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Copyright 2009 Spoken Image llc All Rights Reserved

I shot this during the annual lady bug swarm here in the mountains above Boulder Colorado. Mostly meant to be a chance to play with new cameras while spending time with my son.

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Song is Dandelion Wine by Gregory Alan Isakov from the album This Empty Northern Hemisphere. Copyright 2008: Gregory Alan Isakov, used with permission.

You can buy his music here:

itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=316335828&s=143441
  • Gill R 2 years ago
    An incredible sight, beautifully shot! The toddler is absolutely delightful and the sense of wonder on their face is magical.
  • Antonio Segura 2 years ago
    Spectacular images, smooth video, greetings from Seville
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  • The Laughing Stoic 2 years ago
    Beautiful! I had no idea ladybugs swarmed like that.

    Wish I could see it firsthand.
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  • *The Highway Girl* 2 years ago
    Beautiful Michael! Sigur Ros is such a nice touch too. You know where I live now in the South, I was dismayed to find out lady bugs bite!
  • Michael Ramsey plus 2 years ago
    Thank you Samantha. You moved?
  • Antonio Segura 2 years ago
    Spectacular images, smooth video, greetings from Seville
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  • Ron Coker plus 2 years ago
    Michael, Stunning Result.

    Could you share your work flow for both cameras. Of interest to me. (My Edits FCP) Thank you.
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  • Michael Ramsey plus 2 years ago
    Thanks Ron.

    Both were edited in an HQ prores sequence. (I first transcoded the 5D footage in Compressor to pro res at 29.97). Then I cut the piece and sent it to Color and did a simple primary grade to just sharpen and dial in the contrast that I liked. The EX1 footage was a little under saturated because of my picture profile so I had to bump that up a bit. Lastly I used Magic Bullet Looks to slightly soften the clips with a diffusion filter. The next step will be to find picture profile setting in both cameras that will help me match the looks in camera. I hope to do this soon at GW Hannaway, a local post house that has proper monitors and a testing facility.
  • Ron Coker plus 2 years ago
    Michael, Most interesting. Thank you.

    We are running the same equipment. Keen to track your progress & results. Cheers.
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  • TheMuc 2 years ago
    that is by far one of the coolest things i have seen to date. gotta love nature.
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  • Mark Rigler plus 2 years ago
    wow!
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  • Karen Abad plus 2 years ago
    Great shots!
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  • King Learie 2 years ago
    Those Icelandic Popsters must surely be proud that you've added a 5 dimension to their sound, send them a copy they will be more than chuffed! I carried a single ladybird back my garden on my bicycle so I could capture it on video but it buggered off while fixing the tripod! We have swarms that fly across the English Channel and settle on the beaches as they are too knackered to fly further....
    I added to the inappropriate W A T E R channel because I like it and I like your eye.
  • Michael Ramsey plus 2 years ago
    Thank you King. Thanks for adding me, I too like water
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  • Brönnimann 2 years ago
    the world conference of ladybugs :)
    never seen something like that. thanks
    greetings jörg
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  • Will Santos 2 years ago
    Really nice shots! Thanks for sharing!!
  • Michael Ramsey plus 2 years ago
    thank you!
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  • C. White 2 years ago
    Where was this taken? It's absolutely amazing! Never seen them in such concentrated numbers.
  • Michael Ramsey plus 2 years ago
    In the mountains above Boulder, Colorado, in the States. I am still trying to sort out why and what is going on.
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  • Gavin Owens plus 2 years ago
    Kids and ladybirds. Perfect!
    Nice shots man.
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  • andreco 2 years ago
    nice!
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  • Wow! I love how your focal point is continually changing! Breathtaking!
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  • noshoes 2 years ago
    Wonderful!
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  • Kyle Hance 2 years ago
    So incredibly beautiful!
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  • Adam Simmons 2 years ago
    This is a seriously beautiful video-- nature is so wondrous.

