s flying, the guy doing bicep curls with his baby, a little girl playing with a dog through the window, Tiana mugging to the camera at the end — but my favourite shot is of the man fiddling with the toy plane. He sat there amid the hurricane of kids and new toys for about a minute, completely lost in the precision of his adjustments and, finally being satisfied, gives the propeller a blow.
(If you read Tiana’s LiveJournal, you’d know that she takes pictures of her son’s dookie. Hence, Bobby’s number two.)
Wanted to comment about the men and the little plane…
I like to observate people that are so completely in their own world for a moment in between all the other loud/bussy noises or actions :)
Seeing movies like this makes me want to get a similar camera too, but then again I should be taking pictures again too just to start with…
Too bad it’s so seldom that this happens. One of the best skills of a candid photographer is being able to observe people without their knowing.
Way to make me cry at work!
Awesome…then I know my work is effective in conveying the spirit of the event. I hope you bawled your freakin’ eyes out.
Also, most people there didn’t know each other I think.
Really? Then maybe I get that feeling because other people usually go as a couple so they know at least one other person and never stand by themselves.
So nice Jeff!!! Love the ending. What an amazing memory for Bobby to have.
Actually, I think the mother is going to appreciate the memory a lot more than the son. :)
Hey Jeff
That was me with little airplane. I noticed you taking pictures most of the time, but got caught in a little world of my own while fiddling with that toy plane.
Thanks for the comment, and the video is great.
Thanks for being a great sport and model!
Wow! What an amazing video! I absolutely love the depth of field in this video — you have such an amazing eye! And those yellow rubber boots with the blue dress!! I would love to have that shot on my wall!
Looks like such a fantastic party! LOVE watching Bobby devour his cupcake (err…frosting!)
I’m glad someone else picked up on the shot with the rubber boots. I couldn’t resist getting some footage of them with the trim on the dress.
By the way, I took three cupcakes home and they were DELICIOUS.
Great video. I loved all of it.
I have a beautiful grandson and am very proud of the family.
Lise
You have a right to be proud, Bobby’s such a cute little boy.
This is so sweet. I wish we could have stayed longer to help celebrate.
That made me feel as if I had been there… it was awesome!
Thanks Jeff,
I love the part where the little boy is putting the candles back into his cupcake! I love how precisely he is holding the candles…so adorable!
I agree…I purposely left the shot a little longer until he deeply puts the candles in there so you can see how soft and moist the cupcake is.
Didn’t think I could love this kid (from afar) more than I already do. Great job.
Wow, that was absolutely breathtaking. Great job!
Wow! I’m impressed with camera work and editing…but even more so, just loving the glimpse into Bobby’s life…Great documenting of a sweet life.
Your video is absolutely amazing. Inspiring me to get into film also! Could you let me know what camera you’re filming with? And also any suggestions for a solid used camera between the 500–700 range. Thanks!
I shot this with a Canon 5D mk II. I’ve never purchased a used camera, so unfortunately I can’t help you with any recommendations there.