#1,2,4,5 & 6 were shot in a smaller studio with less good natural light, so there is window + florescent. There is also some tungsten lighting visible though an inside window (#1 & 4). I used LAB tricks to try to tone down the riot of different casts in those shots. The rest were shot int the big studio which has great natural window light from skylights and huge windows on one wall. Those shots are easy by comparison; I just used "auto" in the ACR and got pretty good starting flesh tones.
I was experimenting with shooting from a very low angle this time on purpose. I was hoping to get dramatic images, especially of leaps and of course the dying swans. I have experimented before with getting higher and it tends to foreshorten the jumps. I have tried sitting also. A stool might be the next thing I'll try. The main studio also has a balcony that I might try. Unfortunately, the dancers tend to face the away from it.
I'm hoping that I can learn these dances along with the dancers this cycle and be able to plan some shots better than before. I'd really like to match up dress and studio rehearsal moments.
The low angle shots I liked a lot, except maybe 3 and 7. I like the negative space in 3, but wish I had a higher level view for some reason. I
Low level worked very well in the first 2, and I can see how it displays the jumps more effectively.
I really like 2 a lot. I love the movement in the shots also.
Do you get to spend several hours there during rehearsal, or just a limited time? What a great opportunity to watch and record.
This needs to be published in a coffe table book, you know, John!! Even if you have to publish it your self.
Can you use flash at all during rehearsal?? It might help, to darken the backgrounds and seperate the dancers from the studio walls further. Probably not permitted, or at least, welcomed, I imagine.
I agree with Nik, about #3. I also like the last shot a lot. I think shooting in these studios is still an unsolved problem.
I can:
Shoot almost as much as I want. I have to give the 24 hours notice, but then I can shoot from 11:30 until 5:30, the entire rehearsal. (The company has traditional ballet class from 9:30 until 11:30.)
Move around the edges of the rehearsals.
I can't:
Use a flash
Be a nuisance
Get between the artistic staff and the dancers
So I try to pick a place and stay there unless there is an obvious opportunity to move (a break, e.g.) The lighting is really good window light for the most part, but it is what it is and I'm stuck with it. At the dress rehearsals, I'll get a totally different kind of light.
Because I have to be pretty still, I use my zoom lenses a lot. I've tried primes, but they are just too limiting under the circumstances.
Anyway, my big goal this time is to learn the dances better so that I have some idea of what shots to try for at the dress rehearsals.
Comments
SmugMug Technical Account Manager
Travel = good. Woo, shooting!
nickwphoto
I agree with Nick.. Very good use of negative space in the wide angle shots.
Several seem shot from floor level, below the dancer's eye level - could you shoot from a step ladder or a chair, at all??
Moderator of the Technique Forum and Finishing School on Dgrin
for us to see. Nicely done.
I was experimenting with shooting from a very low angle this time on purpose. I was hoping to get dramatic images, especially of leaps and of course the dying swans. I have experimented before with getting higher and it tends to foreshorten the jumps. I have tried sitting also. A stool might be the next thing I'll try. The main studio also has a balcony that I might try. Unfortunately, the dancers tend to face the away from it.
I'm hoping that I can learn these dances along with the dancers this cycle and be able to plan some shots better than before. I'd really like to match up dress and studio rehearsal moments.
Low level worked very well in the first 2, and I can see how it displays the jumps more effectively.
I really like 2 a lot. I love the movement in the shots also.
Do you get to spend several hours there during rehearsal, or just a limited time? What a great opportunity to watch and record.
This needs to be published in a coffe table book, you know, John!! Even if you have to publish it your self.
Can you use flash at all during rehearsal?? It might help, to darken the backgrounds and seperate the dancers from the studio walls further. Probably not permitted, or at least, welcomed, I imagine.
Thanks for the view backstage
Moderator of the Technique Forum and Finishing School on Dgrin
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I like #3 the most, very dynamic and expressive!
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I agree with Nik, about #3. I also like the last shot a lot. I think shooting in these studios is still an unsolved problem.
I can:
- Shoot almost as much as I want. I have to give the 24 hours notice, but then I can shoot from 11:30 until 5:30, the entire rehearsal. (The company has traditional ballet class from 9:30 until 11:30.)
- Move around the edges of the rehearsals.
I can't:- Use a flash
- Be a nuisance
- Get between the artistic staff and the dancers
So I try to pick a place and stay there unless there is an obvious opportunity to move (a break, e.g.) The lighting is really good window light for the most part, but it is what it is and I'm stuck with it. At the dress rehearsals, I'll get a totally different kind of light.Because I have to be pretty still, I use my zoom lenses a lot. I've tried primes, but they are just too limiting under the circumstances.
Anyway, my big goal this time is to learn the dances better so that I have some idea of what shots to try for at the dress rehearsals.