Dance Company

[rlhphotos]

Im new to concert photography, and recently did a shoot for our college dance department. I think the photos turned out ok..definitely could have done better but it was my first time shooting in these conditions..let me know what you think

samples:
http://www.megapixelphotos.com/dance/_MG_2779.JPG
http://www.megapixelphotos.com/dance/_MG_3101.JPG



entire gallery: http://www.megapixelphotos.com/dance

[DwightMcCann]

The color and composition of the first one is stunning ... wish it was bigger and sharper. In the second, all that space is kinda wasted if you are trying to show the performance rather than create an art piece, which really doesn't work because the dancers composition isn't strong enough for "art", IMHO. But that first one ... yup, the first one is a winner to look at.

[René Damkot]

Agree with Dwight: First one is very nice.

[Curtis N]

I think tighter cropping would help. Both images are compressed more than necessary (15-20kb) which makes them appear somewhat unsharp.

The hardest part of shooting in this sort of lighting is getting the exposure right, and both of these are right on the money!

[shredchic]

The colors are great in the first one. I think a tighter crop would have been more effective. Also, it may not have been possible, but a different angle for the second one might have showcased the dancers better.

What lens did you use?

[rlhphotos]

Using a 50mm 1.8 mkII for both shots..only lens I have fast enough to take these shots..I have much larger versions available but they are compressed for a simple web gallery..not crisp with artificat jaggies(bleck) but I didnt want to post to large of images.

Thanks for the comments everyone ;)

Reason why there is so much space on the left of the second one is I made it to do this:

http://www.megapixelphotos.com/images1/Dance.jpg

[DwightMcCann]

Ah, it all comes together so much better with explanation and makes the second image work. I would suggest that you post versions as big as the above here if you can. We are talking art and all the compression destroys so much essence. Also, longer narratives to give us some background and perspective are helpful.

The 50mm f/1.8 is a potent lens! I think you have really worked its strength.

[shredchic]

Ah, it all comes together so much better with explanation and makes the second image work.

Yes! Agreed! :) It's much better now that it's larger.

[rlhphotos]

Yeah the two top photos really dont do the photos justice..50mm 1.8 is awesome...I have on my list of things to buy the 35mm f2.0 and 85mm f1.8 Im going to be doing more photography for this group so hopefully Ill get paid well and can afford these lenses soon ;)

[dzstudios]

Have you got any more pics? I'm just wondering if you got the opportunity to get any closer. Was it a 'live' performance, or a dress rehearsal?

Only because - you clearly are competent enough to deal with the difficult lighting situation - i'm sure you can kick-ass if you get in closer... and I mean PHYSICALLY closer, cos using a longer lens will just complicate matters and yes, a prime lens is simply the daddy for this kind of thing!

And - forgive me for being picky - its the graphic designer training - either the 'advert' picture has to be rotated to get the stage lines straight on the "horison" line - OR - you should use photoshop to make the 'blue background line' straight.

In fact - dont forgive me - I cant look at it without wanting to fix it. May I?




Phew - thats better- now dont let me catch you doing that again!

[rlhphotos]

^^ haha..thanks ;)

No I couldnt not get closer unfortunately live performance where the stage was on the same level as the seats so I was basically stuck in my seat the whole time...it kind of stunk..but what can you do, they said here you go sit here, and take pictures...so I did ;)

[dzstudios]

Well - maybe after seeing these, they'll be so happy that next time, you get better access. (Or manage to visit the dress rehearsal).

Happy shootin!

[rlhphotos]

Well we were invited back to cover the American College Dance Festival this upcoming weekend and this one is at an actual stage location so I should be able to get up and move around, and yeah, I hope to visit the dress rehearsal also, so Ill post a new gallery when I get done with that job....

[rlhphotos]

Well I just completed processing a ton of photos from the last event they invitied us to cover...a lot of photos, and a lot of processing later, here are a few quick samples from two of the dances.

http://www.rlhphotography.com/acdfa/gallery/gala/bachconcerto/images/_MG_4148.jpg
http://www.rlhphotography.com/acdfa/gallery/gala/discordanttango/images/_MG_4195.jpg

[DwightMcCann]

Wow, very nice ... and now I understand about the open spaces! Nice they took off their shoes for that second shot!

[rlhphotos]

Yeah the second shot was of a dance called Discordant Tango..kind of a funny piece :)