Conjostudios, LLC

Review of the ProAm 250 Camera Jib

noreply@blogger.com (Conjostudios, LLC) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 01:27:00 +0000

I just purchased the ProAm 250 Camera jib. I've used it for two days on a studio shoot using the 8ft length.

It's a great little jib for small cameras, extremely easy to assemble and operate.

The kit came with the standard 8ft arm, plus the 4ft extension for a total possible length of 12ft.

It also came with a tripod stand, 7 in monitor, cabling for camera controls, and mounting gear.

I had to add my own weights for counterbalance, which was fairly simple to do.

I used it in the 8ft. configuration, and needed about 18 lbs of counterweights to balance my Panasonic DVX100B camera, cabling, and accessories.

To fine tune the balance I improvised with 5-6 AA batteries taped to the back end of the boom. These had just enough weight to really get an accurate balance.

The jib worked very well for the shots we needed to get. It's a little awkward (probably a learning curve for me) to use the camera tilt function, it works well, but is not the smoothest thing. I'll likely purchase a motorized head for better camera movement controls in the future.

Overall, I'm thrilled to be able to add it to my gear list, and look forward to using it more in the future.

Conrad

back into blogging mode

noreply@blogger.com (Conjostudios, LLC) — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 02:54:00 +0000

I'm back...really. It's been far too long since I regularly wrote something for this blog.

OK, I never was very regular, but I want to.

So, over the next couple of weeks, I'm going to TRY writing something every day.

This will mostly be related to video production: tips, ideas, reviews; etc. Occasionally I may diverge into a rant, if something's really worked into my craw...

I'm not sure what a craw is, but I think you understand.

So, for today's video production tip:

Always set up your white balance every time: use that handy little toggle switch on your camera if you're working in two different lighting environments. Yeah you can always "fix it in post." But do yourself a favor and save yourself the editing time - Lord knows editing is time-consuming enough - taking a little more time in production will lessen the frustration of fixing it in the editing bay.

That's it for today... until next time, keep rolling tape, or collecting pixels if you're all digital.

Conrad

Watchmetry

noreply@blogger.com (Conjostudios, LLC) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:53:00 +0000

Check out my new web presence athttp://watchmetry.magnify.net/
It's a site linking you to hundreds of extreme sports video clips...
Pass it along!

June 14 Ride - 31 miles

noreply@blogger.com (Conjostudios, LLC) — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 13:33:00 +0000

Friday, June 13 Morning Bike Ride

noreply@blogger.com (Conjostudios, LLC) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 11:05:00 +0000

Crystal Fountain Loop
Find more Bike Rides in Emmitsburg, Maryland

Morning Ride

noreply@blogger.com (Conjostudios, LLC) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 10:58:00 +0000

Here's a map of my ride this morning: 12.5 miles. Rolling Hills. Nice early morning ride.

Riding

noreply@blogger.com (Conjostudios, LLC) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 12:11:00 +0000

Took a 12.25 mile bike ride this morning, through the mountains. Uggghhh...

That's the second time this week. Saturday was the first time.

I'm really wanting to get out at least every other day to ride. I feel so much more alive and ready to challenge the world when I do this.

Plus it's just simply good for the ol' ticker. The mountains are always a challenge...

Check out the Map My Ride link:

http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/md/emmitsburg/632968857656

4987 Linganore Dr. Monrovia, MD

noreply@blogger.com (Conjostudios, LLC) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 02:47:00 +0000

Chinese disaster

noreply@blogger.com (Conjostudios, LLC) — Thu, 15 May 2008 12:20:00 +0000

What should the US response be to the earthquake tragedy in China?

How will this disaster affect the Olympics this Summer?

Leave your comments....

Screening our Short Movie

noreply@blogger.com (Conjostudios, LLC) — Fri, 09 May 2008 19:20:00 +0000

Tonight's the night... our 48 hour film is complete and will be screened tonight in Silver Springs, MD.

