Such is the atmosphere of the live performance. The performer outputs a rendition of their song, dance. Sometimes better than the last time, sometimes not, but each performance is perfect and imperfect, each unique. Sometimes the performer wonders how he or she could create such beautiful sound even as the music is being created. That’s when you as the performer get back all that you give.
One of my "goals" is to take the time and effort (because I'm old and would rather spend my evenings curled up on the couch with my cat) to get out and enjoy more live music, theatre and dance performances. Back in November, we attended a concert by the a cappella group, Straight No Chaser and their policy on photography allowed me to use my DSLR freely.
From a photographer’s perspective, getting the correct exposure is challenging with the often dark edges of the stage and bright spotlights. These extremes confuse the automatic matrix metering so I always flip to spot metering or manual exposure, erring on the side of under exposing. I look for the silhouettes, the light gradients that create depth on the stage. And try to capture the artist in their element - the essence where the purity of sound fills their soul.
And when the lighting falls flat, convert to black and white!
The best part of the night? When they reverted back to "Old School" a cappella - no mics, no beat boxing, just lush harmonies.
What was the last live performance you enjoyed? Any events on the horizon? We now have tickets to catch violinist Rachel Barton Pine, performing the Barber Violin Concerto (a fave of mine) with the local CU Symphony Orchestra
Wow - I'm so impressed with your photos, Shirley! It's so difficult to take stage photos - all that light and shadow. Unfortunately, we have nothing on the agenda. In the winter, we're leery of bad roads so rarely go out at night. (Now that's getting really old!)
ReplyDeleteoops, my original post must have disappeared. You've done a great job on these stage photos. I also really love the black and white conversion. I too plan to take in more live performances.
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