    Thank you for sharing this with us.
  • Michael Ramsey plus 2 years ago
    Thanks Adam. That it is.
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  • Tim Rice 2 years ago
    very crisp images and smooth depth of field.
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  • Iris Inbar 2 years ago
    that´s one brave kid :D
    amazing capture, incredible..
  • Michael Ramsey plus 2 years ago
    hah, yes he is, thank you. he doesn't know it yet, but the next one i ask him to be in will involve polar bears
  • Iris Inbar 2 years ago
    haha! Can’t wait to see that one ;)
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  • François Dormoy 2 years ago
    A really great shot !! The choice of the music was the right choice. Having a child to play in the scene gave a strong ambiance that I like. Which parts of the shot was taken with the 5D? I presume close ups, since it it pretty hard to make these close ups with the EX1 unless you have close-up adapters?
    Your clarification would be most welcome!
  • Michael Ramsey plus 2 years ago
    Thank you Francois. You are correct, most of the close ups were the 5D. All shots of my son were EX1, and the two final shot; the long rack focus and the last were also EX1.
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  • John Paul Perez 2 years ago
    great stuff bro! i love this camera, i recently did a video with my son and this camera, check it out!
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  • Jeff Gammons plus 2 years ago
    Fantastic video! The detail is amazing!
  • Michael Ramsey plus 2 years ago
    Thanks Jeff. I highly recommend the Ex1 or Ex3. For most applications, the footage is indistinguishable from other Cine Altas and other much more expensive cameras.
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  • robbie conaway 2 years ago
    Just incredible.
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  • CocteauBoy plus 2 years ago
    Wow!
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  • Jared Levy plus 2 years ago
    I love using rack focus but am having a hard time achieving such a smooth transition. I have a follow focus but that first initial moment of movement never seems to be perfectly smooth. Any advice? This was simple and great!
  • Michael Ramsey plus 2 years ago
    Can you tell me which follow focus you are using? I can tell you what I know...
  • Jared Levy plus 2 years ago
    I have an indiFocus system. I know you pay for what you get and this is certainly the budget follow focus.
  • Michael Ramsey plus 2 years ago
    Jared, I'm not familiar with the indifocus kit. I have a rather inexpensive one too: Redrock follow focus. Ideally of course, you would have an AC to pull focus for you... if not, all i can say is try to mount your camera so that the weight is centered so you have no additional wobble from the lens. and, these less expensive kits seem to have a little extra play in them, try to turn the gear until the "slack" is gone, then start to rack the focus. You'll have to pick up your focus in the edit after the remaining rockiness. And..so you know, the long rack focus at the end was just the EX1 without the 35mm adapter or a follow focus, just real slow and gentle. bonne chance!
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  • Chris Lively 2 years ago
    beautiful shots!
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  • Benjamin Schmanke 2 years ago
    great job michael! loved the simple color grade, music choice, edits & shots. well done. (the shot at 1:01 when the lady bug flies right past the camera is perfect. nicely timed cut as well.)
  • Michael Ramsey plus 2 years ago
    Thanks mate.
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  • Mirko Lalit Egger 2 years ago
    perfectly combined video & music!!
    beautiful... ^^
  • Michael Ramsey plus 2 years ago
    Thank you very
    much.
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  • Nerys 2 years ago
    Holy crap not only is it an amazing video compilation but that kids eyes are simply breathtaking. Is that true to reality color? I have never seen such blue eyes!
  • Michael Ramsey plus 2 years ago
    Pretty much. I only played with the contrast essentially. His mom is lovely.
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  • Antonio Segura 2 years ago
    Spectacular images, smooth video, greetings from Seville
  • Michael Ramsey plus 2 years ago
    Thank you very much.
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  • Espen Jakobsen 2 years ago
    Love the shallow depth of field, good choice of music too
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  • great one!
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  • Henry Thomas 2 years ago
    that was way powerful
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  • Dan DeGloria plus 2 years ago
    Wow, excellent, great shot at 1:02
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  • Molly Lorenzo 2 years ago
    This is lovely (and also horrifying).
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  • Josh Pabst 2 years ago
    Very nicely done.
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  • François Dormoy 2 years ago
    Its a pity we could not see anymore your clip. Did you disactivate it?
  • Michael Ramsey plus 2 years ago
    No. I replaced the music as I couldn't track down the rights for the Sigur Ros tune. The new music works well I think. It seems that I im in a long line for re-posting??
  • Michael Ramsey plus 2 years ago
    Up now
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  • Carter Smith 2 years ago
    How did you come across this? man, I've only seen a couple in my life so far.
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  • Sarah GUILLAUME 2 years ago
    Thank you Mickael!!!
    I love the mixing of Technics and Poetry... Very nice to see!!! And I love Ladybirds!!!!!
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  • Filip Meštrović 2 years ago
    This is awesome, and little buddy looks like having fun :)
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  • François Dormoy 2 years ago
    Interesting, Michael, your explanation. I tried several time unsuccessfully to find out from other people what are the conditions for using with our videos music purchased normally (itunes downloads) which are copyright protected and nobody bothered giving me the answer. So when I saw that all people used such types of music with their videos I started to do the same myself. Now you said you are facing problems with copyrights. Could you tell me more about what we can do and what we cannot do in using music with our videos.
  • Michael Ramsey plus 2 years ago
    Well, let me start by telling you that I am wholly unqualified to address legal issues concerning copyright (or anything else). Here is a great resource:

    ascap.com/filmtv/faq.html

    I think that people are using music without permission on sites like these because they think that if there is no financial gain then there will be no incentive for anyone to pursue legal action against them. I don't know if that is true.

    I changed the music on mine because I simply had no idea that so many people would watch this and when I did try to find out how to get permission to use the original track, the process was just too circuitous for a video that I made without any intention of selling. That said, WGN, an American network (and a couple of other outlets) have just offered to broadcast it so I am required to change the music.

    So, I am using my friends music (with his permission) in hopes that it will at least generate some extra sales of his brilliant albums.

    So, the rule seems to be; get permission, if you don't you are risking trouble..
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  • Michael Ramsey plus 2 years ago
    Oh yes, did I mention that I am not qualified to give legal advice?

