October « 2008 « COASTLINE STUDIOS REFLECTIONS

Archive for October, 2008

On the Radio!

October 28th, 2008 by John under Videography

If you have some free time tomorrow (Wednesday 29th) around 9:30am I will be on the radio talking about wedding videography. I will be on 88.5FM WGVU here in Grand Rapids, or online at this link if you want to listen online from elsewhere in the country.

If you miss it, fear not… I’ll post the MP3 of the interview on my blog … or better yet my website with some video to go with what I’m talking about. Of course it may be a while before I have time to put together another video, but when I do I’ll be sure to update you, or at least get the MP3 posted in the short term. : )

Posted in Videography | 2 Comments »

Nikon D90 HD Video Test

October 25th, 2008 by John under General

In preparation for a HUGE wedding I have next weekend, I went out and purchased the new Nikon D90 for its HD video capabilities (and to use as a secondary / backup camera when shooting photography). I thought about getting the D300, but the D90 was cheaper and offered HD Video while still having the same processor and sensors as the D300…

I should also note (especially for those photographers out there who may be curious) that I wanted a camera with a DX sensor so that I could throw on my zoom lenses and get that extra reach … and I also have some DX lenses (like my fisheye) and so having a DX camera as a 2nd camera made more sense than a D700 for that reason as well.

Anyway I will report more on the D90 in a bit as I have to go make a video for Holly… more on the d90 later! Until then… enjoy this sample video footage

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And for anyone with a desire for a SUPER LARGE version… check out this link for a high quality version… and be patient as it may take some time to load. Also keep in mind this is still compressed, and does not truely represent the quality possible with this camera.

Tags: Nikon D90 HD Video Test
Posted in General | 3 Comments »

Lexi Fix

October 21st, 2008 by John under Family

I took a few pictures with my family not long ago, and thought I’d put a few up her of Lexi for all those wanting a “Lexi Fix”. : ) Amy, Lexi, my parents (Don & Kris – a.k.a. PaPa & Mor Mor to Lexi) and I went up to Rockford to enjoy the colors … and on the way home (after getting some ice cream of course) Lexi was having a riot swinging between my parents. Just look at that expression!

For those who may not know, my parents moved here in the spring from San Jose, California after being there since 1978 (in the same house). Needless to say its not easy moving across the country after that long, but the summer has been great since we live so close now. Of course they love being able to see their grand daughter on a regular basis so that has helped ease the transition.

My dad actually works for me now which is really cool. He’s done everything from filming a play, helping me filming a wedding, helping edit a wedding, making picture slideshow videos, 35mm slide scanning, and VHS to DVD conversions. It’s been a dream of mine to work together with him someday, and we get a long great which I know is a blessing. I’m sure if you bump into me at future plays, weddings or other work related tasks, you’ll meet him eventually, so be sure to say hi if you do. : )

Start Slide Show with PicLens Lite

Posted in Family | 2 Comments »

Workshop Wrap Up

October 20th, 2008 by John under Photoshoots, Workshops

We had 9 wonderful photographers join Jen, Holly and I as well as a special bonus showing from Ryan on last Friday’s 1-day workshop. I enjoyed getting to know each and every one of you, and I can’t wait to see all of your blogs and websites with all your new images!

I didn’t really shoot very much as I took a one on one approach this time around and focused on specific techniques and technical troubleshooting. But I did manage to squeeze in a few shots. Here are my highlights from the workshop. : )

We started the day with some Q&A time getting to know everyone and then we quickly transitioned into a maternity session. Holly and my former client Brooke graciously volunteered to model for us and rocked it!

Then we jumped over to the JW just after lunch and were joined by some new models.

Here’s a fun behind the scenes shot. : )

Then we went outside and were joined by yet another round of new models.

I think these next 2 shots are among my favorites from the day.

What a blast! It felt like we were moving so fast the whole day with so many models and locations to squeeze in… but we pulled it off. Even the weather held out for us which was awesome! It’s hard to beat a day talking photography and shooting with your friends. I can’t wait to do it again!

Start Slide Show with PicLens Lite

Posted in Photoshoots, Workshops | 6 Comments »

Ema & Sophie

October 15th, 2008 by John under Photoshoots

My good friend and fellow college foosball champion, Topher, asked me to take some shots of his daughters today… so we hopped on over to the Meijer Gardens to had some fun together. We’ve talked about doing a photoshoot for a few years now, so it was nice to finally get one done! : ) While I don’t really do many kids sessions, I thought it went really well and we all had fun in the process! Here are a few favorites…

This is “Em”, the older sister…