Robert Adam - 1933 - 2008

It was with great sadness that we learned right after the Yanchak Reunion, that my Grandfather's baby brother, Robert Adam, lost his battle with Cancer on October 4th, 2008.

Uncle Bob was a very influential figure in my life, even if he didn't know it.

He took over my Great-Grandfather's machine shop, and turned into a manufacturing/fabrication shop.

He always loved doing innovative things, and he took that skill with him when he joined the US Navy.

After returning from the service, he continued his work at the machine shop, and was awarded 3 patents fromt he US Patent office.

A "tight-lipped" man - hardly ever complanied. Did what he loved, and loved what he did.

Uncle Bob was buried with Military Honors for the US Navy, in Okeene, OK. My parents and I attended the services.

Above is the bugler playing taps, and the presentation of the flag to my cousin Laurie.

We also spent time with other family members, and more of that will be described later.

Rest in Peace Uncle Bob, we will miss you.

The 13th Annual Yanchak Reunion

Well... we went from the German side with my grandafther, to the Polish side with Yanchak Family Reunion (for more info you can click on http://www.yanchak.com/)

My Mother - Patricia Yanchak Adam (pictured right) has nutured and planned these events, and they have grown to such a size, I suggested to her that we get a bigger hall. This year we did, and it was much more comfortable.

I put the the full resources of Micha-Angel Productions to use, and my good video buddy and family member - Jonetta Barnett (pictured on the left with her daughter) and her husband Elvin also contributed greatly to the capturing of the prayer service that we celebrated. Thanks Jonetta & Elvin!!

I also got the chance to do an imprmptu photo session for my cousin Kristin Yanchak Vance, and her newborn son, the youngest of the Yanchak tree - Jacob. (pictured right)

After a long day, it was obvious that everyone was pretty tired...as my father demonstrates on the left... (Sorry Pop... I couldn't resist. :) )

Edward Adam, Sr. Visits Texas

One of the greatest men and influences in my life has been my Grandfather - Edward Adam, Sr.

He has been living on the West Coast for sometime now, and we have never been able to get out there to see him.

Well - as the old saying goes - "Let the mountain come to Mohammed.." My grandfather - as well as my uncle - traveled from the West coast to visit relatives in Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas.

We took him to the "Wendish Festival" just south of Giddings, Texas which featured all things German. (Which is the country of origin for the Adam Family)

Even at 92, my grandfather can still dance :)

We were also very fortunate to capture whawould be a once in a lifetime "4 Generation picture" that included My grandfather, father (Edward Adam, Jr.) , brother (Edward Michael Adam), and nephew (Gregory Michael Adam). They are also ALL first borns. Truly - a picture to remember.

Lighting, Lighting, Lighting.

To use a light or not to use a light? This question has befuddled many videographers and their clients for years.

We - as videographers - are there to capture your special day, but we don't want to ruin the mood by having a bright light on the camera, or elsewhere. This mainly comes up during the reception when the lights go down for dancing.

However, the flip side of this goes back to that famous saying from the Bible - We "cannot make bricks without straw." If the reception area is completely dark, then our cameras cannot pick up any images, and therefore you will be looking at a black screen during your video, which contradicts the whole reason for getting the video made.

Also, there are several assumptions that are made when it comes to camera lighting or remote/detached lighting. For example: many people think that the light will be directly in their face, and therefore making them uncomfortable. Any videographer who knows what they are doing will know how to "bounce the light"

Prime example, a wedding we did in a dance hall, these frame grabs are within 5 minutes of each other:

Quite a difference! We had a single remote light on the stage by the DJ, and it was able to flood enough light to give the camera an image to capture, but not be overpowering to the people who were dancing.

Now of course, we COULD correct the "darker image", but this is what you would end up with:

Notice the grain? The unsharp image? This detracts from the whole experience.

There is also the issue of the "on camera light." Some videographers will beam this directly into the crowd or the subject in question. In some cases, this is necessary, but most of the time, it is not. The videographer should bounce the light to give enough light on the subject for the camera.

Our philosophy on remote or on-camera lighting is basically "play it by ear." We ALWAYS let our clients know the possibility of the need for remote or on camera lighting. We do everything that we can to avoid it, but sometimes, we have to.

So don't be afraid of it! It will benefit the overall effect of the video, and allow you to enjoy your wedding video even more.