This is an update to give a little more depth to the last completely underground Cenote TTD session.
Technically, this kind of session really can push the equipment to the total risk. We ended up tossing a Pocket Wizard Multi Max in the drink on this session. I never really liked that Max, too many buttons to push on the front. I'd find myself shooting and having brushed against it. Just a few clicks can get you back to real life, but sometimes those clicks on the Max aren't too fun when time is flying by.
Here is my strobe underwater, shot with an overexposure of 2 stops. The flash was set to 1/4 power in this frame. Housing max depth 12-15 inches. Magenta Gel on flash.
*wanna learn how to light like this? Read www.strobist.com

Gracias to Rodrigo for his sacrifices here.
Some of my favorites:
I took the flash out of the water. Rodrigo aimed the flash at the ceiling. From this perspective, the reflection of the blue is WICKED.

Sol Tamargo had mixed in another strobe in the background, gelled RED. This room was so big that we actually had the flash set up around 30 feet away, in another open area in a back room.

With our hot lights on her and the humidity underground, Standing in this location elevates the core temperature, big time.

This one really lets you understand hot "steamy" the groom was for the bride... they went to 65 degree water. Look at this steam coming off him as they were waste deep in water.

Lastly, Sol finishes this off with more red / blue sexy mix.... I love the reflections.

THANKS for stopping by. Inspired by this, please tell us your comments.
Cheers,
matt
Surfed in randomly. Love this. It’s a great use of stills and videos together
OH, I did notice the frame with Victor was shot without a tripod.... Honestly, is a Steadicam necessary for any moving shot. I don’t think so. I’ve watched hundreds of documentaries and enjoy the style of free shooting, i guess its all a style thing.
I use IMOVIE… i’m by no means pro… I’m learning Final Cut Express. Video shot with a Sony HDR-SR11 Handycam. Used sony’s wide angle lens converter for the VID. No filters. thanks for taking a peak!
Cheers!
matt
Matt,
Congrats for your anniversary!
Great shots!
I’ve got few questions for you…
- What video editing tool are you using for HD? Premiere?
- Did you switch lenses on these recordings? If yes. What is your kit?
- And last, what filters did you use if any?
Thanks
THANKS everybody for stopping by to wish us a happy anniv :) WE are loving life and enjoying our time in this crazy career where people actually pay us $$ to take photos.
For the one negative comment about “sticking to what I’m good at” and “use a steady cam” etc…
FYI, all video in this project was shot on a tripod. We used still motion with our 5d’s (old school version) and shot nearly 350 frames for the walk down to the beach....
I think a steadycam is a nice tool for those who need it, however, we are not needing one. We do plan on continuing to shoot video with our new 5d II’s, once we get them. And, I do imagine that we will continue to mix media and keep pleasing our clients. BUT, we appreciate your concern.
OH, the final 25 seconds with the moon rise was shot over 750 frames for about 45 minutes on Tripod. We combined them for a movie sequence to get the rising of the brightest moon we had seen in a while.
Our bud Mark Adams recently turned us on to the still motion technique…
Cheers!
matt
happy anniversary sol and matt! beautiful video. al cielo was a great place to remember your wedding weekend. and sol, you even had the same flower. happy holidays.
Better to stay away from video… You need a Steadicam or shoulder mount for your 5D mk2. Taking video needs a lot of official training and knowledge. If you just mount 5D mk2 still for video without moving… it’s the same as photos. My advice is doing what you are good at and get a Canon XH-A1S and Steadicam setup.
Super awesome! Well done, keep up the good work.
Crash
One year already. man. You guys are insanely awesome. Love coming here for inspiration.
Great video, I loved the stop motion part, it was awesome, the pictures were great, and I loved the finale ! Did you used a SLR for the final video ?
Thanks for sharing, it’s amazing :)
Hey Guys, I’m reading and watching ur blog since a long time now. I really like ur pictures and especially how u present ur stuff here on the page. This time i feel like commenting bc i can not only compliment u for great pictures but for great pictures, a fantastic video and a good choice :) Nice Place. Nice Work! Congratulations from germany!
I LOVE the video… wish I had more time to do something like that. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!
I can’t believe it has been a year already! Dang time flies.
I loved the time laps shots at the end :)
Congratulations to your first year! Beautiful place.
Happy Anniversary to 2 of the sweetest people. ;) You video is amazing!
Happy Anniversary!