KRISTEN AND DAVID'S GOLD COAST WEDDING

I think Kristen’s mom said it best in the speeches when she said that “Kristen and David like each other.” I hope I do justice to this sentiment in words but there is something particularly endearing when you see how much a couple genuinely likes being around each other. Love is always present at a wedding day but there is so much charm in the “liking” of one another. The “like” is where you witness the silly moments in between formalities, the inside jokes and the foundation of the love responsible for the day. There was no shortage of love but an abundance of “like” at this wedding too. 

Getting married in the midst of a pandemic also speaks volumes about their commitment to each other. With the world not in anyone's favor they still wanted to celebrate their love with a special day and make the bond official. There is a poeticism to getting married in the world we are in and not only do I wish the best to Kristen and David but I commend them on their dedication, their positivity and their kindness. 

TECHNICAL MUMBO JUMBO

This was the first wedding season where I committed to using multiple BMPCC6K cameras and I couldn’t be more pleased. I love the color space, the tones, the feel that the camera provides with weddings. Timing almost couldn’t be better to commit to these cameras since they certainly aren't champions of the low light like Sony cameras. But nightlife really isn’t a staple of wedding during COVID so the footage during the day is what absolutely counts the most and again I couldn’t be more pleased.

I also started using the F6 by Zoom to record audio and the 32bit quality is somewhat of a lifesaver to work with. There ceremony in this wedding video is a great example. The priest while undeniably charming and beautifully introspective in his message delivered it in a way that I could only describe as a projected whisper. That projection mixed with a very echoey room did not make for good raw audio. Had I not had the range in the quality I’m pretty certain I couldn’t have mastered it to the level that I did. Again, lifesaver.

Team Involved

Planner: Amy Champagne Events

Photo: Melani Lust

Makeup: Simply Gorgeous by Erin

Gear Links

Black Magic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K

Zoom F6

Sennheiser G4

MoviPro

Cheers - Will

Will Talamelli - Cinematographer Director DP

Founder/Owner Will Talamelli Films

CALVIN HILL SCHOOL

Production

Having the interview look beautiful was absolutely the most important factor for this project. I wanted it to look bright, inviting, warm and caring. I wanted the teachers to literally glow on the screen as a reflection of their attitude towards the children (and the same with the parents in reference to the school). I also wanted it to look very natural and not overproduced. Again, this was intentional because that doesn’t reflect the philosophy of the school. When working with a narrated story it’s important that the Imagery is consistent with the sentiments delivered. This was a loving, positive message filled with gratitude, respect and care - having a moody lighting situation might look cool but wouldn’t do any favors with telling the story.

The Aputure LS lights with the incredible Rode NTG3 for sound.

I used three Aputure lights for the interview. A 300D MKII with a soft box, a 300D into a V Flat for a soft light from the bounce and a 120D with a China lantern for a soft glow of a rim light. I had to flag it a touch since it made the shelves a little hot but overall it worked out beautifully and was my favorite element of the interview.

Also I knew the rest of the shoot I was at the mercy of the sun for lighting situations and I couldn’t properly light the classrooms since COVID restrictions kept me from having any assistants or second shooters to help with any production/ time management. So I had to rely on the imagery of the interview to keep the video looking calculated and feel like there was a real production involved.

For sound I used the incredible Rode NTG3 shotgun microphone recorded into a Zoom F6. I’ve recently switched to these from my Sennheiser mics because I prefer the frequencies they record. Personally I feel like they give me more midranges sounds without adding them in post. I also like the way they record female voices and since the interviewees were almost entirely women it was the perfect mic for the job.

The camera setup was two BMPCC6K, Sigma Lenses and a MoviPro for the outdoor and classroom shots.

Due to the crazy world we live in right now, the massive COVID restrictions (which I support, I’d rather be safe folks) and the fact that I was working around some high risk people every precaution had to be taken. I had to be tested immediately before the job and I could be the only person on location for all of the production. So that means, no sound person, no producer, director, gaffer etc. Just me. With these parameters put on this job pre production was essential. I didn’t necessarily script the interview but I did supply a subject matter for each person that spoke. Everyone had a clear objective for speaking when they sat in front of the camera and this was the only thing that kept this job from being a four day shoot. While on the subject of pre production…

I also can’t stress the importance of documenting your project while it is happening. It doesn’t have to be pretty but some note taking for significant moments on set, in between takes or at the end of the day helps an infinite amount in the final edit.

