18th Street Fashion Show: A Decadent Summer

The 18th Street Fashion Show in Kansas City is the real deal.  I’m constantly impressed by the local designers, stylists, and models that put their talents together to create an amazing display of art and drama along a massive elevated runway down the center of W. 18th Street.

For the past three years, I have had the opportunity to sponsor the event by working as Director of Photography and providing most of the camera resources needed to create the footage for the event’s official video.  This year, I was pleased to have three other Kansas City-based filmmakers work with me to create the amazing footage.  Together, we shot on the Sony EX3 w/ Letus Adapter and Zeiss prime lenses, the Canon 7D, and the Canon 5D MkII.

The footage that we created during the show is another testament to the amazing capabilities of the Canon HDSLR cameras.  I was impressed with their ability to produce high-quality footage in the low-light environments and their ease of use for getting some quick, beautiful handheld shots despite working in some very tight quarters.

Plans are already being made for the 2011 show, and you can bet that I’m going to have the Canon HDSLRs back on the job!

Experience the Canon 5D Mark II Cinema Package

I’ve had the pleasure of shooting with Canon’s 5D Mark II for quite some time now.  Although I initially purchased the camera as an upgrade for the still photography side of my business, it has gradually become a significant resource to me as a video camera as well.

I began using it as a video camera in my business back in May of 2010 when I was given the opportunity to shoot a web series titled “The Wingman”.  It was a brand new show and the look and feel had not yet been established.  I curiously decided to do some research to see how people were using the Mark II and I read many reviews.  To my surprise, people were achieving great success with the camera in a lot of different scenarios.  Without any further doubt, I decided that my upcoming web series would be the perfect opportunity for me to put the camera to the test.

After the first episode, I liked the results from the camera so much that I ended up shooting all three episodes of the web series on the Mark II.  Soon after that I used it for an agricultural video about a creamery in California.  Now I continue to find new uses for the camera with each passing month.  My upcoming shoots with the Mark II include a 30 second television spot for a car show in Kansas City, an agricultural documentary that I’ll be shooting for 3 weeks throughout the U.S., and quite possibly a music video that’s in the distant horizon.

I’m not saying that the Mark II is the camera for all shoots.  That’s absolutely not the case.  But it has definitely become a very useful tool in my bag of goodies and I have enjoyed getting to know it both as a still camera AND a video camera.  If you’d like to know exactly what’s included in my Canon 5D Mark II Cinema Package, please feel free to click here and go directly to my gear list, or you can always contact me directly at shauncloud@me.com.  I’d be happy to answer any questions.

Singin’ in the Rain

Finally, for those of you who like to send me out on location to create amazing still photographs in the rain… I have no more excuses to stop shooting!  The brand that I trust to protect my most delicate video gear has recently created an all new rain slicker for the DSLR market.  Take a look!…

Porta-Brace DSLR Rain Slicker

It comes equipped with elastic openings on both sides of the case so I have full access to all camera controls, while windows provide easy viewing of the display screens and lens points.  This is now part of my standard DSLR Kit because I know that the show must go on… whether rain or shine!

2009 Emmy Awards

“Unreal Housewives of Kansas City”
At the beginning of 2009, I set my sights on finding new and innovative people to work with and projects on which to collaborate.  Before I had even written that goal down on paper, I was contacted by one of the Executive Producer’s of a new web series titled, “Unreal Housewives of Kansas City”.  After viewing their pilot and meeting with the producers of the show, I knew I was hooked.  We began production and were proud owners of a 2009 Mid-America Emmy Award within a few short months!  I’d like to give a very special thank you to Meagan Flynn and Michelle Davidson for making one of my dreams a reality.

“Journey to Sunda”
In the Midwest region, I was extremely pleased when I was brought on by Bridges Media Group to work as Director of Photography on a promotional piece titled, “Journey to Sunda”.  It was a very graphics-intensive spot that offered a lot of challenges and the opportunity to work with some amazing people.

Chief Creative Officer: Christian Robins
Executive Producer: Selina Hood
Producer: Lisa Chung
Live Action Director: Philip Jones
Editor: Mike Russell
Motion Graphics and Compositing: Christian Robins, Mike Kislovsky, Brian McCauley, Jared Willard, Scott Pearce, Caitlin Morris.

I can’t say enough about this team.  They’re both innovative and creative, and I’m very proud to call them my business partners.

10 Secrets to Success

I’ve had the privilege on several occasions to attend the International Film and Television Workshops in Rockport, Maine.  During one of the opening sessions, a speaker shared with us “10 Secrets to Success”.  I thought, “Finally, someone’s going to tell me how to be successful in this business!”  Much to my surprise, his “10 Secrets” were a lot more far reaching than just this business.  His “10 Secrets” are about being successful no matter what you do.

I wish I could give proper credit to the speaker that shared these with me but I never wrote down his name.  I can only say “thank you” here as I pass his wisdom on to you…

10 Secrets to Success

1. HOW YOU THINK IS EVERYTHING
Always be positive.  Think success — not failure.  Beware of a negative environment and avoid it.

2. DECIDE UPON YOUR TRUE DREAMS AND GOALS
Write down your specific goals and develop a plan to reach them.

3. TAKE ACTION
Goals are nothing without action.  Don’t be afraid to get started NOW.  Just do it.

4. NEVER STOP LEARNING
Go back to school or read books.  Get training and acquire skills.

5. BE PERSISTENT AND WORK HARD
Success is a marathon, not a sprint.  Never give up.

6. LEARN HOW TO ANALYZE DETAILS
Get all the facts… all the input.  Learn from your mistakes.

7. FOCUS YOUR TIME AND MONEY
Don’t let other people or things distract you.

8. DON’T BE AFRAID TO INNOVATE; BE DIFFERENT
Following the herd is a sure way to mediocrity.

9. DEAL AND COMMUNICATE WITH PEOPLE EFFECTIVELY
No person is an island.  Learn to understand and motivate others.

10. BE HONEST AND DEPENDABLE; TAKE RESPONSIBILITY
Otherwise, numbers 1 – 9 won’t matter.

The Sony EX3 Is Here!

