achammar Loc: Idaho

A question about what I should keep (and give to client), or not to keep/give.

I took 3 brief videos with my camera at a wedding for the first time. Nobody knows I did this but I've been practicing inserting real video into slide shows and they are pretty cool so I wanted to try it for this wedding slide show. I used a tripod and 2 of them turned out very nice. The third one would portray a very memorable part of the wedding where the brides father is speaking to everyone and I know the bride would just love it! The problem is this particular video focused on the background, and the father is slightly out of focus... not much, but noticeable. Would you give this to them knowing they would love the capture (it is very good and emotional), but also knowing the father is slightly out of focus... I'm torn... What should I do?
Thanks everyone!

GW Loc: Idaho

This would depend on not how much they would like it but how you want to portray your work . If no one else would see it is one thing but if a prospective client would .............Good Luck...

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

Tough call. I was taught to NEVER show anything that needs an explanation or an excuse. As a purely amateur thing, sure - give it to them. If you are holding yourself out as a professional, I would erase it immediately!

achammar Loc: Idaho

Thanks GW and CaptainC... Yeah, I know to get rid of stuff that's not very near perfect, and that's what I've done for a long time. This particular video is just so very good as far as the content, and I know they would love it. I really aim to please and only try to give only professional stuff. I'm kind of making a decision between giving them an extra good memory they would love forever, or extra good quality, but not both... which way to go... I'm leaning towards not showing it from your guy's comments so far. But I asked this question for your opinions, and to help me make the best decision here.. I know I probably mull over small things too much, but this is one of those things that I'm having a little trouble with making a decision.
Thanks!

GW Loc: Idaho

Maybe you could do some affects so that it looks deliberate...

achammar Loc: Idaho

That's a good idea. I have quite a bit of experience with photo editing, and some with video but not that much, but I know focus can't be fixed, and I understand that making a constant change all the way through a video is difficult... but I don't have a lot of insight on that, so maybe with the right software, I may be able to apply some kind of effect or something, and it will be easier than I may think. I am going to look into that. I didn't think of that, but if I can fix this video in some sort of way like that, than I will do that... Thanks for that idea! I'll keep you posted.

PattyBWest Loc: Jacksonville, FL

Show the couple this particular video and explain that you know it is slightly out of focus, but beccause it was so moving, you want to give them the choice of it being included in the slide show you are preparing. They might like to have it separately just because...... or they might want it included because it is Dad speaking. Sometimes being absolutely perfect is not so important as having the perfect memory.

greg vescuso Loc: Ozark,Mo.

Would they know who shot the videos if they just showed up in the mail one day with no return address and no explanation? Just thinking out load..

achammar Loc: Idaho

That is sooo true.. you understand my dilemma... That's why I asked for opinions. This couple could have a very good memory in quality that in my opinion is not that great but if they didn't have it, they would never know it was ever there, but they deserve this memory and could potentially be a plus for me, or a minus for me depending on how they perceive and talk about it. Every couples memories are important. I want to give them every one that I can.
Thanks for our opinion... When this thread is exhausted, I hope to be able to make a decision on which way to go... every one of you will help with that... Thank you!

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Perhaps you could put together some images of the father with and without the bride (slide show style?) and run the audio as a sound-over.

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

The more I think about this the more I think you should give it to them. Explain the issues. Apologize for being a klutz so they know YOU know it could have been better. If it is as good as you say, they should have it.

jdubu Loc: San Jose, CA

Yes, give it to them, with the explanations already stated.

From a personal point of view, if there were a video of your parent on the most important day of your life speaking from the heart... technical issues not withstanding, you would want that regardless. Finding out that such a recording was erased and you never had the opportunity to say yes or no to it's existence...

MagicMark

You could also just use the sound track with still photos for the video part. That way there's no "out-of-focus" image to look at.

Jetmutant

You could just use the voice content with a series of slides ..FWITW I wouldn't give out of focus to anyone. That's just me though.

georgevedwards Loc: Essex, Maryland.

Give it to them. Their happy memory is more important. We don't have to let our wallets rule everything. The history of photography is filled with inferior technical examples that are now treasured...especially the early days of photography. Really crummy photos are worth a lot of money because they caught a moment in history. The first photos in existence look like mistakes now but people kept them, and we are all glad they didn't throw them out because they were inferior technically. I can understand some pros would not ever show something that may have an imperfection. But, many people have old photos of their ancestors, like in the 1800's where the photograph was pretty blurry compared to todays standards, some even touched up by amateur artists to give more definition. I, as an artist and photographer, seeing them framed and prominently displayed, keep to myself that I think they look cartoonish or even a little grotesque, they are proud and priceless family heirlooms to the owners and their relatives. Just go to an antique store and see what I am talking about.