    Yes, I am not.
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  • François Dormoy 2 years ago
    Thanks for your useful comments. It is interesting that nobody in the discussion forums and in my messages to their clip never bothered giving me an answer to my question. You are the very first one to do it.
    I preume it means that vimeo is very tolerent to accept that people display clips using copyrighted music. I have myself a recent solution. I purchased copyright free music from SmartSound (smartsound.com)
    But it is much more expensive than music purchased from Itunes that I have been using so far ($99 for a disc with only 5-8 tunes)
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  • Iuri Bastos 2 years ago
    Great!
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  • Came across this video on the Chicago breaking news blog. Sourced from WGN I'm assuming. Featured as their viral video of the day. chicagobreakingnews.com/blog/
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  • Michael Ramsey plus 2 years ago
    thanks for letting me know Michael
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  • Jon Rawlinson pro 2 years ago
    That was absolutely stunning.

    The EX1 and 5D footage work well together. I could barely tell the difference!
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  • Nicole Bianchi 2 years ago
    beautiful!
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  • Hans Gustavsson 2 years ago
    I can just join in the chorus :) Wonderful!
  • Michael Ramsey plus 2 years ago
    Thanks mate. Maybe check out Gregory's album, I think it's worth it.

    Cheers
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  • Boyd Hobbs 2 years ago
    I think the macro shots of the lady bugs are above stock footage quality. You should try resale. And you have also convinced me to purchase LensBaby for my 5D M2
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  • Michael Ramsey plus 2 years ago
    Thanks Boyd.
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  • nalireza 2 years ago
    beeeaautiful. the sincerity of the toddler and the overall composition sent chills. Great music by your friend too!
  • Michael Ramsey plus 2 years ago
    Thank you for the kind words. I was a little nervous that people wouldn't be so into my new-father induced need to show so much of Olivers little face.
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  • Matt Camper 2 years ago
    Well done! Thank you for sharing this footage! I am an entomologist here in CO and have yet to see a live summer lady beetle event! I am jealous! I would love to show this video to my students this semester!
  • Michael Ramsey plus 2 years ago
    Hi Matt, you are welcome to. Thanks!
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  • Abram Goglanian 2 years ago
    Very cool! I'm continually impressed by what the 5DmkII can do with video. I recorded a live performance with it and the video quality was just outstanding.

    Did you use any focus aides on your lenses? Like a focusing rod or anything like that? If not you have very steady stable hands :)
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  • Michael Ramsey plus 2 years ago
    Thanks. No follow focus, just deep breathing
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  • Sarah Coates 2 years ago
    I love ladybirds! Wish they did that over here in Ireland!!
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  • Jack Garland 2 years ago
    heard about this on the news! im from loveland and I went up there just to see them!
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  • Stefan Kristinsson 2 years ago
    Great job! Loved the flying Lady bug. :)
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  • BumKi Cho plus 2 years ago
    Unreal. Great footage.
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  • Arthur Soares 2 years ago
    This is so awesome. Congratulations. : )
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  • Erika López 2 years ago
    wooooow
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  • Maarten Toner pro 2 years ago
    Cool, looks like Lady Bugs have their own Woodstock festival....

    far out man... hey who stole the spots from that one lady bug??
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  • dmcam. 2 years ago
    I've used your video in my blog. Good job! It's so good!
    dmcam.com/2009/07/espiritu-explorador/
  • Michael Ramsey plus 2 years ago
    very cool. thank you
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  • Nichole Atwell 2 years ago
    Beautiful. and the song playing is soooo wonderful. i just keep playing it over and over. :) i've put your video on my blog: niqoley.blogspot.com/
  • Michael Ramsey plus 2 years ago
    thank you so much.
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  • lovely!
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  • Awesome, love it.
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  • Michael Ramsey plus 2 years ago
    thanks very much!
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  • Alexandr Sinitsa 2 years ago
    wow
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  • Tod Deardorff 2 years ago
    Super work here.......just brilliant. Here's my million dollar question:

    I have an EX-1 and am considering selling it for the 5D. I've tested both (I borrowed a 5D) side by side with a good HD monitor, and I just like the color, dof, and 'look' for the 5d video better...........do you think I'm crazy?
  • Michael Ramsey plus 2 years ago
    Thanks Tod.

    It depends on where your work will be seen I think. The 5D is primarily a stills camera (with some very promising video applications). Issues include: terrible sound sampling, odd frame rate recording, form factor, etc. Your EX1 is a very good video camera. You may just be in love with the full frame sensor and the lenses that you can use (I am). Your are not crazy, 5D makes sexy images, it's just a different tool and can be a real pain if you have to deliver "traditional" footage. Check out Phil Blooms blog, he goes into detail. Also, there are some resolution tests floating around out there. cheers
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  • Scott C. 2 years ago
    I'd like to know which shots are the 5d and which are the EX1. I am trying to decide on one of these two cameras. I have an FX1000 right now.
  • Michael Ramsey plus 1 year ago
    Hi Scott. The tilt/ shift and most of the close ups were 5D. The shots of my son were XDCAM>

    Both are good, accessible tools.

    Cheers,
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