Wounded Veterans Shoot for New Careers in Video
By Anne Schwab
Writer/Director/Producer
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After serving their country with pride, dignity and loyalty, more than 8,000 Marines return from the battlefields in Afghanistan and Iraq and enter military hospitals throughout the United States. As their wounds both psychological and physical begin to heal, these service people often realize that their injuries may prevent them from returning to their jobs--for example--in law enforcement or the military. Recovery and readjustment for them might include travelling down an altogether new career path.
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A Makeup Artist/Stylist: Don't Leave for a Shoot without One.
(With a teeny, weeny exception)
As part of a national depression-awareness campaign, a major health organization brought in a production company to develop a series of PSAs. Two stylists from Creative Management Services were also booked to design the character makeup and wardrobe needed to give the two actors that tired, unhealthy and depressed look.
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Award Winner Anne Schwab
Click image to see video
Press Release
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2007
Washington, DC
Peer Awards
On Saturday evening, October 20, 2007, three hundred talented men and women of the local Washington, DC film and video community donned their dressy duds and attended the 7th annual Peer Awards gala. | |
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Watch our
award-winning video!
Click on image to see the IPV6 video. | |
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| 8 Secrets to Great Event Photography
by Anne Schwab
You've scheduled a live event and successfully recording this one-time event is critical. Capturing the right moments in the right light with the right framing is the job of the accomplished live-event photographer or videographer. But how do you assure you have the right shooter? Your choice could mean the difference between success and failure.
1. Choose a Talented Photographer or Videographer
Most gifted, experienced event professionals have websites showcasing their work. Do you like how the subjects look? Are the angles interesting? Is the work engaging? Compelling? While anyone can hold a $20,000 camera, not everyone exhibits the talent to shoot award-winning images.
2. Check References
A no brainer. Even if you feel pressured for time, check out at least three references over the phone, and if possible, make an appointment to meet the references and review the shooter's completed projects.
 3. The Reel Talent
Along with marketing themselves on their websites, most professionals also have demo reels or portfolios. Make sure the work you're reviewing belongs to the photographer or videographer you are considering. One of my clients found out, way too late, that the professional she hired for her cooking seminar had shown her a demo reel from one of his buddies. The results were devastating and embarrassing.
4. The Right Stuff
Your shooter should be using a high-definition (HD) digital video camera or a high-resolution digital still camera. Unlike a point-and-shoot camera, a single lens reflex camera (SLR) allows the photographer to look through the lens to see exactly what the camera sees; precise focus, brightness, color and framing. Want to learn more about equipment? Contact B&H Photo in New York (www.bhphoto-video.com, 212.239.7500) and speak with one of their experienced salespeople. Or drop by Penn Camera in downtown D.C..
5. Cover Your Back
Make certain your photographer or videographer brings backup cameras, backup batteries and backup sound equipment. And if the budget allows, a backup photographer or videographer. Two professionals shooting from different perspectives and angles can add interest and freshness, and cover more ground. They can be literally in two different places at the same time.
6. Ready for My Close-Up
Shooting a can of corn and other product shots may require hard, strong lighting, but people fare best in soft, diffused light with no harsh shadows. Your professional should choose studio lights using umbrellas or soft boxes to accomplish a flattering light. And have the technical know-how to soften unflattering shadows, minimize sharp features, and eliminate deep, under-eye circles for a more youthful look. It's Norma Desmond lighting, daaahling.
7. Sound Advice
Sound is critical in video and if it's poor quality, your whole video will suffer. To successfully record stationary interviews your professional should use a wireless lapel mic with a safety net of at least two channels of audio. One channel for the wireless mic and one channel for the on-camera shotgun microphone.
8. Makeup Your Mind
No ifs ands or buts, a makeup artist is a must on any shoot, even a conference, panel discussion or wedding. The lights not only render the skin blotchy and greasy; they also can leave your subject wet and shiny with perspiration. A basic makeup application is essential for the camera along with touchups in between sessions.
Knowing all you can about photography and videography will help you make an educated choice.
Contact Anne Schwab or Liliane Blom
at Creative Management Services, 202.333.3560
for detailed information on how to choose
the best still photographer, videographer
and perhaps director, and assure your next live event
is a rousing success.
Remember, you never have a second chance at
a one-time event! | |
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