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Helping you look & sound great!

Apps to make life easier

11/5/2019

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Business Dropbox - worth the cost for the ability to share humongous files and always have everything everywhere. Even if you use something else for online storage, having mobile access is great for keeping a folder of frequently-used manuals, brochures, and such.

Everlance mileage tracker app. Some like MileIQ. Nothing beats efficiency when you can hand over a travel log to your bookkeeper.

Zoom for video conferencing. Screen sharing is your friend. Doesn't get more effective than that.

What are some of your favorite apps of productivity hacks?

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What's a downstage monitor?

10/10/2019

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Well, it's a monitor on the front of the stage or IN front of the stage typically used by the presenter so they can keep better eye contact with the audience.
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Some thoughts on Presentation Graphics

9/3/2019

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Powerpoint, Prezi, Keynote. Whatever you use, the key to remember is that YOU are the attraction, not the graphics. There are many Top10-type blogs out there about creating slides. I'll toss in my thought that there are primarily 2 types of presentations: Motivational & Educational. Yes, they can be intermixed, but the type of content you create is for different audiences. And how you share that content is important. 

In the motivational world it is paramount to keep your slides brief (2-3 words), include photos, and completely remember they support YOU. 1 slide per 2 minutes TOPS. 

In the educational realm, using dense content is usually necessary. Where the issue arises is with the wrong technology and poor preparation.

Picture yourself in the audience of the last meeting or conference you attended. Could you see the slides? Were you distracted by them? Was it frustrating? I see many spreadsheets included on slides; it's not necessarily bad. But do you have large enough screens for your audience size? Did you provide printed copies to the audience to follow and take notes? Did you send the presentation to them to open on a device? You can be a hero for doing these things and the last 2 have nothing to do with your AV budget.

Is the presentation being recorded or streamed? That viewer has the benefit of the image being full-screen. Up close and personal just for them.

So go out there and make good slides! And feel free to talk to your AV tech. They really are there to help you be a success!

Did you notice my text is black and not some shade of gray?
 I find it easier to read, and I leave sites that think trendy is good for their reader. I'm gettin' old (er). Make it easy for me. Read about the grey/gray spelling debate.
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Great sound is a team effort

8/21/2019

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For all you aspiring VO talent out there or hosts or guests on a podcast, or a live presenter...

I realize this photo was part of an ad, but please don't wear jewelry that will make all kinds of distracting noises. Bracelets will clank and bang on a desktop, jangly earrings will make noise, a necklace will rub, and they're a no-go with lav mics if I have a say.
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Some of these noises are forgiven if there is video attached because the viewer/listener understands where the noise is coming from. Take away the visual and the aural experience is diminished.

This goes for you too, guys. Take off the watches and rings. That clanking on the desk or lectern will reduce your listener's attention - it's just as bad as feedback at a conference.
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Capture those brilliant starbursts!

7/4/2019

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Here's a few tips for capturing those brilliant starbursts...

Charge your batteries
Format your memory cards
Use a tripod
Pick a spot to see the whole display

Use manual mode
Auto white balance should be fine or you can try the flash or daylight/bright sun setting
No flash
ISO of 100 or 200 will reduce noise in the image
Aperture of f8 - f16; the larger thenumber the fewer focus issues
Shutter speed 1/30 to 4 seconds (depends on the above 2 settings as they work in harmony)
You'll need to VERY GENTLY depress the shutter without shaking the camera. If your camera can WiFi to your device you can remote-depress the shutter. Or you can use a cable release.
Vibration reduction off (not good for tripod use)
Use the first few shots to set your focus

The EXIF data for the above image: 24mm lens, f4, ISO 400, 1/20 exposure, handheld

Here's more from B&H Photo.

Be safe. Know your surroundings. Have fun! But don't miss the show looking at your camera!
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We’re taking Final Focus into live event video!

6/3/2019

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Thank you for a great 27 years in corporate video production! During this time, you awarded me projects that accounted for 70% of my business. The remaining 30% came from working with you to produce live audiovisual work, such as conferences, seminars and events.

Over the years, I discovered that live event video’s 30% was actually giving me 70% of my fun!

As a result, going forward I am referring corporate video production to a partner company that is responsible to me for your satisfaction. That will allow me to focus 100% of my service on what brings me – and, hopefully, you – the greatest joy: live event video.

Live event video delivers a very big bang for the dollar. It’s highly efficient and cost-effective. With it you can reach the people you care about the most – clients, customers, prospects, partners, members and employees – at the locations where they are eager to learn the most about you.

When you plan to communicate directly with the people who matter the most to you, trust us to be right there with you in resorts, hotels, conference centers, unique venues, or even your office.

Contact me, and we'll grab a coffee, beer or wine!

Keeping you in our lenses,
​Steve

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    Steve Kownacki

    Some thoughts on AV stuff, presentations, and useful things. How can I help you? Ask a question and hopefully my 30+ years experience can lend a hand. 

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