Here are some of my favorite images from the Ballet Chicago performance at the Harris Theatre from a few weeks ago. Shots are from the dress rehearsal when I was shooting from stage level, and then the two performances when I was shooting from the back of the first level. Comments welcome.
Lovely light at this venue. My last ballet performance photos were made at a newly-remodeled venue; they changed out the lights for LED's. Grrrrr!
Thanks, Steve! Granted, the venue does have incredible lights but Ballet Chicago always likes to make things as difficult as possible for me. I think the fastest I ever shot was 1/250 at maybe 2000 ISO, probably 2500. Ugh. The lighting with the four squares or rectangles or whatever, the light was so low sometimes I was shooting at 1/80 and 8000 ISO. If anything, I succeeded in making it look like it was great lighting.
Superb dance pictures. And I agree. Saved the best for last. You always have great captures, and your pictures are so clear.
I am wondering about the light on the floor in #4 and #13. Almost looks like there is a large window up high letting in light through four very large panes. Tell us about that light.
Jun 29, 2015 at 08:56 PM
Andre Labonte Offline • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
Ron, looking at them for the umpteen time, WOW, knowing how hard it is to shoot dance, I'm blown away from the quality of these shots, all I can say is Job well done!!!!
Thanks for sharing some of the "details", I can see why you really don't like me shooting with Auto ISO!!
Absolutely , love #9 & 10, I love the arms in all different, but perfect position!
Superb dance pictures. And I agree. Saved the best for last. You always have great captures, and your pictures are so clear.
I am wondering about the light on the floor in #4 and #13. Almost looks like there is a large window up high letting in light through four very large panes. Tell us about that light.
Thanks, Dave! It was four square-shaped light covers (as opposed to the usual round) strategically placed above the stage to create that window pane effect. The concept behind this set was that the dancers were moving in and out of different worlds. Probably my favorite set, but the light was incredibly dim for photography.
Fabulous work, as usual. 12, 17 and 21 for me, love the 4 dancers in midair.
A question, if I may, about your framing choices. I understand that most of the emotion from a dance comes from body forms and positions, but surely not all. Why not a close up facial expression or two? Understand that my stage shooting is straight theater where faces are emphasized more so my perspective is slightly different from yours, still, wondering why you've made the choice to stay all full body framing.