For more info visit- http://www.afi.com/silver/new/nowplaying/events.aspx#48hou

Hope to see you there, cheering us on!

Conrad Weaver

Conjostudios, LLC

"We'll make you look good"

www.conjostudios.com

301-606-7794

conradweaver@conjostudios.com

DC Madam Commits Suicide in Florida

noreply@blogger.com (Conjostudios, LLC) — Fri, 02 May 2008 11:57:00 +0000

Are you surprised that the DC Madam (Deborah Jeane Palfrey) would commit suicide? Ok, I don't know about you, but something about this story sounds really strange.

1. According to her mother, there was no sign of suicidal thoughts/tendencies.

2. No drugs or alcohol involved - according to the police report.

Let's look at the possibilities for her:

1. Ok she spends 6-8 years in prison, probably a lot less, out on good behavior.

2. She'll likely have TONS of offers for a book deal, TV show, movie.

3. She'd make MILLIONS on this. Money, after all was why she ran this operation. Surely not for the sex.

4. The list of clients alone could be worth MILLIONS.

5. There's no more reason to keep the list private, or is there?

Someone out there: someone rich, powerful, and well-connected doesn't want his/her name revealed. What do you do when you have access to anything, and potentially

could lose it all?

You put her away. Make it look like a suicide. Hide all evidence of foul play. Of course it's been done before, someone connected to the rich and powerful "commits suicide" before they can reveal the truth about those rich and powerful people.

I don't believe for a moment the DC Madam committed suicide.

But, unfortunately for her, just like many other stories connected to the rich and powerful, this story will fade away...after all, she was just a hooker.

Yeah, a hooker with the names of some of the most powerful people in the world in her little black book. Come on, give me a break.

Things I've learned this week...

noreply@blogger.com (Conjostudios, LLC) — Fri, 02 May 2008 03:57:00 +0000

1. Always plan on a project taking longer than you originally think it will take.
2. Having allergies and living in Maryland don't go well together.
3. NiQuil gel caps will give you a hang-over. (but the good night's sleep is worth it.)
4. Always check your deposit slips before you complete the transaction...
5. Always get your clients to pay at least half up front.

It's been a busy week.... and now, maybe I'll get some sleep.

Luxury living becomes available in Hagerstown

noreply@blogger.com (Conjostudios, LLC) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 20:18:00 +0000

This four bedroom, 2 1/2 bath custom built Colonial welcomes you into the elegant and inviting open foyer. With hardwood floors, upgraded trim, tray ceilings and more this home was built with quality in mind.
The gourmet kitchen awaits even the most picky of chefs with upgraded appliances, granite countertops and plenty of space to create those cullinary delights.
Entertain your guests in the formal dining room featuring tray ceilings Double crown molding, chair rail accents and plenty of room for a large table and accessories.
Just off the kitchen you’ll find a large family room where you can enjoy an evening of entertainment and on those cold winter nights the gas fireplace will make this room a cozy gathering place for the entire family.
On the second level you’ll find 4 bedrooms, including the spacious master suite. This private retreat features tray ceilings, his and her walk-in closets, dual vanities, a separate shower, and to top it all off a luxurious jaccuzzi tub.
Other features that sets this home apart are laundry facilities located on the upper level, beautiful paint schemes, gorgeous chandeliers, accent touches, and a party sized deck. A two car garage and a full walk-out basement finish off this home.
This beautiful custom built Colonial style home located at 11400 Collier Ct. In Hagerstown, MD, was built with the discerning home-owner in mind.
Call Darren Ahearn today for a personal tour. Call 240-344-1713.

