Theatre Shoot... Advice Needed

kenethj

kenethj

Suspended / Banned
Messages
329
Name
ken
Edit My Images
Yes
i have been here for a while reading / looking at other peoples posts. But have now been asked to take some photos of my daughters dance companys production. i currently have a canon 10D and an old sigma lens ( not much use)

my questions...
what lens', settings, ( may buy or hire lens )
they would like some stage , groups, and presentation shots

thanks in advance

Ken:thinking:
 
You're probably going to need something good with low light, so a good starting point would be a 50mm 1.8 :)
 
Hi there

I take quite a few dance shots, as my middle boy has been dancing for a number of years, and I always find that I need the highest ISO, so 800 or sometimes 1600, and the widest lens, so an f2.8 ish . I often use my sigma 24-70 f2.8 for many of the shots, but then go to a 70 - 300 if I'm further away.

Flash is banned at most of the venues I do, whilst on stage, but obviously for group and presentation shots use flash.

In the presentations, try to get the presenter to turn the dancer towards you when they present the award.

If your interested in seeing some dance work send me a pm and I will send you a link.

Good luck

Allan
 
As Keltic Ice Man says you'll probably need to go to a high ISO with a good fast (f2.8 or better) lens.

I don't know what sort of lighting will be used, but if it is very contrasty I'd consider to spot meter of the face of the person you are wanting to focus on to ensure you get the benefit of the lighting director's skills.
 
Agree totally with Simon re spot meter, but if the dancing is as fast as many I do you just have to shoot, and HOPE.

Make friends with the lighting director though, as often they use dark red or blue lights which are really difficult.

Go during rehearsals as well as shows, so you get an idea of the action, and think what shots you want to take. You can sometimes get on stage during rehearsal or a lot closer.

PM replied too :) Have fun.
Allan
 
Congo Blue - I've yet to find a director that doesn't love that colour it's almost a UV purple (and quite often mistaken for it). Although it may give a fantastic effect it's toture to lights as it only transmits a tiny percentage of the light produced by the bulb.
 
thank you all for your help

another question who do you use to print your photos?

allan
thanks for the link, photos look great, i will go back through them to get (sorry nick) some ideas for the group shots, i like the one with the girls posing to one side.

ken
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top