Sweet 16 delema: Just when I was starting to feel a bit more comfortable and confident taking pictures (Still have a ways to go), the women in my family (Wife, daughter, and...

Cookie223 Loc: New Jersey

Just when I was starting to feel a bit more comfortable and confident taking pictures (Still have a ways to go), the women in my family (Wife, daughter, and granddaughter) want me to take videos of her upcoming Sweet 16! Since I didn't want to ruin this once in a life time event by taking bad pictures, I suggested they hire a professional to take pictures which they did. However he will only be taking pictures, and my wife and daughter want me to video the event! Needless to say I'm in a total panic hoping that I'm not biting off more than I should. How different/more difficult will taking a video in a Disco type event, compared to taking pictures?

I have a Canon 7D MK II, a EF 50mm 1:1.4 AF/MF, EF 24-105L 1:4 IS USM, EF 70-200 1:2.8L II IS USM. I also have an Canon EF 1.4 III extender, and a 580 EX II speed lite. Since the venue is indoors (Night club setting) with flashing colored lights, the greatest distance I'll be from the entrance, and other party activity will be about 75' or less, I think the one of above lens will suffice. I also have a sturdy tri-pod.

Now all I need are some suggestions that will give me a chance to video some decent footage.
Your help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks Cookie

AlanD Loc: TC, MN

Reminds me of the time I was asked to videotape my nephews high school graduation... I got up to speed on the video camera, but somewhere along the line I lost synch. I did a wonderful job interviewing guest, and all. But when we played it back—when it was on I thought it was off and when it was off it was on. Needless to say... I got many active shots of peoples feet and not too many of the graduate.

Cookie223 Loc: New Jersey

AlanD wrote:

Reminds me of the time I was asked to videotape my nephews high school graduation... I got up to speed on the video camera, but somewhere along the line I lost synch. I did a wonderful job interviewing guest, and all. But when we played it back—when it was on I thought it was off and when it was off it was on. Needless to say... I got many active shots of peoples feet and not too many of the graduate.

Alan, That's just one of the things that could go wrong!

I'm wondering why I'm not getting any alerts that members are responding?

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

Cookie223 wrote:

Just when I was starting to feel a bit more comfor... (show quote)

If you are the shooter, you are absent when the video is shown.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Cookie223 wrote:

Just when I was starting to feel a bit more comfor... (show quote)

Cookie, My advise, hire a guy to do the video and enjoy the party.Less stress plus you can be part of the party. My 2 cents.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Best advice:
Start taping now and see what error you make.
Correct, start taping again.

Basically, practice, practice, practice.

Oh, and as a 'thank you' to your wife, follow her around the house and video tape HER...

Real Nikon Lover Loc: Simi Valley, CA

Agreed! Be a part of the celebration not the cameraman. Life is too short. I have shot 4 family weddings and they all turned out great for me being an amateur. However you will not see me in any photos other than ones my brother took at one wedding. Practice makes perfect. Each camera is different and each lens is different. Throw in lighting and composition and there is a recipe for a host of goofs! Party on.

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

Cookie223 wrote:

I'm wondering why I'm not getting any alerts that members are responding?

Because you're posting when good Hoggers are already in bed or are still getting drunk ?

From the nature of your question, it doesn't appear you're ready to transition from stills to video.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

Are you near a professional camera shop? There are pieces of equipment that might come in handy. For one, a frame to mount that camera on so you aren't hand holding the camera. Be sure to get a good microphone to attach to your camera. You can also attach a monitor to the frame so you're not having to look through the viewfinder or trying to get a good view from a small LCD display on the back of the camera. You should be able to get good advice on how to put this equipment together.....and rent it. If there's not a camera shop, check for video rentals. Also, you might need a light to attach to the frame as well. The rental place should help you out.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Cookie223 wrote:

Just when I was starting to feel a bit more comfor... (show quote)

I'm an accomplished photographer and could shoot any event at any location. From a wedding to the Olympic games.
Yes, I've done a bit of video and have some of the best DSLR's for video.
BUT I don't have a steadycam or similar. I don't have any remote microphones nor do I have any remote sound recording devices or the skills to edit video or even the program for it!
So I know just enough to record just a little better than a cheap looking home video!!!
Even a high school kid taking video production could do a better job than me. You're probably way better at it than I am!!! LoL
Good luck
SS

Cookie223 Loc: New Jersey

davidrb wrote:

If you are the shooter, you are absent when the video is shown.

Thanks Dave.

Cookie223 Loc: New Jersey

PixelStan77 wrote:

Cookie, My advise, hire a guy to do the video and enjoy the party.Less stress plus you can be part of the party. My 2 cents.

Stan, That would be the best way to solve the problem.

Cookie223 Loc: New Jersey

[quote=Rongnongno]Best advice:
Start taping now and see what error you make.
Correct, start taping again.

Basically, practice, practice, practice.

Oh, and as a 'thank you' to your wife, follow her around the house!

Ron, I like your style! I’m going to start from the moment she wakes up👹

Cookie223 Loc: New Jersey

Orange Krate wrote:

Agreed! Be a part of the celebration not the cameraman. Life is too short. I have shot 4 family weddings and they all turned out great for me being an amateur. However you will not see me in any photos other than ones my brother took at one wedding. Practice makes perfect. Each camera is different and each lens is different. Throw in lighting and composition and there is a recipe for a host of goofs! Party on.

This suggestion is sounding better & better!

Cookie223 Loc: New Jersey

So I know just enough to record just a little better than a cheap looking home video!!!
Even a high school kid taking video production could do a better job than me. You're probably way better at it than I am!!! LoL
Good luck
SS[/quote]

Thanks SS, I really doubt that I can even come close to what you can do with a camera.