Alright, I got permission so here is a post on the dress rehearsals I photographed the other week. These are all from the dress rehearsal of Brainstorm which will be performed at Indian Creek School this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of this coming weekend. I recommend you check it out as their stage productions are always of professional grade and you won’t regret it. For more information check out https://indiancreekschool.ludus.com/show_page.php?show_id=22139
When I do these, I have three different objectives:
1) Candid shots of the rehearsal.
2) Cast Headshots.
3) Group shots.
I’ll cover headshots and group shots on Thursday as I still have a few more actors to photograph and haven’t done the group shot.
So, for candid shots, understand that flash is out of the question. You don’t want to be the photographer that blinds a performer on stage and risk making them fall off the stage. Inspect the stage and see just how high it is. Which brings me to my next point, before you take any pictures, find out where you can go. Some places want you in just certain areas, other places give you open access to the entire stage and seating area – learn where you can go as this isn’t an ask forgiveness situation. You are working with fellow artists and you need to grant them that extra level of respect.
Next up, understand you are in a low light situation. It’s better then zero light, but it isn’t as bright as you think it is. That stated, you want a solid shutter speed because they still move, so at least 1/250 or even 1/360th or even faster. The sacrifice you will want to make is with Aperture or ISO. Keep in mind, if you are trying to get several performers on stage you will want an Aperture of 4.0 or higher but if it is just one person you can go lower. As for ISO, I usually go somewhere between 2000 and even get as high as 8000 depending on the situation. This sounds awful for noise but keep in mind it is dark and when you process to recapture and balance that darkness you will make a lot of that noise unnoticeable or even disappear.
For extra gear I go with a camera sling (that’s a personal choice), 2 cameras (though my other is getting serviced at the moment so it was just one this time), 6 batteries with a 2 battery holder belt attached on my belt, and a step stool I can get higher up. For lens I went with 70-200mm but other lens types can work well too. Particularly prime lens. I’ve switch off my first day lens between the 70-200mm, an 85mm lens, and a 50mm lens. The advantage of those prime lenses is that they can get a lower aperture number and have less parts, so they focus faster. So don’t discount prime lenses.
In all honesty, there is so much more to write on this, but text limits prevent anything. Maybe next time I will dedicate a few days to this.
Anyway, check out the show – you won’t be disappointed. Also, if you are viewing this on Instagram, check out my Facebook page or my business page for more photos.
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