ON LOCATION with PAUL WINTER

December 2009 was the 30th Annual Winter Solstice with Paul Winter. Having been a fan of Paul’s since the 1980’s, it was really exciting that for the past 2 years we have been taking stills of his concerts.
It was even more exciting to be able to videotape this command performance. We worked exclusively with the Canon DSLRs to shoot video and stills of this performance, accompanied by Canon Technical Specialist, Rudy Winston.

Shot on location at The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine in New York City, this was an amazing, yet quite challenging event to capture. The Cathedral, the second largest in the world, is the length of 2 football fields and about 12 stories high. The ever-changing light, the massive expanse of space and the constantly moving dancers and musicians performing to audiences on 2 sides made for guerilla shooting for a small crew of 4 video shooters plus a still photographer. It was the most fun one could have with a camera!!!

The sneak preview for the upcoming documentary is located at VIMEO. Check it out and please feel free to post your comments.

Winter Solstice: A Sneak Preview from The Phoenix Group on Vimeo.

Here’s what some have said:

“that was awesome. stunning clarity. brilliant framing. excellent use of lighting and action. nice edit. typical great job by phoenix group!”

“That is a very fine - top level presentation! ....the kind of production any network or major entertainment company would accept with no requests for improvement ....”

“Perfect use of light - exceptional control of contrast; compelling delivery of content; you have my attention...AGAIN.”

“I and my family were at the concert where the Phoenix Group filmed the Winter Solstice. They did a terrific job in capturing the festive mood of the event as well as the granduer of the venue, given the limited sightlines and lighting that they needed to work within. I'm looking forward to seeing more video productions from this company.”

“Wow! Amazing use of light. The clarity is unbelievable considering the conditions. The artistry really shines through along with the camera's capabilities.”

ON LOCATION Vincent Laforet in LA

The Phoenix Group continues to up the barre with video documentaries created for the Canon Digital Learning Center.

Canon Technical Advisor Chuck Westfall, Rhonda Dorsett, Cliff Sobel & Catherine Ciapas of The Phoenix Group traveled to Los Angeles to work with Canon Explorer of Light Vincent Laforet, as he demonstrated the features and capabilities of the new EOS-1D Mark IV. They spent 2 days shooting around the downtown LA area, from sunrise to past sundown in order to show the amazing portability and low light capability of the camera as Vince’s production team shot a spec spot for VW.

These DSLRs are now being used instead of traditional video cameras for major productions. Check out the Canon Digital Learning Center and see how cinematographers are using these cameras for feature films, TV shows and commercials. Check out the site and learn why. www.usa.canon.com/dlc.

ON LOCATION with Sports Illustrated Photographer,
Simon Bruty

Gillette Stadium, home of the Boston Patriots, was the site for a Canon Shooter’s Insight for the new EOS-1D Mark IV. Canon Explorer of Light Simon Bruty and Canon Technical Advisor, Rudy Winston went on the football field to test the new Mark IV’s new AutoFocus system while the Patriots and Jets battled it out. It was exciting to be an NFL Pro Shooter for the night. All footage of the Insight was captured on video with the 5D Mark II by Rhonda, stills by Cliff Sobel both of The Phoenix Group.

Check out the site at www.usa.canon.com/dlc

ON LOCATION with David Stoecklein and Canon USA

Rhonda Dorsett, along with Catherine Ciapas & the DSLR video crew of The Phoenix Group and with Canon Technical Advisor, Rudy Winston, traveled to the pristine mountains of Idaho where beautiful running horses, cowboys and cowgirls were captured with the EOS 7D and 5D Mark II for a Canon Shooter’s Insight on the new 7D. Western photographer, and Canon Explorer of Light David Stoecklein, shot images and video to show the capabilities of the new SLR.

All footage and still images for the production were shot by The Phoenix Group on EOS 5D Mark II's and 7D's. The site can be accessed at www.usa.canon.com/dlc

ON LOCATION with Tyler Stableford and Canon USA

Rhonda Dorsett, Creative Director & DP, along with Catherine Ciapas, Cliff Sobel and the video crew of The Phoenix Group journeyed to Moab, Utah to work with Canon Technical Advisor, Chuck Westfall, and commercial and adventure photographer and Canon Explorer of Light Tyler Stableford. Using the new Canon EOS 5D Mark II, Tyler set up 2 full days of shooting, from predawn to dark of night to showcase the spectacular image quality of the full frame sensor camera.

The completed documentary and 7 episodes that further explain new camera features are located on the Canon Digital Learning Center. www.usa.canon.com/dlc

Art Expo at Javits Center in New York City

Artist Rhonda R. Dorsett was a featured photographer at the Canon exhibit for the Art Expo at Javits this week. Her photographs were used to demonstrate the superb image quality of the Canon professional wide format photo printers including the 17”, 44” and 60” imagePROGRAF printers. Her works will be featured at the Photography Marketing Association trade show in Las Vegas later this month and at On Demand in Boston in April.

She is pictured here with ballet master teacher, Peff Modelski of New York City. Rhonda and Peff collaborated on this photo, entitled Pas de Quatre, the first edition of their re-creation of historical dances.

The Pas de Quatre, originally choreographed by Jules Perrot in 1845, was one of the first ballets to be performed en pointe and was performed for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The photo features dancers Elizabeth Brown and Christin Hanna from the New Chamber Ballet of New York City. The New Chamber Ballet performs with live music at City Center Studios under the direction of Miro Magliore, artistic director. For more information: http://newchamberballet.com/