My Take on a Photographer’s Promo Film

Posted on May 11th, 2012

A few months back, Shannon Kaple approached us about doing a promotional film for her. I’d seen a lot of short clips promoting photographers, and to be honest, none of them really reached out and grabbed me. I had someone explain to me that what you “NEED” in a promotional film for a photographer for it to be successful are fast cuts, no audio except laughing, and just shots of the photographer at a photo shoot. Also it needed to be 30 seconds long. I didn’t buy it. I mean, I see the value in a short, fast, fun video, but it’s not my style. I wanted people to get to KNOW Shannon, what her family life is like, and the type of character and integrity you get when hiring her.

So, whether it’s “right” way to go or not, I decided to infuse a little story into it. Our first meetings with Shannon revealed her love for family and moments, special moments, those in-between moments that can easily slip away. Her approach to lifestyle photography is just to spend time with a family and be available to capture those special moments naturally, as they happen, instead of trying to force some moments out in a field, or by a brick wall, or by a stopped train. So I asked shannon if I could approach her promo film the way she would approach a photo session, and just spend a day with her and her family! I loved the idea of what we produced mirroring the very thing that Shannon does, but instead, turn the camera on her. We then started communicate about what makes shannon tick, what is at the core of her that she would like anyone interested in working with her to know, it all came back to her family. We decided to have Shannon write a letter to her girls, allowing her thoughts in that letter to carry the story of this film and communicate some core values so anyone watching can get to know Shannon, what makes her tick, and what makes Shannon, SHANNON.

Categories: Commercial, Thoughts on the industry

A Hymn and some Dubstep

Posted on May 4th, 2012

I spent some time today watching some wedding videos, I haven’t done that for a while. The thing I find that bothers me most when I look through wedding films is the music and audio. I see lots of films that are shot beautifully, great movement, great light, great composition, great moments, but those “greats” are just totally obliterated by bad audio! Without audio, video is just a stream of pictures, but with audio, video becomes an immersive experience engaging multiple senses at the same time. I’ve spent a lot of time the past few years attempting to sharpen my skills as a shooter and photographer; learning light, studying great compositions, paying attention to movement of the camera in conjunction with the movement of subjects, BUT at the same time, i’ve tried to really sharpen my ears.

Music is by far, one of the most important things to me when I approach a film. I’ll spend hours (too many sometimes) to find the perfect music. When I approach a wedding day I want to be hyper-alert to the couple and their personalities so that when I get to editing I really have a sense of what emotions need to be conveyed in the music. I’ll play back footage from the day over many many MANY different songs and pieces of music and audio to see what has the perfect fit. I LOOOOOOOVE the “A-HA!” moment. I love when a piece of music fits a couple’s personality and the emotions of there wedding day so well that there is no arguing it’s is what needs to be in their film.

About a month ago I had the honor of documenting Karey and Stephanie’s wedding in Charlotte, NC, and was just blown away at the amount faith and love that oozed from their day. Both of them and their families prioritized their faith FIRST in the wedding, and I thought it was an extremely beautiful and deeply spiritual emotion that I had to convey when I got to editing their highlight film. Before I was even on the plane back to Denver I knew the song. Sufjan Steven’s version of ‘Holy, Holy, Holy’. I had heard this song a while back and was very moved by it, and had been sitting on it waiting for the perfect time to use it, and I knew right away this was the wedding to use it.

Now something else happened at their wedding that I found beautiful and fitting to the couple’s personality. Right before the reception got started, the minister stood up to pray for dinner and made a short, but beautiful speech. He talked about the Church and about how marriage is not only a gift, but a picture of Faith and true Christianity. He went on to talk about the celebration of marriage and faith, and that this was no time to stay in your seat, this was a time to get up and party (which as you can see, Karey’s grandma even took to heart)!! I truly saw a couple living out there Faith, putting Jesus first in their marriage, and then celebrating with their family and friends like there was no tomorrow, and it was awesome. SO I decided that this needed to be a 2 part film showing both of those aspects, faith and celebration, so naturally, I paired a hymn with some dubstep. :)

Categories: Thoughts on the industry, Wedding Highlight Videos

OEL – Story and Marketing

Posted on April 23rd, 2012

About a month ago we were approached by OEL Worldwide Industries about creating a unique piece they could use not only for marketing their products, but to spread awareness about arc flash safety. I had never heard of an arc flash before, but a quick internet search rapidly dampened my vision-casting of a joyful, upbeat marketing piece. I quickly became aware of the seriousness of this issue and the many people whose lives have been dramatically affected by an arc flash. OEL’s slogan is “Our business is saving lives”. Not only is that true, but the seriousness of that statement needed to be conveyed in this piece.

