T-5 – Engaging in the next big project
Pipeline Masters 2006 ©Vincent Laforet
I’ve been unusually quiet on the blog because I’ve been in pre-production for the past few weeks gearing up for a pretty fantastic project. I will be filming a short narrative film on one of the world’s top surfers Jamie O’Brien over the next 3 weeks on the North Shore of Hawai’i. Jamie is an incredible talent who grew up on the Pipeline – one of, if not the surfing mecca, and the final spot for the sport’s Triple Crown competition – the Pipeline Masters. I had the pleasure of photographing this amazing sporting event for The New York Times Magazine’s PLAY two years ago – and have been trying to find a way to return to ever since. When Jamie’s manager contacted me the day after “Reverie” was released on the web asking if I’d be interested in collaborating on a project together – the project was very quickly afoot.
Jamie is a free surfer who is forward looking and very focused on the future of his sport and helping steer it back to its roots. He is also a very successful competitive surfer (although that is not his main focus,) and gets to travel the world as he chases the world’s best waves and is keenely focused on producing awesome imagery of his own – both video and stills. Jamie is one of the first surfers to have his own production company. He lives the dream of every surfer, few contests, just surfing and traveling where the waves are best at any given time.
Pipeline Masters 2006 ©Vincent Laforet
As some of you may remember, SmugMug offered to fund my next film just a few hours after “Reverie” hit the world wide web just about 3 months ago – and they’ve more than followed through. I’ve had a few offers for funding – but what struck me about Don, Chris & Andy at SmugMug and led me to work with them on this project – was that they offered to fund my next film right away w/ no strings attached. Their passion for photography – and now video/film – is palpable. I can tell you that getting funding from Fortune 100 companies these days in this market, let alone at the end of a fiscal year, is close to impossible. The fact that SmugMug has honored their commitment during this economic downturn speaks volumes about how well they’re doing and how their company is run. In exchange for the funding, I will be writing regular posts detailing our progress on this blog every day or two starting next week. We’ll be showing some of the best shots of the day (but may keep the VERY best hidden) and quite a bit of “behind the scenes” footage – showing how we’re pulling this off – which should make the gear-heads out there really happy.
I’ve been stalling a lot of my “tech tip” posts and Canon 5D MKII tips – as I just haven’t had much free time at all to be honest – and I can best explain / demonstrate things through the behind the scenes videos that we’ll be filming throughout – they’ll be an integral component of this production. So it’s a safe bet that you’ll want to check in daily. I’ve been playing with quite a few prototype toys lately from a number of sources- and I think that many of you are going to love some of the stuff I look forward to sharing with you.
SmugMug is the only sponsor of this project – but we also have a lot of support from quite a few great companies. A lot of these companies are providing me either with technical help and/or loaner gear - in exchange for my feedback on how it works with the 5D MKII – a camera that has the potential to have a very interesting influence on certain segments of the video/film industry. I will also be giving quick demos of the gear that I find works best for this camera and the emerging DSLR video market for all to see on this blog – so if you’re wondering what else you might want to buy or rent now that you just received your 5D MKII – stay tuned. I’ve been researching and testing gear in preparation for this production for more than 11 weeks now.
Pipeline Masters 2006 ©Vincent Laforet
The companies that we’re getting support from include: Apple, Avenger, Bogen, Canon, Eizo, Formatt, Gitzo, Gossen, HD Cinema, Kata, Lastolite, LitePanel, Manfrotto, Marshall Electronics, Profoto, RedRock Micro, Steadicam, Tangent Devices, Tiffen, and RED.
I know a few of your may pause at this – but the point that I think needs to be understood that the Canon 5D MKII does quite a few things you can’t do with a RED and vice versa. One thing a lot of people seem to be missing on many of the message boards/threads that I’ve been reading - is that while the 5D MKII is truly a game changer on many levels – it like any tool – has its pros and cons, advantages and limitations – as does the RED or any other camera for that matter.
