Christmas Play

[Rhinotherunt]

These are not as captivating as many of the other images you guys post in the Performing Arts section, but thought they were interesting enough to share. Hope you enjoy.

[René Damkot]

Nice expressions you've captured! Maybe crop the second a bit tighter?

[Rhinotherunt]

Thanks Rene, I have been considering cropping them as well. They had this table center stage that was used as a prop that was a pain to shoot around.

[johnstoy]

Both are real good action captures of the performers, with one being my favorite...

The table is an obstacle, we sometimes find on a stage, similar to custom speakers...they get set up at the last minute and are a total surprise to the audience...cause they block the view from the front rows...
I actually stand up for the two or three seconds that it takes to take a picture over and above it... and so far the audience has never complained...

Any lens info on these photos?

[bmoguy]

Nice job capturing some of the moments that make the kids' Christmas play memorable.

[Rhinotherunt]

Both are real good action captures of the performers, with one being my favorite...

The table is an obstacle, we sometimes find on a stage, similar to custom speakers...they get set up at the last minute and are a total surprise to the audience...cause they block the view from the front rows...
I actually stand up for the two or three seconds that it takes to take a picture over and above it... and so far the audience has never complained...

Any lens info on these photos?
Thanks John. I could have actually roamed the front of the church, but I am not a member there. I was however asked to take images. I normally use a Sigma 70-200mm 2.8, but just got an 85 1.8 from Canon so I had to flex its muscles. I am attaching the EXIF data. The first is with the Sigma 70-200mm 2.8 on a 300D durning the rehearsal (no spot lights running). The second is with my 85 1.8 on a 300D (with spots and stage lights running).

Nice job capturing some of the moments that make the kids' Christmas play memorable.
Thanks! I hope they enjoy the images. I am sure they will.

PS: Yes, I was actually shooting 1/40 sec at 200mm. LOL! No tripod, just locking those arms and some good ole fashion breathing techniques. ;)

[johnstoy]

You were standing a considerable distance from the center of the stage...Good for you...So you stayed out of the center and the audience's view....that is considerate...

The 85mm 1.8 lens that I have is fantastic...I love it, especially for relatively close shots of individual portraits...

From 15 feet away, a performer can fill the frame from the waist up...I also use it for cross stage shots, of the drummer in the back of the stage or the piano player who might be way off to the side...

My 70-200mm 2.8L IS, I can't use at my venue because I'm not a pro...

[Rhinotherunt]

The 85mm 1.8 lens that I have is fantastic...I love it, especially for relatively close shots of individual portraits...

From 15 feet away, a performer can fill the frame from the waist up...I also use it for cross stage shots, of the drummer in the back of the stage or the piano player who might be way off to the side...

My 70-200mm 2.8L IS, I can't use at my venue because I'm not a pro...

I absolutely LUV my 85. Unfortunately, it looks like it is not going to cut it for handling this type of stuff. So, I will use it for my portrait stuff. The 70-200 is much more versatile for this venue. It is a pain to carry around for more than two hours though. I need to get a nice mono-pod I think.

Have you looked into getting some credentials? What is the venue that you usually shoot in?

[johnstoy]

I absolutely LUV my 85. Unfortunately, it looks like it is not going to cut it for handling this type of stuff. So, I will use it for my portrait stuff. The 70-200 is much more versatile for this venue. It is a pain to carry around for more than two hours though. I need to get a nice mono-pod I think.
Have you looked into getting some credentials? What is the venue that you usually shoot in?

Yes, the 70-200 is very versatile...

Regarding my lens use:
The longer lenses including the 70-200mm, I'm using for wildlife photography around my yard...Lot's of deer and wild turkeys, all the time...

My local concert venue owns the local daily newspaper and a few regional TV stations, they also are the regional internet service providers...so for professional photographers, they resort to their own staff...I'm a paid patron, buying show tickets months in advance... and can only take pictures for personal use only...I've been briefed by the front office to refrain from using long lenses... the camera use rules are announced on the day of the show...it's always for personal use only, they usually restrict the use of flash...no video permitted ever and occasionally audio recording might be OK...

[Rhinotherunt]

My local concert venue owns the local daily newspaper and a few regional TV stations, they also are the regional internet service providers...so for professional photographers, they resort to their own staff...I'm a paid patron, buying show tickets months in advance... and can only take pictures for personal use only...I've been briefed by the front office to refrain from using long lenses... the camera use rules are announced on the day of the show...it's always for personal use only, they usually restrict the use of flash...no video permitted ever and occasionally audio recording might be OK...
Ah, I see. Well it is kool they let you take images. You could check with the concert venue if you could freelance for them. It may allow you to bring bigger lenses. I am sure you probably have already checked into that though...

[johnstoy]

Ah, I see. Well it is kool they let you take images. You could check with the concert venue if you could freelance for them. It may allow you to bring bigger lenses. I am sure you probably have already checked into that though...

Freelancers come and go...cause it's a real part time seasonal job...
I'm retired and if I went freelance, I'd lose my amateur and retired status...If considered a pro, it seems to me you're labeled a pro forever...

I'll see in September, after I shoot a family wedding, if I'm even interested in the profession...I could only go back full time with a guaranteed 10 year contract... or I'm staying retired...

[Rhinotherunt]

Freelancers come and go...cause it's a real part time seasonal job...
I'm retired and if I went freelance, I'd lose my amateur and retired status...If considered a pro, it seems to me you're labeled a pro forever...

I'll see in September, after I shoot a family wedding, if I'm even interested in the profession...I could only go back full time with a guaranteed 10 year contract... or I'm staying retired...
Got ya. Well, I am what they call a Photographer in Transit. I do not have a studio, but can do freelance work, documentry, charity, commercial, and on-site work. ;) I have a full time job being a graphics illustrator and find myself doing much of the same work as listed above, but for the Army. So, I am a pro by definition of the word... though do not consider my photography skills as expert though... now Post Production Skills... ;) LOL!

Freelance is fun, but not enough money to make a living (for me).