Baptism Event: Moving beyond the music montage

[Les Wilson]

We've done these beach Baptism events for a few years and I wanted to move beyond the music montage genre of stills and video that use simple "word-symbolism". Tried adding MOTS with some success a couple times but it's hit and miss. Was inspired this year with Chris Tomlin's "I Will Rise" to juxtapose cemetery with Baptism experiences for the believer using scripture addressing spiritual vs physical resurrection.

http://www.youtube.com/bocacommunity

[riafekim]

Wow, I almost never watch these all the way through. So powerful. Thanks for sharing!

[Les Wilson]

Thanks for the feedback and compliment...it seems to move the gives-you-chills meter at least in the over 25 demographic ...haven't heard much from the under 25 ... but it's good to know it has some "chill" power beyond the local community.

The cemetery shooting was "heavy" ... I shot it by myself but I didn't "feel" alone ... the Ibis and Mockingbird were NOT planned. http://churchmedia.net/images/smilies/current/wink.gif

[hoosierdraft]

Excellent work Les. I envy the crew that you had to work with.

[dpbrucks]

Excellent work and so meaningful!

[Les Wilson]

Yes...the crew makes a difference for this kind of event. All of them have done it at least twice before. The 3 videographers each have an assignment as do the still photographers. It keeps us out of each other's shots.

Also, we work with the people movers ahead of time so that the participants leave clear shots for our cameras as well as viewing friends and family. Actually, making it clear for us makes everyone enjoy the event.

The event happens so fast that having cameras on everything you need all at the same time means I sit down to edit like a kid in the candy store with high quality shots be they those being baptised, reaction or scene shots. There's one roving videographer with a shot list, a good eye and his own inspiration.

But the one thing that makes it, is that I know I will have a rock solid and great shot of every participant from the camera up on the rig that sits above the waves and has a clear angle no matter how many people are doing the Baptizing. You can see this rig in the credits.

[saltydad]

This is a delightful video. Thank you!!

[johngoble]

Excellent! I'll never hear that song again without visualizing your video. So meaningful!

[Les Wilson]

I know what you mean. i think doing impactful human experience music videos forever change the song for me. I hadn't looked at the YouTube Insight data in a few months... FWIW .... there's a steady 50-70 views per month but churchmedia.net is up there as the #2 or #3 referrer each month ... consistently above Facebook which, I guess is a statement about my social network....LOL