This production is not about playing favorites or alliances – but about finding the best tool for specific tasks – which is something that I’ve always lived by. The Red One will serve a number of special purposes – specifically to shoot at 120 frames per second. I’ll also be mounting Canon glass on the RED with a special adapter (more on that soon) - including a Canon 800mm 5.6 that will be the equivalent of an 1280mm on the RED once you factor in the 1.6X conversion factor – I can’t wait to see what it looks like to see Jamie surfing on a 1280mm lens at 120 fps at 2K!
For the die-hard Canon users, or people who think I’m leaving the non-hollywood-budget filmmakers/videographers/photographers behind – don’t fret – we’re going out with FOUR 5D MKII cameras… and I’d be a fool not to leverage the small size, price and weight of the 5D MKII – not to mention it’s incredible performance in low light – on this production. We’re having a custom underwater housing built for it by Ikelite – as well as bringing in a radio-controlled helicopter that can carry the camera and control it as it flies hundreds of feet above – or just feet above the ground… this is going to be exciting. I’ll be detailing every step of the way as we go – as well as all of the gear / software / workflow as best I can. For now let your imaginations run – I know I am.
Aloha!
p.s.: for those of you who are waiting for more information on the internship – I will be announcing more details about a paid 3 month spring or summer internship following the conclusion of this production – likely in mid-late January. As I’m sure you understand – I will be focusing on this upcoming project exclusively over the next few weeks.
This is right up my ally, I’m a Kiteboarder myself and have a great love of all things watersports. Any word on when the L.A Fire footage will be out ?
Cheers
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Vincent Laforet Reply:
December 19th, 2008 at 1:56 am
@Justin, are you referring to the aerial of LA fire? That footage will be awhile – we stayed away from the flames btw- too dangerous to fly w/ the little prep time we had… and focused on this project exclusively at this point
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Justin Reply:
December 19th, 2008 at 7:04 am
@Vincent Laforet, yeah that’s what I was refering to thanks mate….
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Incredible. I can’t wait to see the end product and everything in between.
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I knew it ! I knew it …. ! Before Christmas, we will get some more footage. Thanks Vincent.
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I hope that you try and get some underwater footage. I just loved the underwater shots in step into liquid. They had some good aerial shots as well. Underwater baby
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Vincent Laforet Reply:
December 19th, 2008 at 1:57 am
@Stoney Vintson, in the works…
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You know what really makes you the most inspiring Photographer, to me?
What ever you do, you seem to do it with all you heart and passion. That pushes me to try different things and to become a better photographer.
Lennart
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Vincent Laforet Reply:
December 19th, 2008 at 1:57 am
@Lennart Wiedemuth, Great to hear thanks – I’m having a blast myself and if you can share in that on this blog or even better on your own – that’s awesome
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I’m super excited about the upcoming posts and envious that while I’m stuck in freezing cold England, you’ll be on a nice hot beach in Hawaii!
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Vincent, this is truly exciting, I can’t really find the words to tell HOW incredibly exciting this whole thing is. Coun’t me in for checking the blog 4 times a day, can’t wait to see whats coming!
Besides that great project, i really have to state once more how exceptional your work is. Not only your results or the way you get there, but also the way you communicate, to customers and young talents as us, who read your blog daily and suck up every bit of information we get. I already learned so much and got so much motivation to continue with what i do.
Thnx for everything vince! once again, haha
and good luck in hawaii!
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Really looking forward to the behind the scenes stuff. This whole project sounds very exciting.
I didn’t know the RED had a 1.6 crop factor with the EF adaptor; that would actually be pretty handy with all of the EF-S lenses available now.
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Vincent Laforet Reply:
December 19th, 2008 at 1:58 am
@Levi, played w/ the adapter today – pretty amazing…. more about it soon – has Iris AND focus control – very very slick
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Hey Vincent!
I can’t wait to read up on this project! <3 RSS!