Like I said it’s not pretty but by the end of day one I had my whole video mapped out along with a shot list based on the words spoken.

I also kept track of time so in 5 hours I was able to get every shot I needed without relying on chance and wasting hard drive space for unnecessary moments.

Finally some words of gratitude.

My daughter is my world, anyone who knows me knows nothing comes even close to mattering as much as her. I am so proud of her character, her conduct, her empathy, her manners, her discipline and while her mother and I will gladly take some credit I would be remised in saying Calvin Hill didn’t have a large part in developing who she is. They shaped so much of my favorite person in the world so I am forever grateful and incredibly honored to give something back to Calvin Hill.

Cheers - Will

Will Talamelli - Cinematographer Director DP

Founder/Owner Will Talamelli Films

LINDSEY AND AMANDA'S SURPRISE MICRO WEDDING!

Lindsey,

I have so many good memories because with you, it’s about time I returned the favor. 

Our careers started around the same time and in that timeframe it would be impossible to remember every gig - but I never forget the ones with you. You make everyone work a little harder, dig a little deeper, think a little more and just be a heightened version of themself; because that is what you do. Your focus, your confidence, your commitment is something only found in the best of us. A personality like yours isn’t made for settling so despite never meeting Amanda until yesterday I knew she would be an exceptional human. Caring, hilarious, focused but not taking anything too seriously - a pleasure to be around. 

I was so happy to be a part of your day, I never thought I would be there. Rewind eight years to our first job together, I assumed I would be just another pain in the ass wedding vendor that drove your boss crazy. Not in the deepest recesses of my imagination did I think I would have a friend for life. I love you buddy, thanks for all the memories and congratulations!

Will 

BACKSTORY:

Lindsey didn’t know anything going into this wedding day. She just knew she was getting married and her amazing boss, my friend, the incomparable Amy Jones of Amy Champagne Events was planning the whole thing. Amy got Lindsey’s dream roster of wedding vendors together and gave her the best wedding possible in this time of constant uncertainty. I know Lindsey was happy we were all there but like I said in my note to Lindsey, we were all honored to be there for her.

The Pandemic Players: 

Event Design & Production: Amy Champagne Events

Photography: Carla Ten Eyk

Hair & Makeup: Blush Bridal

Floral & Event Design: Carrie Wilcox Floral Designs

Food & Beverage: On the Marc

Lighting design: Shindig Lighting

Lounge & Rentals: Gather and Lounge

Lindsey's Dress & Alterations: A little Something White

Officiant & Music Master: DJ Lion aka Simba aka Nala aka Presses with Dresses

Paper Story: Coral Pheasant

Carrie’s show stopper of a floral display was the inspiration for construction of the entire video!

I got a little quirky with my approach to this video. Carrie’s stunning rainbow gradient flower display inspired me to construct the video as such. Subtle nods to the rainbow gradient pattern are used throughout the whole video.

The stills from the first section highlight this. Subtle - but the scene goes from red, orange and yellow tones, to green, to blue and indigo, then violet tones in the shadows; and this pattern repeats itself throughout the video.

Cheers - Will

Will Talamelli - Cinematographer Director DP

Founder/Owner Will Talamelli Films

LINDSEY AND BLAKE SMITH FARM GARDENS WEDDING

What a way to break the ice and get back into the swing of working weddings again! One of the many silver linings amongst this pandemic is the last minute couples that hired me to be at their wedding. Lindsey and Blake were one of those, they lost their video team due to massive rescheduling issues and I was available… and I couldn’t be more grateful. A dream team of vendors and old friends like the crew at Amy Champagne Events, great weather and a stunning venue made for an incredible day to document. I want to thank Lindsey and Blake for trusting me with their wedding video on such little notice and giving me the privilege of being there for such a special event. Cheers you two!