The Key to Running a Successful Business

noreply@blogger.com (Conjostudios, LLC) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 17:26:00 +0000

On my trip to NAB in Las Vegas, NV this past week I picked up a copy of the New York Times Bestseller: "Setting the Table" (Published by Harper) written by Danny Meyer. He's the owner and founder of eleven tremendously successful New York establishments. His first restaurant, Union Square Cafe earned Zagat Survey's #1 ranking as New York's Most Popular Restaurant for an unprecedented seven years.
The premise of the book is exactly what I've been wanting to establish for my company, Conjostudios, LLC. That is - stellar customer service at all costs! When one treats the customers with utmost respect and dignity, they will come back and bring their friends.
He says: "Virtually nothing else is as important as how one is made to feel in any business transaction. Hospitality exists when you believe the other person is on your side." (p.11) I'm a firm believer that if you treat your customers above and beyond what they expect, they will be yours for a long time.
The book is a breath of fresh air in a business climate that encourages bullying, selfishness, and greed in order to get to the top. I get so disgusted with TV shows like The Apprentice and others which make a sport of beating up the other guy using cutthroat business practices. I agree with Danny Meyer, hospitality always wins. It may not always be popular, but in the end, it will win!

That's how I want to build Conjostudios, LLC. That's what I want to be known for: hospitality. Ok, I know I'm not a restaurant, or even have "Brick and Mortar" shop. But, whenever I'm in the presence of a client: whether it's a production meeting, on a shoot location, on the phone, or even communicating in an email, my goal is to communicate that I care-that I get them, that I'm on their team, and that I will always do things with excellence! That's the key to running a successful business.
If I can accomplish these ideals, we're in for a good run! Check back with me from time to time, ask me if I've been practicing the principles of hospitality with ALL my clients. It's good for me to know you may ask me!

Danny, if you happen to read this, I'd love for you to ask me! And thanks, by the way, for writing what I've been thinking about for a while.

My Last Day at NAB in Las Vegas

noreply@blogger.com (Conjostudios, LLC) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 17:20:00 +0000

Today is my last day at the NAB convention in Las Vegas. I've enjoyed learning and discovering new tools and ideas that will help make my video productions better. My favorite session was on tuesday with Leesa Barnes, author of Podcasting for Profit

She taught us some of the secrets for getting listed high in Google search results. I thoroughly enjoyed her interactive style and look forward to purchasing her book.

The ideas she had for promoting a business online seem to be quite simple, yet effective. The best part is that most of the things she recommended doing are FREE. My next step is to put into practice as many of the concepts as I can so that I can become a leader in the industries I'm targeting.

More on this later... now, on to exploring the exhibit halls for the last time.

Conrad

At NAB in Las Vegas

noreply@blogger.com (Conjostudios, LLC) — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 22:24:00 +0000

I'm at NAB.... National Association of Broadcasters in Las Vegas this week to learn, connect, network with people in the video world.

It's my first time at NAB so it's a little overwhelming. The Convention Center is HUGE, and there are thousands of exhibitors and even more thousands of attendees.

I've met some nice people, even saw people I know.

I'm learning about all the things I DON'T know about video.... and learning a lot too.

Today I mostly walked the exhibit floors...miles and miles of exhibit floors....

I'm taking in a session this afternoon that focusses on social networking.... web delivery, etc.

I'll let you know tomorrow if it was any good.

Tomorrow I have a full day of sessions, classes, and more walking....

Plus there is a cool networking event late tuesday night...that's where I hope to really connect with some people.

Conrad

DC Fasionista Spring Preview

noreply@blogger.com (Conjostudios, LLC) — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 01:38:00 +0000

From the March 11 DC Fashionista Meetup held at "The Park at Fourteenth" in downtown Washington DC.

Working at home.

noreply@blogger.com (Conjostudios, LLC) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 22:22:00 +0000

I'm now well into my second week of complete self-employment!

Wow, so this is what is looks like to have all the pressure on you to make the business run.

How scary, and how exciting. The first week was very busy and exciting; making connections with people, networking, building my reputation out in the business community.

I landed a couple of contracts and have several more in the works.

It really is a faith-walk. Trusting God that He will provide. I know he will, and he already has!

Until next time... peace to you.