But please, please, don’t keep the super best to yourself!! On a side note, I have just purchased the 5D mk II.
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Nice to see you experimenting with sport, one of the more successful markets out there!
Does this years’ release of the D90,5DII,and RED, mark the beginning of the end for manufacturers producing ‘video-only’ and ‘still-only’ units. Where will Hollywood go? Camcorders, the first product line to be ‘gone-zo’?
:ADL
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Vincent Laforet Reply:
December 19th, 2008 at 2:01 am
@Aaron Leclerc, Great questions… was a the Academy of Motion Pictures of Arts and Sciences today discussing this very thing… they seemed really really impressed with the quality of the 5D MKII…. it was projected on a 15-20 foot screen and I was taken aback by the quality myself…
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Wow, I’m really looking forward to some footage! Will you do more of those film projects in the future? Do you think the working field of photographers will expand with those new possibilities of capturing video footage, blurring the borders between photo- and videographer?
Btw: Could one apply for the internship already, or are there special requirements possible interns have to consider?
Greets
Geri
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Vincent Laforet Reply:
December 19th, 2008 at 2:02 am
@Gerfried, More to come on the internship in mid Jan-Feb…
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I wish you were working on the project a month later, as I will be on the north shore for the entire month of February. I hope the surf picks up for you guys, it seems to have gone pretty flat since the Pipe Masters final last week. Also hope the water clears up from all that rain. Good luck with this one. Can’t wait to see the updates.
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Vincent Laforet Reply:
December 19th, 2008 at 2:03 am
@meatface,
jamie and co are watching the waves…flat now – looking good in the future… stay positive!
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Vincent, this blog cover image of the surfer and the water is one of the most incredible images I have seen all year. Thanks for sharing it.
*steve
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cant wait to see the outcome on this…
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I envy you!
Can’t wait for more of these posts, especially behinds the scenes stuff. Keep up the awesome work Vincent!!!
http://www.edstonephotography.com
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We’re certainly following your tips and exploits over at the 5d wiki
http://planet5d.com
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Hei Vincent,
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Hei Vincent,
I would be willing to get immersed in an unpaid internship during the Pipeline project as long as expenses could be covered. Any possibliites?
We met at the Mt Laurel seminar.
Aloha…Peter
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Vincent Laforet Reply:
December 19th, 2008 at 2:04 am
@Peter Cohen, we’re good for now – if there is a good local talent – pls contact me directly… want to keep the crew mobile – but open to help and local expertise.
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Shooting surfing is my job. I love reading your blogs about stuff outside the surf industry, it’s inspiring. Your coming back to the North shore, thats awesome! I have been over here (Nshore) covering the Triple Crown and I’m pretty good friends with Jaime. I’ve done some surf trips with Jaime and he’s a hard worker and very photogenic. Let me know if you need any help with the water shots, consulting, etc. David Schloss was hanging out with me too. David did this interview with me while he was out here about a week ago…. http://www.apertureprofessional.com/showthread.php?t=21911
Thanks, Jeff Flindt Senior Photographer Surfing Mag , Aperture Certified Trainer
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Vincent i’d like to be apart of this project. I could possibly convince my sister to be apart of this project. She is arguably the most famous surfer on the planet. http://www.bethanyhamilton.com/
aloha, Noah Hamilton
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Vincent Laforet Reply:
December 19th, 2008 at 2:08 am
@Noah Hamilton, Just sent you an e-mail – v
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I am so Jealous! Great time to go to Hawaii BTW. Cannot wait to see the results, surfing and photography, two of my favorite things! If you get a chance, check out some of the great radio, KAPA radio is a fantastic Hawaiian radio station, it will most definitely get you into Island Style.
Mahalo,
Bry
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I also wanted to note that I live here in Hawaii and possibly wouldn’t need accommodations. I’m familiar with the 5D video capabilities after testing it out on a loan from Josh Senseri Canon Pro Market Rep.