So I approached editing this wedding with a little bit of a different technique. Not only did I map out the whole process but I made a color palette that I felt fit the day and kept it on my desk when color grading

Mastery of instructions for myself with specifics like “romantic shot.” Look - I knew what I meant

Cheers - Will

Will Talamelli - Cinematographer Director DP

Founder/Owner Will Talamelli Films

LAUREN AND ANDREW - MICRO WEDDING DURING QUARANTINE

I’ve done small weddings, intimate weddings, weddings at restaurants, some that were basically cocktails parties with nuptials, backyard weddings, town hall weddings and even an elopement. None of those were as small as Lauren and Andrew’s though. In the middle of quarantine Lauren and Andrew had an extremely secret ceremony with only 8 people in our friends backyard. This day was incredible for a couple reasons, first off Andrew is dear friend of mine and I couldn’t have been happier for him. Secondly, I almost can’t describe the happiness of just feeling normal for a day. This was about the point when we all hadn’t left our homes for two months. Everyone involved was responsible, adhered to social distancing and quarantining guidelines so after months of not seeing anyone we all got to spend some time together, laugh and celebrate the love of our friends. We all did what we had to do so Lauren and Andrew could have their wedding and they’ve thanked us a million times already but I want to say thank you to them for having their wedding, giving us some hope and reminding us how incredible our friends are. I love you guys and I can’t wait for the real deal wedding!

I was incredibly happy to be involved in their amazing wedding. Big thank you to Matt Branscombe of BSC Studio for offering his backyard and Bryan Avigne of Bryan Avigne Photography for offering his home for the bride prep and being an incredible JP.

Cheers - Will

Will Talamelli - Cinematographer Director DP

Founder/Owner Will Talamelli Films

QUARANTINE INTERVIEWS - ADDY INTERVIEWS HER DAD.

I really debated whether this should live on my website (even if it’s on my blog) but I thought it was fun and I am so proud of my daughter I had to write a post about it and where it stemmed from. Obviously what's going on in the world is scary, we are all stuck at home and my poor little girl isn’t going back to school with her friends and teachers (who she adores) until the fall. With all the “at home” assignments teachers gave a list of activities the children could do outside of the normal curriculum and one of them was to “interview a parent.” She immediately wanted to do it and asked her old man if I would participate. Obviously I was into it but I thought about how we could make it more fun and occupy some time during the day. I proposed the idea of making it like a talk show where we could set up lights, stage our home a little and I’d even write down the questions on paper so it felt more like a talk show. My little girl's eyes lit up at the idea, she got so into the stage, the camera, the lights, she practiced her intro… sorry shamelessly proud dad over here. Afterwards I couldn’t get over what we accomplished, it gave such an insight into our relationship. How we interact with each other, how we talk, the respect we have, the love we have. So without any more talking I give to you my best friend, my whole world, my daughter Adylae interviewing her dad.

You can see above what my apartment looks like during the filming. Take note of the expert “director monitor” which was just an Atomos shogun on the floor.

Will Talamelli - Cinematographer Director DP

Founder/Owner Will Talamelli Films

Erica and Mark Wedding Video - Woodwinds Branford, CT

If you have perused my site at all the bride in this video might look familiar. Erica is the face of the Gorilla Grip brand that I do a ton of work for. Which brings me back to what I love about this job, the connections you make. If we hadn’t worked together for years and shared a ton of laughs I can guarantee you I wouldn’t have shot her wedding. It’s also important not to take those connections for granted because I was incredibly happy to be there and humbled that she asked me. Now onto these two…they’re just so great. They’re best friends, they share everything about their life with each other and they are excited to be a part of each others interests. You can see it on their faces how much they just wanted to marry each other.

The wedding itself was a quintessential winter wedding. Christmas trees everywhere, indoor night ceremony with plenty of candle light, tree ornaments as party favors, lanterns for cigar smoking etc. Then there was her dress…what a stunner. A custom wedding dress made my Nova McLaren that was one of the most incredible dresses in the almost decade I’ve been shooting weddings. Erica even commissioned me to make a video just highlighting the dress on the day which is featured underneath their wedding film.

BMPCC at night.