My goal with any marketing piece is to infuse story into the product. I’m uninterested in shooting a bunch of product detail accompanied by droning facts. I’m interested in people, in stories, and I quickly found out about Mike. Mike has been en electrician for almost 40 years, and in 1985 he experienced an arc flash. Mike is considered one of the lucky ones, although what he experienced was traumatic, it does not come close to the electricians who are burnt beyond recognition, or worse, lose their lives. Since his incident and recovery he has dedicated his life to train others about the seriousness of arc flashes and what can be done not only to avoid an incident, but to protect yourself in case you experience one of these flashes.

*Video contains dramatic footage of actual arc flashes, may not be suitable for young viewers*
**This is the DIRECTOR’S CUT. Some shots do not meet OSHA’s electrical safety requirements**

Categories: Commercial, Thoughts on the industry

Brigitte Nicholle

Posted on March 9th, 2012


About a month ago, my beautiful niece Brigitte came into the world. How could I not take my camera(s) and document the first few hours of her life??

Also as a personal project this year, i’m taking my Nikon f100 with me everywhere and shooting black and white film. It’s just a creative hobby for myself, and really a way to teach me more about light. Here are a few of my favorite shots off the f100 from that day :

Categories: Personal Projects

anna bé Presents // FIVE

Posted on November 26th, 2011

Launched in 2006, anna bé brings a chic and modern bridal experience to Denver. Anna Be has been voted top of the town by 5280, 5 years in a row, “best of” by The Knot, and featured in Lucky magazine as one of the coolest bridal boutiques.

This year, anna bé turned five, and the only appropriate response to such a momentous occasion was to throw a great birthday bash, celebrating with those who have supported them over the past five years, and those who are new to the anna bé family, (believe me, after spending some time with the anna bé staff before the event, and all day with them at the event, they are very VERY much a family!) I was honored when anna bé approached Velare about being the official cinematographer for the event. It was an opportunity not only to archive their special event, but to re-tell the story in a way that will hopefully be packed full of emotion and memories.

My only hope is this video lives to serve the memory of where anna bé has come in the last five years, and be a point in their story that as they move forward, they can look back on with great pride and joy.




FIVE planned by Calluna Events
Cake by Intricate Icings
Staff Makeup by makeup by janine
Staff hair by Mia Nunez / Voila Salon
Catering by Catering By Design
Stage and Rentals by All Events
Music by Soul School
Decorations by By Design Event Decor and Design Works

Vignettes Designed by :
A Touch Of Bliss
Calluna Events
Cloud 9
Couture Consulting
Duet Events
Frosted Pink Weddings
Love This Day Events
Sapphire Celebrations

FIVE was sponsored by :
Calluna Events
Mile High Station
By Design Event Decor
Catering By Design
All Events
The Knot
5280
Couture Colorado

Congratulations anna bé!!

Categories: Behind The Scenes, Fashion

The Power Of Collaboration

Posted on November 24th, 2011

What happens when we explore the power of collaboration? When it’s not all about one person’s vision but collectively seeking something bigger than a single person. We end up relishing in the unanticipated results and yearning for more.

May I introduce, Le Voilier.



For the first time, Velare Imaginarium has collaborated and came up with something different and new. Be on the lookout for more from Velare as we continue to look in a new and exciting direction.

Models : Katie Cooper // Asa Dyer
Photographers : Steve Stanton // John Miller
Film Director : Tim Twinem
Hair and Makeup By : Shelley Kamstra
Dresses Provided By : Blue Bridal
Suits Provided By : Ted’s Clothiers

To see more photos from John Miller and Steve Stanton, CLICK HERE

Categories: Fashion

The Highlight Film, A Bride’s Perspective

Posted on October 27th, 2011

A Highlight Video? Highlight Reel? Teaser? Trailer? Short film? Express Edit? Best Moments? What is it???

If you spend about 10 minutes on the internet, looking for wedding videos, you’re likely going to run across a LOT of different and potentially confusing terminology. Just this morning I took about 2 minutes to browse the Wedding Cinema channel on Vimeo, and came across even MORE labels for these short wedding videos that I had never even heard before! Now I’ve been having a lot of conversations with other wedding cinematographers, and all (including us here at VELARE), have been grappling with the same issues: What do we call this? And what is “This” even? Our Art? Our Product? Our Service? (Definitely another conversation for another time)

So, after shooting quite a few weddings, we decided to call our shorter cuts The Highlight Film, for a couple reasons. We did not like the terms ‘trailer’ or ‘teaser’, because it alludes to the fact that what you’re watching is only prepping you for the REAL film. Now sure, we offer the Extended Documentary cuts of a wedding day, which stand on their own when it comes to emotional storytelling and can certainly tell a longer and bigger story than the Highlight Film, but we also wanted the Highlight Film to stand on it’s own two feet. We feel there is a TON of value in the Highlight Film, not only as cinematic art, but as a piece that is so packed with moments and memories, that for years to come, watching it will call a couple and their family right back to that day, right back to that place and those special emotions that can only happen on a wedding day.

