While I've been relaxing on a cruise, I couldn't help but wonder what craziness I've left behind in Vancouver. Thanks to a few great friends, I've been treated to a quick catch-up tour of downtown Vancouver tonight in full Olympics mode. Result: Cauldron, Japadogs, pyrotechnics light show, and some pretty crazy crowds. Fantastic!

Shot with a Canon 7D, auto ISO, auto white balance with EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 lens. The footage has not been edited.

First things first, we need a fantastic copy of the music (I mean, it IS a music video). Our budget ($0) rules out a professional studio session, but here's what we did instead.

We found a quiet room and I had the audio set up roughly like the diagram above. Our process:

1. Record guitar track only
2. Play recorded guitar track through headphones for musician as we record her vocals
3. Repeat as necessary
4. Combine and sync in post

We also tried a few with the singing and playing simultaneously, just for comparison. I was able to monitor the recording the entire time. The Zoom H4n was amazing the entire time.

To record video, (after the brainstorming, storyboarding, etc.) I needed a method to ease the syncing in post. The only audio I want was already recorded, but I still needed to make sure it lined up with what's being filmed. So here's what I did.

I split the audio playing out of the Zoom H4n into two. One feeds into a speaker so that the musician can sing/play/act accordingly to her song. The other feeds directly into the mic input jack on my Canon 7D. Essentially, the only thing the 7D "hears" is the original track. This will make syncing a breeze in post, especially with the help of PluralEyes.

What does this mean? At the end of the day, I'm left with dozens of takes of the musician in different angles, locations, etc., synced perfectly to the best possible audio recording we have, and ready for me to cut. Cool, no?

We're all clear that the iPad has many disadvantages in its specs. But when I think about it, didn't all the "iPhone-killers" use their specs to try to convince us that the iPhone is no good? If you're thinking that there's more to a device than its specs, then you're with me.

As you may know, I love sharing videos. It's easier to do online now with Twitter, Facebook and Vimeo, but I still have yet to find a great way to share videos on-the-go, in person. Photographers have it a bit easier: they can take their favourite prints in nicely-bound portfolios with them. Video? Not so much. My options to share in person were limited to playing it on a portable DVD player, my iPhone or on a borrowed laptop (I'm only rocking a Mac Pro at the moment). The portable DVD player option is extremely inelegant (and quite dated really), the iPhone is too small for an audience larger than 1, and the laptop seems like overkill (hence, not the most elegant). I believe the iPad would be a great solution for this problem.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm optimistic about the iPad, and I'm looking forward to formulating a better impression once I get my hands on one at my local Apple Store.

Isn't it reassuring that there are great people in the world who want to make a positive difference?

Although I wasn't able to attend, @erictuason and @sylvia_tan were gracious enough to film the event and to capture a few interviews.

Organizers:

• Alison Hatton
• Emily Baxter
• Lee-Anne Seely
• Lisa Morrish
• Patti
• Pearl Lam (@pdot)
• Tania Richards

Did I mention that they raised and donated $11,137 to Make-a-Wish Foundation? Amazing! On behalf of the organizers, I'd like to extend a special thanks to Granville Entertainment Group and The Cellar nightclub.

(If my information is incorrect, I apologize, and please let me know!)

I've been trying to get @erictuason as much hands-on time with the Canon 7D as possible, and it was no exception at the New Year's party his family hosted. @erictuason shot most of the video and stills in this short - I merely pieced it together. Happy new year!

@erictuason and @sylvia_tan are among my favourite people in the world. When I heard that they had become victims of professional thieves during their 9-month trip in Europe, I knew I had to do something about it. Spearheaded by @pdot, we held a fundraiser to prove that "Good Things Happen" to good people.

This video was put together to show Sylvia and Eric just before we presented them their gift.

The music is "Ljósið" by Ólafur Arnalds. @claraku: you said that this piece of music would find its way into a project some day? You're absolutely right!