Filming wise this was the first wedding I ever shot using the Black Magic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K and let me tell you it was a treat. Considering it was winter and it was just gray bright skies that is usually the perfect storm for ugly blown out backgrounds everywhere. The dynamic range the camera has captured everything beautifully and the tonal capabilities with colors were just dreamy. Even at night the BMPCC was incredible. I heard mixed reviews about the low light capabilities of the camera and I ended up loving the look of the night time footage. Keeping my ISO to a max of 3200 the color space was still beautiful and hardly any noise in the footage. Even low light kings such as Sony cameras produce noise in situations like the sparkler send off where there is a heavy contrast of darks and lights but I didn’t find there to be a noticeable amount of that at all with this camera.

I can’t thank Erica and Mark enough for having me, I wish them all the best!

Cheers - Will

Will Talamelli - Cinematographer Director DP

Founder/Owner Will Talamelli Films

FOLLAIN SKINCARE BOSTON

This was a video produced by 309 Productions in Boston that I was hired exclusively as the DP. It was essential to stay on brand with Follain while in production. I went to Follain’s social media for inspiration with the content. I’m happy to say it ended up being very much in line with the content they produce. Soft, even lighting to create very airy, relaxed environments. 

Technique/ Cinematography

Shot in 4k60 on the BMPCC6K with the always incredible Sigma 18-35 f/1.8 lens. I usually opt for parabolic lights by Aputure but for this shoot I used Astra LitePanels which were perfect for the airy, even look we were going for. A Ronin M was used for most of the day to add some dynamic movement and worked especially well for the running shot. Fun story about that running scene - it was under 20° in Boston that day, with icy streets, snow on the ground and I had to run backwards downhill. Terrifying, but worth it for a successful shot.

For more information visit Follain.com

Will Talamelli - Cinematographer Director DP

Founder/Owner Will Talamelli Films

Namaste NYC - Commercial video for Namaste NYC Wellness Brand

Namaste NYC is a wellness brand based in New York City.

We wanted a video that highlighted all of their services and the unique capacities they provide them in.

Technique/ Cinematography:

It’s great to have a style but cinematography many times is about adaptability. It was essential that this video was visually “on brand” with Namaste straight out of the camera. This wasn’t the time for moody lighting scenarios, each situation needed to feel bright and airy without being overexposed. The beautiful mid century home I shot in was an ideal situation aesthetically but like many homes from that era, I was fighting the contrast of light all day. Either it was just overhead lighting in a dark room or giant open windows with the morning sun blaring in. Every scene was lit with two Aputure 120Ds and an Aputure 300D. A Sony A7SII with a Canon 50mm 1.2 lens on a Ronin M was used for the moving shots along and an FS7 for the interview section.

It was also important to break production up into two sections. Ones with movement and ones stable as a reflection of the brand. So much of what Namaste NYC does is about slowing down, breathing, stillness so I wanted to camera to reflect those feelings.

For more information visit www.namasteny.com

Will Talamelli - Cinematographer Director DP

Founder/Owner Will Talamelli Films

PURE GREY - Promotional Video for Pure Grey restaurant consultants in NYC

A visual narrative and fashion forward approach to a commercial for Pure Grey restaurant consultants in New York City. “Day in the life videos” are always fun and provide great insight into a company. We didn’t need a big story for this one we just followed the experts around for a day and documented their approach to menu development and cooking.

Technique/ Cinematography:

Shot in 4k60 on the Black Magic Pocket Cinema Camera which is truly my favorite camera to use. The place needed light badly, so at all times we had two Aputure 120Ds and an Aputure 300D on set. We weren’t trying to stylize with the light but we wanted an abundance of light to make the environment feel clean and open like a Michelin star kitchen. When working with food it’s so important to keep colors honest, it’s not the place for artistic liberties with color grading which is why we went with prisming and flares for affect opposed to post production styling.

For more information visit www.pure-grey.com

Will Talamelli - Cinematographer Director DP

Founder/Owner Will Talamelli Films

"PERKS" Short film featuring "The Coffee Pedaler" in New Haven CT

This was a short film shot at my great friend Ryan Taylor’s coffee shop “The Coffee Pedaler” in New Haven CT with the intention of being displayed at a class about storytelling with video.

Turning the shop blue.

Technique/ Cinematography:

Soft light on our subject eluding that the shop is not open for business. Also the detail of the Chartreuse in the reflection.