Here is a recent Highlight Film from Andrea and Steve’s gorgeous wedding at Hudson Gardens, and Andrea’s thoughts about the Highlight Film. I loved getting her feedback, and hearing straight from the her about the value of the Highlight Film.


“WOW”….that’s pretty much all I kept saying after seeing our highlight film for the first time. VELARE couldn’t have captured all the important moments of our day any better. People had told us over and over how fast the day would go (which was so true) and this video has allowed us to relive all of the special memories from our day and to see some of the little moments that were missed. It was emotional to watch the video for the first time, but over 100 times later, I still find myself tearing up every time I see it. I know it was a happy day for the both of us, but seeing ourselves during that day in real life video takes it to another level. There are important things during your wedding day that you know take place (getting ready, seeing each other for the first time, walking down the aisle with your father, the first kiss, first dance, cake cutting, etc) but getting to experience all these special moments through video is truly something special. I look forward to watching our highlight video over and over in the years to come, and most importantly, showing our children and grandchildren one day! – Andrea Sykes

Categories: Thoughts on the industry, Wedding Highlight Videos

Perspective

Posted on October 12th, 2011

Perspective has been on my mind lately. That priceless word that somehow encompasses creatively. Far too often it’s perspective that gets tossed by the wayside, perhaps it’s because it’s the hardest to cultivate.

All too often in this industry it’s the same perspective time after time. Same effects, angles, same gear, same everything. Rarely do I see something that’s different, that requires risk to achieve. At Velare, we want to continually challenge the complacency that is far too easy to fall into, and push ourselves to seek a new perspective.

Here’s a short video I just edited that Velare’s Steve Stanton shot a few weeks back in Costa Rica using solely a GoPro camera and head-strap. In Steve’s own words. “I wanted to cultivate that genuine first person perspective with heart and soul”. So he gave the GOpro to the groom, and let the couple take off.



A special thank you to Mark of Blue Ring Media and Ben Zoldan for collaborating on this project and being open to crazy ideas!

Categories: Uncategorized

Rob and Magen // Our First Wedding Film

Posted on September 8th, 2011




I’m currently sitting in a great Denver coffee shop, Bardo, working on a wedding edit from an amazing shoot in Aspen this last weekend, and just started to think about how many amazing things have happened over the last 4 months. Reflecting on all the great experiences and shoots we’ve been a part of, I can’t help but remember our first wedding film. A beautiful wedding just outside of Boulder, coordinated by the great Anahi Contreras from Mountain Occasions, and photographed by Steve Stanton.

This wedding was special for many reasons. Not only was it our first official wedding as Velare Imaginarium, but Rob and Magen and their families were such a joy to work with! We loved the vibe of the little church in Niwot where the ceremony took place, and the downtown Boulder Reception at The Rembrandt Yard.

Things I learned at this wedding : 1. having time to shoot details is so huge! I loved how relaxed the schedule was for it allowed time to shoot “b-roll” of the empty church before the ceremony, and reception details before Magen and Rob arrived. Some of my favorite shots came from just having a little bit extra time to shoot and be creative. 2. Moments, Moments, Moments!! Our goal at Velare Imaginarium is to capture all the special moments from the day, and retell the story in a beautiful and artistic way. At Rob and Magen’s wedding there was truly a bond between all the guests and family members. Every direction we pointed the camera there were family members re-connecting and old friends catching up. It was a marathon of shooting to capture it all… but what amazing footage we then had to share with Rob and Magen of their family and friends enjoying their special day!

Thanks again Rob and Magen for allowing us to document your day. We loved every second of it and look back on it fondly, as it put a marker in the ground for us on this crazy journey we’ve been on.

Wedding Coordinator: Tropical Occasions (Anahi Contreras)
Catering: Greens Point Catering
Ceremony: Ryssby Church in Niwot
Reception: The Rembrandt Yard
Photographer: Steve Stanton

Categories: Uncategorized

Kirsten & Drew

Posted on August 30th, 2011


Ok, you know it’s going to be a good day when the couple decides to take you on a chairlift to the top of a mountain to shoot some footage! This was such a great day (sans the sunburn, worth it though)! Kirsten and Drew and their families were so great and were such a joy to work with. I love shooting those couples who just really are in love and are thoroughly enjoying every second of their special day.

I know on a wedding day, it can be a little hard to pull a couple away from their guests and family, especially at a reception. There’s Uncle Jimmy you haven’t seen in years and your cousins from New York who just want to hang out and talk about life with you! Even with their guests beckoning them, Kirsten and Drew were great to let Steve and I steal them away for a few minutes at night to take them out in the dark with the light and shoot some great stuff! Now selfishly, as a cinematographer, I wish we could have had them out there for a few hours! Shooting and shooting and shooting, but it was so great to get what we did and for them to be willing to leave their guests for a couple minutes for the sake of their photos and video!

Thanks Kirsten and Drew! We had a blast!

Categories: Wedding Highlight Videos
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