There are many reasons why I shoot full size HD video with my Canon 5D Mark II, even if the intended output is for YouTube or another web service. Just like in still photography, I like to have a high resolution master that I can go back to if another opportunity presents itself, such as making a DVD.

A second reason, and one that I don't think many photographers take advantage of, is the ability to grab a single frame from the video and use it as a still photograph. When you shoot 1080p HD video, those frame grabs are 1920x1080, or the equivalent of a 2-megapixel photograph. And they look great.

The technique is easy, depending on the software you're using. In Aperture 3, all you have to do is scrub to the frame you want. Click on the gear menu, and choose "New Jpeg from Frame."

Aperture creates the image and brings it forward in the browser. At that point, I recommend clicking on the Metadata tab in the Inspector and giving your frame grab a unique file name. Otherwise, it can be confusing while you're browsing thumbnails as to which are movies and which are stills.

These high quality photos can be used for web pages, Flickr galleries, and even 4x6 prints. And capturing the decisive moment is easy... just scrub to it!

More on Aperture 3

Noise Ninja 64-bit Plug-In for Aperture 3

Canon T1i Video Edited in Aperture 3

Full Screen Browser in Aperture 3

Switching Aperture to 32-bit Mode

Getting Started with Aperture 3 (podcast)

Photoshop Is My Aperture 3 Video Editor

Canon S90 Raw Processing - Aperture 3 vs Digital Photo Professional

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Catherine Hall is one of those top-tier shooters, that when you meet her, you say to yourself: "Wow, she's the real deal." What I like about spending time with Catherine is that I always learn something new, see a fresh perspective, consider a different approach. After you listen to this interview, I'm sure you'll feel the same way.

Our topic today is how Catherine prepares for a wedding shoot. From the time she has contact with the bride, to when she is packing her Lowepro Pro Roller x200, to the actual shoot itself. She's talented and delightful. I hope you enjoy the show.

You can learn more about Catherine Hall by visiting her website: www.catherinehall.net.

Listen to the Podcast

You can also download the podcast here (24 minutes). Or better yet, subscribe to the podcast in iTunes. You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App from the Apple App Store.

Monthly Photo Assignment

Flash is the March 2010 Photo Assignment. You can read more about how to submit on our Member Participation page. Deadline for entry is March 31, 2010.

More Ways to Participate

Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our Flickr Public Group. It's a blast!

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Technorati Tags: digital photography, podcast, technique, Technology, The Digital Story, tips

Want to see how pro shooter Matthew Jordan Smith gears up? Then watch this 3-minute video of him opening up his Lowepro Pro Roller x200 at the Sony booth during WPPI 2010.

Video by Derrick Story. Recorded with a Canon 5D Mark II and an Audio Technica lav mic.