Because this was shot for a class based in storytelling I wanted to make a point that you can do a lot with just a little. One camera, one lens and two lights. I chose to use two Aputure 120Ds, one with a China lantern above our subject and one on the back wall with a blue gel. The coffee shop has a very warm, inviting look but I really wanted to emphasize the fact that it was not open and this isn’t a time for everyone to enjoy. By using the blue light I really changed the whole color palate of the environment and the china ball above Ryan made it feel like there was light coming from a street light in front of the building. The video itself was shot on a Black Magic Pocket Cinema Camera with a Canon 50mm 1.2 lens simply put on a tripod.

Final scene.

Where I had the most fun was the subtle gestures made to really highlight our subject Ryan, his personality and his relationship to the coffee shop. I put Chartreuse bottles in the reflection of Ryan’s espresso machine. It’s his favorite spirit and the machine is how he affords his “finer things” lifestyle. I kept the camera on one side of the counter to make it seem like we aren’t a part of his world, the camera has the exact relationship that a customer would. As well as the final scene where Ryan has his back to the camera and looks out the window from the table, a perspective he never gets to enjoy during the day further emphasizing the idea that it is closed for business and he is enjoying the “perk” of his own coffee shop.

Will Talamelli - Cinematographer Director DP

Founder/Owner Will Talamelli Films

Rye Ballet Conservatory

Promotional piece for Rye Ballet Conservatory with commentary by owner and prodigal ballerina Ashlee Stewart (Knapp). Ashlee was actually my first bride when I started Will Talamelli Films in 2015 and when she started her own studio she contacted me for a company video.

I know what ballet means to Ashlee and how much of her life has been dedicated to the art so I really wanted to showcase that. I wanted the viewer and potential client to understand that with Rye Ballet Conservatory you aren’t just getting ballet lessons, you are getting a developmental experience from one of the greatest to ever do it. I wanted Ashlee to discuss what ballet can do for a young dancer, what it did for her and the emotional connection she has to the art which really highlights her dedication.

Technique/ Cinematography:

Shot in 4K60 on the Black Magic Pocket Cinema Camera using the incredible Sigma 18-35 f/1.8 lens on a Ronin M. There is movement in every scene and I intended it to be that way. I wanted slow steady movement that went with the dancers and replicated their gestures. Which was tricky because I’m not a dancer lol. Thankfully Ashlee was next to me like a producer would be, explaining and demonstrating the moves ahead of time to prepare me.

Stylistically I wanted it to look like her instagram photos, it had to be on brand with what she puts out. Very bright, full contrast, true tones. That meant soft light and a lot of it. Using 2 Aputure 300Ds and 2 Aputure 120Ds for lighting with China balls and soft boxes I was able to fill the studio with very complimenting, soft, even light.

For more information vist ryeballet.com

Will Talamelli - Cinematographer Director DP

Founder/Owner Will Talamelli Films

Review of the Personalized Wine Tumbler by “Bridesmaid Gift’s Boutique”

A few months ago Joe from BGB sent me a personalized wine tumbler for review. 

As someone who has spent a lot of time in bride prep rooms I can tell you the personalized cup is key! SO many times I’ve seen a full mimosa poured down the drain because no one knows whose it is. That's wasting booze and dirtying another glass for no reason folks. To remedy this Bridemaid’s Gift Boutique offer a great, affordable solution. The customizable wine tumbler enables you to personalize and reuse your wine consumption apparatus all day.  

They’re vacuum insulated so a cold cup of prosecco stays nice and chilled, the lid is sturdy and perfect for avoiding spills. Also I love the little divot on the lid that perfectly fits a straw. You spend all that time on makeup, the last thing you want is your lips all over your cup! Using a custom adhesive label opposed to printing keeps the cost down to $21.99 a cup which is a very reasonable investment for your squad and with some mindful maintenance it can be used over and over again. 

I’m not one for wine tumblers but my daughter (Addy)  has been enjoying many glasses of juice and looking quite posh while doing so. 

I can’t thank Joe and everyone at BGB for the wonderful gift and I am very proud to put my stamp of approval on this great product!

