So the metadata tells me I was at F4, 180 of a second, and 3200 ISO. Seems about right. No other way to capture any kind of detail on stage with the lighting level that was up there. It’s a dance (pardon the pun) that you partake in when lighting the stage. I know cause thats normally the hat I wear. You aren’t lighting it for the camera per say for most events, but for the viewer. In this case, the viewer being a few hundred proud parents.
Of course, I was one of them.
I still would have loved a little more light though. A few SB910’s hung on the first electric would have been nice 🙂
To really freeze action with the existing light though, I to would have to be way up in the 1/1000th of a second range at about at least F 5.6, but I was already cranking the ISO. As is stands, from about 100 feet away at about 80MM to capture the entire stage, I am REALLY cropped in here. Oh yeah, I should mention the best part. I was snapping frames left and right from a pocket wizard that I was holding with one hand backstage while the other hand was jugging between clicking reaction shots in the wings and group portraits backstage just outside the dressing rooms. I must have looked like a crazy person!
All that being said, its not too bad I guess.
More about the process after I get through the processing.
As always, I’ll share what I learned 🙂
Meet the Artist – Joe McNally
I had the pleasure of attending a great workshop a couple of years ago with this amazing man. He is not only a master of the flash, a brilliant teacher an incredible story teller and artist with the lens, but he is a REALLY funny author as well.
His work is all over the place, but just in case you haven’t heard of him, here is a great video of some of his dance work.
Now THIS is how it’s done!
Lots to learn…….
Joe McNally Dance Portfolio from Joe McNally Photography on Vimeo.
A few places to follow the art, passion, and teaching of Joe McNally
Joe’s Adorama “about the image” sessions