I’ve worked production on both music video’s as a coordinator and tv show’s as a camera assist and P.A.
I’d be willing to even work as a P.A. Though swimming in the water is what i do.
http://www.noahhamiltonphoto.com/
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Awe man perfect timing! I will be in Hawaii North Shore next week breaking in both of my 5D Mark II’s. While we’re there, you have to let me buy you a Matusmoto Shaved Ice. http://www.matsumotoshaveice.com/ I would love to go over 5D camera optimization for video, lighting, helicopter shooting setups with you if you have any free time.
By the way, thanks for Reverie. I was so inspired I bought 2! I have only shot with the 5D’s once (last night) but am more excited about shooting with them than my Sony EX3′s!
Mahalo!
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Poor Vince probably doesn’t have enough time
to get back with everybody.
Clearly, the man must be a hard worker
to be so busy.
?
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Vincent Laforet Reply:
December 19th, 2008 at 2:26 am
@Patrick Yen, huh?
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Patrick Yen Reply:
December 19th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
@Vincent Laforet – I’ve been waiting for you to get back to me. Never got any response so I assumed you’ve been busy.
Or perhaps you just have nothing to say.
You have received my emails right?
Also, I don’t know if you remember,
but you said you would contact me about those workshops.
Again, haven’t heard anything.
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Hi Vince, I am the Reuters photog here in Hawaii. I specialize in underwater work as well as action sports. I am tied up until January 1 as the pool photog for Barack Obamas vacation visit but hopefully will have some free time after that. I am a cinematographer as well and have some video links on my website. I am sure that you have eveything squared but if you need anything on Oahu give a ring.
Aloha,
Hugh
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Vincent Laforet Reply:
December 19th, 2008 at 2:31 am
@Hugh E. Gentry, e-mail sent
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Heya Vincent…
As an avid surfer, photographer, and marketer; you are quickly becoming a hero of mine… Thank you for your passionate pursuit of learning and experience… You inspire!
-Eric
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That sounds incredible. I’m looking forward to see more of this project here on your blog.
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Vince, awesome! Vid with jamie o’brien sounds awesome. hopefully i’ll bump into you while you;re on the island. Too bad cory lum is in japan. I’d really like to buy you a drink or two sometime!
aloha // cheers
-kent
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Vince,
The Reverie video is amazing. As a serious amateur looking at a 5D MKII, how difficult will it be to approach the quality you achieved? Of course I won’t have access to helicopters and much of the pro level equipment and skills you have, but how much of the video quality can I get without that?
Any tips on a minimum equipment set for serious amateurs would be greatly appreciated. Of course the 5D MKII and a couple of good lenses is a given, but what would you consider must haves beyond that while keeping the total cost under $6K? Or under $10K? (I’m figuring the 5D kit with the 24-105 IS at $3500 is part of the $6K or $10K, so that leaves $2500 or $6500 respectively for microphone(s), lights, stabilizers, etc.)
Thanks,
Chris
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Vince,
Howzit going …would love to talk with you about the project. I have been shooting the RED from the water all triple crown and would love to be involved with your project. you can check out my web site at prickettfilms.com
please drop me a line if you have a moment……Aloha Mike Prickett
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Your videos got me all excited to upgrade to the 5D2.
I’ve been shooting in europe/Iceland and I have been having troubles with lights flickering which I was afraid of with 30fps. I hope Canon will think of the 50hz majority and do an firmware update
I did some macros (100mm f2.8) from my fishtank which came out really nice even with a bit of flicker.
Daytime: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKoVn6fzsN4&fmt=22
Nighttime: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzUGEfz6aRo&fmt=18
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Awesome project…..good luck
don’t think you will need the “1280mm lens” for pipe unless you want to see Jamie’s nose hairs but it’s always fun to have the biggest lens on the beach!!!!!!
It’s great to see some heavy hitters in the surf photography industry comment on your blog….Flint, Prickett, etc……..