I’m very pleased to announce the arrival of the Sony EX3 in my lineup of camera systems available for rent.  This camcorder features an interchangeable lens system and delivers stunning-quality HD images in 1080P, 720P, and 1080i resolutions.

Footage is recorded onto the SxS PRO Memory Cards.  These cards are much like the P2 cards available from Panasonic and require a very similar workflow.  Overall, they provide reliability, durability, and expansion flexibility while offering improved performance.

The image that you see here actually includes the Letus ground glass adapter, a lens, follow focus system, matte box, and an HD monitor.  Theses are all additional items that I have readily available for you.

The package can be completely tailored to the needs of your shoot.  Please contact me for more details!

Going Mobile: The Benefits of a Mobile Office

If you’ve passed me in traffic lately, you may have noticed me downloading software to my laptop over my mobile internet connection while driving down the highway… Or maybe you caught me on Chicago’s Orange Line breaking down a script for a shoot in Boston…  Or maybe you called me on my cell and found me shooting a catalogue over 4,000 miles away – not in the Midwest – but in Hawaii!

All of these scenarios are true.  Things continue to develop for me throughout the entire U.S. and Canada.  As a result, I’ve updated my business model and have converted to a completely mobile office.  So, whether your next shoot is in Kansas City, Chicago, or in the redwood forest, I am prepared to be there and serve you with the same quality and consistency as if it were in your own back yard – wherever that may be.

Have YOU considered going “mobile”?After a little thought, it may be something that you want to implement for yourself as well. Consider a few of the advantages:

1. Improve the Environment

With mobile technology, you don’t have to be in a cubicle to actually get work done. Working from home or a nearby coffee shop has the benefit of reducing car emissions… while at the same time increasing happiness.

2. Maximize Your Productivity

Take advantage of those wasted minutes waiting in the doctor’s office or sitting in the airport. It’s amazing what you can accomplish with an extra 20 minutes, and you’ll be amazed at how many “windows of opportunity” you’ll find.

3. Stay Connected

You’ll find that you can communicate with and serve your clients much more efficiently. Transfer important job-related information, respond to e-mails, submit bids… Once you’re connected, you can keep your workflow moving and your clients glowing.And that’s why I have converted to a mobile office myself. I want to be able to offer you the very best of my time and resources and, of course, stay connected. So wherever your next production may take you, I have an office there!

The Great White Cyc: Creating the Look Nationwide

The trend is definitely WHITE.  Clients are always asking me for the “Mac vs. PC Look”.  It’s not so bad creating that look in a studio, but when a client asked me if I could create the look in an office I had to think about it – especially when they said that the office was in a city several hundred miles away!

The first problem was trying to figure out how to get the gear there.  As the plans for the project developed it became evident that there would be many cities visited before the project was over, and not all of those cities would have the proper resources available to purchase and/or rent on site. 

Shipping was not an option both due to unpredictable timing and ever-changing production schedules.  Thus, my gut feeling was to figure out a way to make the system entirely portable.

I began by drawing up plans and setting up an experiment in my living room.  I figured if I could make it work well in the confinements of my house that I could make it work anywhere.  I actually had some really cool material in my shop that I found in a trashcan several years ago that I thought might work as the backdrop.  It was highly reflective and came in rolls that were only 51” in width – perfect for transporting on a plane.

Much to my satisfaction, my in-home experiment worked and I took the show on the road.  I’ve traveled by plane and successfully produced the look for the same client thirteen times in five different cities across the U.S.  Now other clients are asking me to do the same thing.

You’d think it would be pretty challenging getting seven large cases in and out of airports, buses, and rental cars, but I don’t mind it.  That’s why I workout and stay in shape.  I love what I do and realize that part of my job is moving equipment.  Besides, people in the airports see all my cases and think I’m a rock star, so I tell them the name of my band is ‘The Great White Cyc’”!

From Seinfeld to Nickelback: I’m Seeing Stars

I have been working with some very talented people!
As a Director of Photography, I shot my first full-length feature in June ’07 and worked with some up-and-coming actors of the silver screen.  I also shot live performances and backstage promos with musical stars Josh Turner, Mya, and a little band called Nickelback. 

As a Still Photographer, I shot behind-the-scenes and publicity stills for country music artist Craig Morgan during the making of his music video “International Harvester”.  I also shot the cover and other artwork for Dave Parks’ CD “Living an American Dream”.

My personal favorite was having the opportunity to photograph Jerry Seinfeld.  It was almost surreal that our careers actually crossed paths.

When Seinfeld became popular in the ‘90s and I began receiving so much attention because we looked so much alike at the time, I always hoped that we would actual meet someday.  I still can’t believe it really happened.

I’m typically not “star struck” like I was with Jerry, but I do enjoy working with celebrities.  I find it very enlightening when I have the opportunity to work with people who have reached a certain level of achievement and fame.  I love to be able to see them inside their own world.  I realize that they’re not ‘objects’. They’re people.  They have the same kinds of thoughts, needs, and feelings as you and me.We’re all the same, but they have found a way to overcome their fears in order to reach great success.  These experiences have been truly inspiring to me.  It’s time for you and I to come to a full realization that we must not let our fears stand in the way of our dreams.  Rather, we need to free ourselves to pursue what makes us truly happy.