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Movie: The Ross Family Plot

If you've been following Southern Graves for any amount of time, you probably have figured out I like to video cemeteries. While names and dates are what most people are after when searching in a cemetery, I've always been one who wanted to see a photo. What kind of marker did a particular individual have? Big? Small? Is it well kept, or barely hanging together? Was the inscription easily read, or will it be unreadable this time next year? You know, that sort of thing.

When my latest digital camera gave me the ability to take video clips, I was thrilled. Now I could show people what the cemetery as a whole looked like. Beautifully maintained, or in horrible shape. The stones are often visited, or no one has been there in years. Is the cemetery buried in the woods, is it beside a run-down church, or is it next to a shopping mall? This and more can be seen in a video. Not to mention, just getting the feel of an area is another way to add substance to an individual's or family's history.

My most recent attempt at video was today. With the help of a Christmas present, I am now the proud owner of a Flip Video Camcorder. I can already tell you I really like it. I took it out for a test run at one of my favorite local cemeteries, Rose Hill. I took several clips, and don't think I did a good job on any of them! :-) I definitely need more practise.

I am sure of one thing, though. Taking video of small family cemeteries or family plots in large cemeteries is a great thing. It will help preserve the locations of graves in relation to one another (without having to draw detailed maps while at the cemetery) in your files. It should also help when putting this information online at places such as Names in Stone.

I am including my first "cemetery movie" here. Please keep in mind I'm new at this. I already know of several things I can and will improve upon. I'm constantly worried about the length of a video. If it's too long, no one will want to take the time watch it, is the thought running through my head. However, I've already figured out I'm going to have to take my time to get the best results.

Another thing I have to figure out is how to get a better resolution uploaded. The video is clear as a bell on my computer, but it gets grainy when uploaded. Anyone who can help me with that, I'm all ears.

Without further delay, here is the ROSS Family Plot at Rose Hill Cemetery. The plot is in the Central Avenue Division of the cemetery. Rose Hill is located in Macon, Bibb County, Georgia.

Comments

Aileen said…
What a wonderful idea! I'm going to try a video when I go out this afternoon on a search for "FindaGrave." Your image is clear but there are frequent pauses. I wonder if it would have a smoother flow with out the music. I enjoyed the comments and had no problem hearing them.
S. Lincecum said…
Thanks, Aileen! I was going to go back out today, but it's too cold for me. I have a trip planned for tomorrow; we'll see what happens!
JoLyn said…
This is a great idea! I've never tried it, I just take still photos - but I'll do this the next time I'm out.
Bobbi said…
Tonight is my first visit to this site. Looks interesting. You did a great job with your photography! Keep it up....
Bobbi said…
I'mnew here and still trying to figure things out. Good photography.....Wish me luck!
S. Lincecum said…
Thanks a lot for the visit and kind words, Bobbi! Welcome! I hope you stop back by often. :-)

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