For on-site photo shoots we can use a dedicated sound man with mixer/digital recorder and/or multiple wireless mikes to get the best sound coverage of your event if the situation calls for it. We use a mixer/preamp to increase the sound quality dramatically when required. We can go direct to the camera via cable or wireless with transmitter/receivers.
A mix of various microphones with different directional patterns enables us to record the sound accurately and minimize background noise as much as possible. We record to a digital recorder and also save to a hard drive as for added insurance.
We use pro quality condensor & dynamic microphones from Audio-Technica, Octava, and CAD. The mixer/preamp is a three-channel Sound Devices SD-302. Digital recorder is a Sound Devices SD-702T.
The 702T digital recorder stores the sound on an internal compact flash memory card and also to a portable 160gb hard drive.
Both mixer and recorder are powered internally as well as externally by a heavy duty NP-1 battery power distribution system to allow for extremely long periods of continuous recording. A Sony 7506 pro headset is used for monitoring.
If required, we can use a boom pole to get the microphone up above the crowd. And if it's a windy day, we can use furry windscreens to minimize the noise and assure quality sound.
When the situation calls for wireless audio, we are equipped with Lectrosonic and Sennheiser ENG sets.
Our lavalier microphones are Sennheiser, Countryman B6, and Sanken COS-11. For those not familiar with the COS-11, it's one of the lavalier microphones used for some of the scenes from "The Sopranos" on network television.
The Countryman B6 (pictured below in the photo center) is actually smaller than the head of a match and is useful for concealing the mike, on a Bride or Groom for example, in order to capture every word for such special moments.
We also have GMRS/FRS walkie-talkies for communications between soundman and cameraman on a photo shoot if we need them.
L I G H T I N G
We can accommodate most situations with on-camera halogen lighting. We use the same on-camera "Frezzi" lighting units used by ABC News and CNN.
We use Frezzolini on-camera lighting, Arri and Norman tungsten lighting, Cool Lights LED lighting, as well as a Halogen Sun Gun lighting unit, and Reflective Umbrellas. We also have 5x7 ft and full length green screen backgrounds for special effects.
Ni-Cad, NiMH, and Lithium batteries are used for our lighting and also to power our cameras. Everything is backed up with a spare -- cameras, lights, batteries, sound equipment, microphones, and especially light bulbs -- so we don't get stranded on a photo shoot when something breaks
And if there is no power on location, we have Honda generators to provide on-site power for all of our equipment