Conrad

Conjostudios, LLC - Client Testimonials

noreply@blogger.com (Conjostudios, LLC) — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 18:08:00 +0000

Quoted from http://conjostudios.com/testimonials.html:

Conjostudios, LLC - Client Testimonials

FROM AOBA
"I would like to express my pleasure and great satisfaction with Conrad Weaver and his company, ConjoStudios LLC, for the video they recently produced for my Office Building of the Year (TOBY) Awards program. The end result was a product my organization is proud to present at our meetings, and will be shown throughout the mid-Atlantic region within the national organization. Additionally, Mr. Weaver and his staff were pleasant, professional and responsive throughout the entire process. I look forward to the opportunity of engaging Conjo Studios again when the need arises."

Pamela R. Oeler
Director of Special Events
Apartment & Office Building Association

Last Week at FCF

noreply@blogger.com (Conjostudios, LLC) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 02:47:00 +0000

This is my last week of my full time employment at FCF Church.

It's been nearly six years that my family and I moved to MD from Colorado. During these six years we've grown in many ways, and I've launched our new company: Conjostudios, LLC.

FCF Church is growing, averaging nearly 1500 people in two Sunday services. I've enjoyed my time here, but it's time to move on to the next phase of our journey.

I'm excited that conjostudios, llc is where it's at today... I'm ready for it to blossom into the successful company that it can become! I'm excited that I get to do this.

I can't wait until Monday!

7809 Bradley Blvd. Bethesda, MD

noreply@blogger.com (Conjostudios, LLC) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 23:53:00 +0000

Here's the latest video tour I produced.

This property is presented by Metro Homes Collection : http://metrohomescollection.com

Piedras Negras, Mexico

noreply@blogger.com (Conjostudios, LLC) — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 23:00:00 +0000

Here's the promo video I produced for New Covenant Church in Piedras Negras, Mexico. Pastor: Abner Rodriguez

Current Projects

noreply@blogger.com (Conjostudios, LLC) — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 11:16:00 +0000

Just finishing up a project for AOBA.

Project title: The TOBY Experience

18 minute video for building management companies who are interested in applying for the TOBY Awards.

Paid for by Securitas Security Services, USA

Urbana High School Dance Recital

A very cool show choreographed by Stephanie Weigelt.

Order your DVD at conjostudios.com

Music Video for Kadosh

A band in Piedras Negras, Mexico

Watch this site for its release.

Upcoming gigs:

Urbana High School Spring Dance show

TJ High School Spring Musical

Frederick & TJ High School Graduations

Etc. Dance Studio Recital

I promise: "I'll make you look good."

From the Missions Trip

noreply@blogger.com (Conjostudios, LLC) — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 14:34:00 +0000

Good morning from Jourdanton, TX. For the past couple of days I have been in Eagle Pass, TX and in Piedras Negras, Mexico. I spent several days there working with a church based in Piedras Negras, shooting some promotional videos as well as a music video for Esteban .. the pastor's brother who is a musician.

I'll be in Jourdanton, TX the rest of the week with the church team. I'll spend the next couple of days working on editing the videos I shot in Piedras Negras.

We're returning to MD on Saturday.

I'll keep you posted.

Big News

noreply@blogger.com (Conjostudios, LLC) — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 02:26:00 +0000

Well, we made a decision. We decided that we need to take the next step in running Conjostudios, LLC.

Yes, I'm going to go part time with my job at FCF Church. Beginning some time in February, I'll take a part time position at FCF in order to begin running Conjostudios and growing our presence in the community. Whew! That's a big one, but one that I know if right for us.

All the pieces are coming together; I'm becoming known in the community; the phone is ringing; and we have a peace about this decision.

Around late March we'll re-evaluate our situation, and if things are working out, I'll leave my position at FCF and go full time with the company.

WOW! That's pressure! I think it will be the best thing for me, for my family, and for the church.

So, here goes!

Conrad