Live Theatrical Performance Imagery

[SupraSonic]

The #5 that is an impressive shot.Untill now i still respect the 1D series forindoor joband it's LOW light capabilitieshence it produce good outcome.

[kitaoka]

Thank you. Keep in mind that the outcome of an image and its use is the most important part for me. I am NOT one who pixel peeps to prove that "I" am right, what is in technical terms the BEST camera, blah blah blah. It doesn't matter to me what equipment one uses in their pursuit of art, only that the vision one creates exhibits imagination, skill and adept timing. All of that is truly subjective and not as easy to define as are the technical aspects of gear which so many people seem to focus upon. In so many ways it's easier because there are measurements, yet those using the equipment had little to nothing to do with its development, yet feel so proud to have purchased to simply say, "I have the best because the noise/pixel count/ISO performance/etc." I have seen MANY talented photographers use what what many people would consider to be "inferior" equipment produce stunning imagery, remarkable beyond measure.


For me and many like myself, the MOMENT is the most important part of an image, the story and the conveyance of a story. These shots were taken with a Canon Rebel XT during live public performances of Forever Tango in January of 2007 shot at ISO 1600. It was my camera prior to purchasing my Mark III when I first started out shooting professional theatre. One can look down their noses at the XT, but it was and still is a brilliant piece of equipment used properly, as well as an excellent value. My choice of black and white was not due to the noise, but to convey the mood and atmosphere of the performance, which in the end is all that matters in my own work.


Yes the 1D series allows me to venture further into areas where using the XT would not be possible. But for me the largest improvements come not with new gear, but with experimentation and improving my own skills. Making opportunities to shoot subject matter that is compelling and interesting is as valuable a skill to learn and acquire as knowing which ISO to use, or aperture setting.


When I look upon images from staff photographers at National Geographic, I marvel not only at the shot, but how they managed to place themselves in a position to have access to their subject matter. And when I write to a photographer I admire, I never ask about their equipment, but about things that cannot be measured or purchased.


My participation here is in hopes of finding like minded photographers to focus on non technical aspects of this craft. I respect what Bryan has built with this site and want to support his efforts.


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[lcnewkirk]

kitaoka, thank's for sharing these photos, they are awesome! The second photo really draws me in, and I'm having a hard time moving on from it. I love how the man in it is... almost not really even in the photo, but only hinted at. Excellent work. Do you take these for the theater? I've never been to a professional theater performance (more of a football guy), but I can't imagine that they want amateur photographers walking the isleways during a performance.


Lewis

[kitaoka]

Lewis, I don't work for theatres, but am hired by the production companies who stage the performances. I do have two clients who run theatrical companies who use my services exclusively, but in the case of Burn the Floor and Forever Tango, they hired me to shoot their performances.


I started out shooting high school theatre and if you are interested in pursuing this subject matter I would suggest you volunteer locally to start. Shooting dress rehearsals is the way to go when you are just learning. Being 'invisible' during live performances both in the house as well as on stage is a skill all unto its own.

[Jorundr-Jorgensen]

I agree with Icnewkirk, these are amazing! Esspecially the second one, highly inspiring. Thank you very much for sharing this.