Cheers,

Will

KYLEROSE AND JEFFERY'S NEW YEARS EVE WEDDING AT THE DARIEN COUNTRY CLUB

There is something really special about a New Year’s Eve Wedding. In my film maker brain it feels like something straight out of cinema. Everyone is dressed well, there is champagne all around, great food, lots of people, dancing etc. But for Kyle and Jeffery it was more significant than just a day to party, it was the day they met years ago and wanted to celebrate their marriage by recognizing the day that they were introduced to each other. New Year new life as husband as wife.

As someone that likes to support local businesses I really appreciated how much of a Darien affair this wedding was. The dress was from a local vendor (and friend I might add) A Little Something White and The Darien Country Club is literally across the street from where Kylerose and her sisters grew up. The wedding was such a beautiful event and so quintessentially New Years Eve. From the black tie attire, to the jazz quartet during happy hour and of course the grand finale of fireworks. Alright thats enough from me and I’ll let the video do the rest of the talking. Cheers to Kylerose and Jeffery!

Will

KAITLYN AND MIKE'S SHORELINE WEDDING

It meant he world to me Katie chose me for her and Mike’s wedding. She’s in the wedding industry herself so it was a huge compliment that she picked me to document her special day. There wasn’t one hint of nervousness from either one of them just smiles of anticipation. The wedding itself was such a testament to the two of them. Kaitlyn is such a shoreline girl and got married in an iconic Guilford Connecticut location that she spent a lot her childhood. Her sister did her makeup, her best friend did the planning and the list goes on. Oh and she didn’t wear shoes, why? Because she didn’t want to, I wish I was that cool lol.

Anyway, I’m just so happy for my friend and her husband and wish them a lifetime of happiness.

Cheers,

Will

LARA AND MIKE'S WEDDING AT THE PAVILION IN NORWALK

Let me just start off by saying what will soon be on all of your minds that watch this…she bought him a damn boat! As someone who loves giving gifts watching Mike’s face when that boat rolled in was one of the best moments in my career. The odds of me seeing that again I’d say are pretty slim but meeting a couple like these two don’t happen that often either. Defining the statistics and together since high school, through college and now into their professional lives is something you don’t see everyday…and neither is a bride buying her husband a boat! The wedding itself was absolutely stunning done by my good friend Lindsay of Amy Champagne Events. Nautical themed with classic blue and white colors with the gorgeous backdrop of the water. I can’t thank them enough for having me, it was such an incredible day filled with awesome people. Cheers to Lara and Mike!

-Will

BRITNY AND KYLE'S BACKYARD WEDDING IN RIDGEFIELD - 8 MINUTE FULL LENGTH FILM

It’s no secret, I’ve mentioned it many times on this site before…I LOVE A BACKYARD WEDDING! I always think that it’s so cool that much like a marriage it’s one of a kind. Another thing I absolutely adore is the town of Ridegfield Connecticut. If you haven’t been I urge you to go, it’s beautiful, there is great food, an independent movie theatre, a playhouse etc etc. So needless to say I was really excited about this wedding going into it. After arrival I only had more fun; Britny and Kyle were so relaxed and just so excited to be married, it was all over their face the entire day. I was so honored to be at such an intimate wedding of close friends and family at Kyle’s parents home. It was truly an incredible day working with some of the best in the business.

This video is also an example of the difference between a 7-8 minute format film opposed to a highlight reel which is very popular. It’s still the same level of dedication in the editing room but just a longer format. More things in their entirety and more room to relive all the moments of the day.

Cheers to Britny and Kyle!

-Will

JILL AND ALEX'S PAVILLION AT LONGSHORE WEDDING

If possible I always prefer a face to face introduction with the couple before the wedding if possible. That’s not always the case, sometimes a phone call or a Facetime will have to do but in the case of Jill and Alex we were able to sit down and have lunch together. I don’t mean this with any bias but immediately they felt like old friends I was catching up with rather than new people I was acquainting myself to. We talked about their relationship for a bit, some more wedding details and then it was mostly joking around. Even the day of the wedding I felt like I was a guest rather than an employee of the day. That’s just who these two are, they are friendly, warm, inviting and really honest people. You can see that honesty in the way they interact with each other, the happiness they had to finally be married to each other after 18 years of knowing each other. I’ll stop yapping but I do want to end with the funniest moment of the luncheon was when Alex excused himself from the table Jill said jokingly to me “yea so I married the bad boy from college.” Love these two!

Cheers to Jill and Alex!