Can’t wait to see what you produce…..keep up the great work and thanks for sharing…..
Ryan
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Ikelite builds great scuba diving housings. But if you need a real dedicated hardcore housing for getting in the waves to shoot surfing you should check out Del Mar Housings in San Diego.
http://www.delmarhousings.com/
I am doing design work on their housing for the 5D MKII. It is going to be bombproof.
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Noah Hamilton Reply:
December 23rd, 2008 at 5:51 pm
@Paul Gardner, Has Erik got his business skils under control, i hear he’s got several law suits filed lately for non-delivery. This has been going on for all to long. His new website looks good, i like the structure of it.
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Paul Gardner Reply:
December 23rd, 2008 at 7:14 pm
@Noah Hamilton,
I can’t speak for his business skills and have not heard about any lawsuits. He has a new guy working for him handling the business end so I hope that is helping. As far as I know he gets them out the door. Erik works insane hours a week building those things one at a time by hand. I had no problem getting mine, same goes for all my buddies that have bought them. I am just helping him out with some pro-bono engineering for a new housing that will be easier for him to make. Should take 3 hours to put together instead of 30. I thought I would throw his name out in the mix to try and help him get some more business. Lawsuits or not, his housings are killer and Erik is a really great guy trying to carve out his niche in a really crowded surfing market. That’s all I can speak for. Feel free to send me an email if you want to know more of whats going on at Del Mar Housings or drop Erik a line. I am sure he would love to talk all about it.
Vincent, sorry this is a little off topic.
Paul Gardner
http://www.paulbgardner.com
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Wow, looks like it will be a great project. Also really neat that you’re doing it with the support of a company like SmugMug. In this day and age it is so great to see companies funding projects for reasons of passion rather then financial gain and greed. Looking forward to seeing some of the footage from this, it should be a winner! Thanks for taking on a project of this nature and showing how you are doing it.
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Wow great project. And amazing Ariel photos of surfers !
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Awesome, should be a great project.
Cant wait to move there myself, pulling up roots in norcal for the Big Island this May!
Im very interested in the underwater housings you might use for the 5d II.
Ikelite has one for around $1600, but there are some guys in San Diego making
a more universal type housing with a pistol grip & just a few key functions.
More sports shooting oriented then the 2 handed ikelite.
The RC helicopter shots should be pretty sweet as well.
Cheers & have fun,
Duane
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Hello Vincent…I have a canon 135 mm f2.0. The problem that I have is when I use the lense with video in canon 5d mark II, the lenses never use f2.0, always 5.6. I don´t know wich is the problem, Thank and really good work.
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Hey Vincent,
Beautiful footage!!! I’ve enjoyed checking out all that you’ve done with the Canon 5D, really beautiful shots, well done. Got a tech question since you probably know more about the 5D than most.
I’ve gotten some drop frames in HD mode, not all the time but occasionally. Do you ever get them? What brand CF card and speed do you use? Does the 300x matter for HD??
Thanks bro!
You’re using that camera like it’s supposed to!!! Remote helis, underwater housing, steady cams, legendary!!!
Thanks,
Will
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Stunning images. Always interesting to see how a shift in perspective can create such almost linear pattern features. CG
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Vincent, am interested in what appears to be a small Marshall monitor that you mentioned was new, cannot find anything similar on their website do you have a model number? am a great fan of your work.
Cheers.Colin Allison
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Hello Vincent! “bravo” for your beautifull work
mailing from Reunion Island….I think that your are making a very artsitic work…full of what we all love in surfing.
I think that it is a “spiritual view” of this “so love way of life”
Sorry for my froggiz way of writing…but my soul is made of this stuf to!.
Laurent
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Hi Vincent your Jamie O’Brien videos are amazing! Can you please upload the Jamie O’Brien videos on YouTube so more people can watch and comment about them? You will get more exposure and views if you use a YouTube account. Thanks, Henry
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