This time it’s your turn to teach me… I used video on my Canon 5D MKII – the high resolution video.  Well my subjects were cute as you can see, but it looks like I was trembling.  It was very shaky.  Also, the quality not that great.  It took me a few tries to learn how to focus better with it so one video is blurry and one a little more clear.  The sound quality is lacking and I am thinking I need an external mic for video.

So if you want to hear Ellie and Jenna sing some Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus, watch these.  Or if you want to help me take a quick peek and then leave a comment telling me how I can:

1. get better sound quality, less background noise and wind, etc
2. get focus more consistently crisp
3. have the video less shaky – tripod is an obvious answer but what if I am just out and about and no tripod available?
4. any other tips shooting light video with the Canon 5D MKII
5. if you have shot video with your professional SLR I would love to check it out – feel free to share a link in the comments too

I got to thinking today about “bribery.”  When I photograph my kids I often use bribes.  I have found them harmless – whether it is a dollar or a piece of candy or somewhere I promise to take them…  It works (well usually it does)… And they cooperate so I can get some cute shots.  This way they feel something is “in it for them.”

In terms of others besides my twin girls, I occasionally bribe all of you (to comment, to vote, etc) – ok – maybe bribing is too harsh a word, but I offer discounts, codes, prizes, contests.  And it is more effective when I do.  I get more comments and more interaction when I have a prize or drawing (as a rule anyway – let’s see what happens with this post since there is no giveaway).  Most other sites I visit are the same way. People often need a little incentive – not just kids but sometimes adults too.

So I got to thinking, do others bribe their subjects? What do they use to bribe? Do you thinking bribing is wrong?  I want to put a post together about bribes from the data I collect in these polls and comments. Please be open, honest, and blunt.  I do not expect everyone to feel the way I do.

Please vote in the poll – and then in the comment area – write why you never bribe.  Or if you do, what types of things do you use for bribes (ie. candy, toys, etc).  Do your bribes ever turn into “the photography?”  For example, “I will take you swimming if you let me take some photos?” or “We can do X if you give me a few minutes to take a few pictures?” 

Also make a note who you bribe – kids, family, friends, seniors, pets, etc.  If you never bribe, what do you feel are more effective ways to get your kids or other subjects to participate in getting their photos taken if they are uninterested?  I will share the results from this in another post in a few weeks.

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Below is an example of my bribing my kids and their friends.  They wanted to get in swimsuits and play in our master bathroom tub (in February – middle of winter).  So I said., “sure, as long as I can take some pictures…”  Do you feel that is wrong? Is it festive and fun? The parents of the other kids were sure glad I did – they loved the shots. But I know some may feel you should let kids be kids. Speak up and let me read what you have to say.

I just discovered this fun program.  I had to share it with you immediately.  It is an independent program that makes quick and fun collages from your photos – in a number of set shapes or in a custom shape. The best part, it is free.  Plus you can save as a psd and edit in photoshop later. To download Shape Collage, go here.  Make sure you do not have a busy day lined up because  you are going to want to play!

The heart collage at the top of this post was made in 10 seconds with all the getting ready shots from my sister’s wedding that I took.  I literally popped all 100 something in there and bam – done!

Here is some info for you and some screen shots from their site.  You may click on these to go to their site too. Once you create some shape collages – come back here and post a link to them in the comment section.