Shall we dance???

[roanjohn]

Another set of dance photos.................this is starting to be my specialty these days!!! :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

These photos are from a Russian dancing school competition. Shot more than 500 frames that day.................and ended up with a few keepers.

http://www.pbase.com/roanjohn/image/44825135.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/roanjohn/image/44825141.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/roanjohn/image/44825143.jpg

And some candid (portrait like) shots:

http://www.pbase.com/roanjohn/image/44825137.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/roanjohn/image/44825145.jpg

All images shot with the XT and its SUPERB AF tracking (hehe :p ) with the 50 f1.4 and 85 f1.8.

Ro1

[ayotnoms]

I really like #3 and #4.

What was the keeper percentage? Also, were most keepers because of image quality (exposure/focus/etc.) or interest quality (...well, like #3 and #4) :-)

I'm just curious how others define a keeper.

[Curtis N]

Great shots!
How did you set the white balance? I'm curious because some of them look a little warm. I can see that the lighting was colored, so maybe the rendering is accurate.

[Dante King]

love them Roan! You do great work man.

[marie]

just love them Roanjohn http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_cool.gif
wonderful
the first shot especially. the red glow is beautiful on her back showing all the details

and I love the second
the light over the boy's head distracts a little
but I know the lights had to be there and could not be avoided in the photographs

the third is such a beautiful swirl of movement
I love the colour of the dress and all over
again the lights cause a little nuisance
but maybe they add to the whole atmosphere http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_confused.gif
beautiful shot, you caught the swirling., yet kept her face in focus
(and the lovely high heel shoe )
just gorgeous.
nearly missed the top of the man's head but it's ok
http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif

love # 4 photograph also
( just except for the light to the left of her lovely face)

and #5 is really nice too
lovely lighting (dare I say it http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_lol.gif ) on her face

love them all very much

[boomerang]

Number 2 is my favorite.....wow they all look great, makes me wish I was part russian and had rhythm.

[roanjohn]

I really like #3 and #4.

What was the keeper percentage? Also, were most keepers because of image quality (exposure/focus/etc.) or interest quality (...well, like #3 and #4) :-)

I'm just curious how others define a keeper.

I realize that the more I grow as a photographer, the less keeper I get :confused: Maybe I'm getting too critical?? WHO KNOWS!! But keeper rate for me is definitely the interest quality first. If I see a good shot, even if it is not in focus, I try to salvage it.

i.e. (THIS ONE)

http://www.pbase.com/roanjohn/image/44825146.jpg

The exposure was not perfect, the lighting was HORRID, the noise is all over........and her face is blurred and not in focused.........however, I like the mood of the photograph and the movement of her dress..........so with some noise reduction...........and a b/w conversion, I was able to at least produce a decent action shot:confused: I wish I could've gotten the exposure and focus right though.........oh well.

From that session, I probably have 5 that I really like............and 20-30 other shots that are nice and decent.

That doesn't really answer the question...........but...............:oops:

Ro1

[roanjohn]

Great shots!
How did you set the white balance? I'm curious because some of them look a little warm. I can see that the lighting was colored, so maybe the rendering is accurate.

It would've been impossible to nail white balance on this location. The lights were in different color at different parts of the dance floor and they dim at different intensities on every dance. I put the XT at Auto WB and hoped for the best. :lol: :lol:

In the end though, I thought the XT rendered the lighting and mood quite well.

Ro1

[roanjohn]

Dante King - THANKS MAN!!!

Marie - WOW!!! Thanks for taking the time to comment on every single photo :-) You are indeed the Cream of the Crop :-)

Ro1

[schmoelzel]

Nice shots!! You're right about getting more self-critical. I think it's because you are training your eye to see things that maybe were missed even 2 months ago........also agree that the last shot is great!! Even with the technical flaws that you mention, it evokes emotion which is the whole point of the art side of photography.

[roanjohn]

Francesco - rhythm is universal................:-) Thanks for the kind words.

Ro1

[Curtis N]

I put the XT at Auto WB and hoped for the best. In the end though, I thought the XT rendered the lighting and mood quite well.Then you certainly have better luck with Auto WB than I do with my DRebel in the theatre! If I don't use tungsten WB, it doesn't even come close.

[drewmk2]

So even if the white balance is off, white balance being off is what WORKs in this case. We sometimes get to concerned with settings i think. There is such thing as being too careful.

Great shots. The 3rd one captures the action well, though some of the compositions could have been better. You do capture the atmosphhere well, and i know it's a difficult event to shoot. I wouldn't have done so well!

[ayotnoms]

...
That doesn't really answer the question...........but...............:oops:

Ro1
Nah, you did good. I suspect it's what most people do (ie identify the interesting ones first then try to get the other crucial elements to work too)

I like the example of the one you salvaged; captures the energy of the moment. As for the WB, leave it as it is. It's part of the atmosphere and should be left with whatever color cast you captured.

Excellent series of photos!

[roanjohn]

Nice shots!! You're right about getting more self-critical. I think it's because you are training your eye to see things that maybe were missed even 2 months ago........also agree that the last shot is great!! Even with the technical flaws that you mention, it evokes emotion which is the whole point of the art side of photography.

Thanks Schmoelzel!!! :D

Ro1

[roanjohn]

Then you certainly have better luck with Auto WB than I do with my DRebel in the theatre! If I don't use tungsten WB, it doesn't even come close.

Could it be the DIGIC II??? :D

Ro1

[roanjohn]

We sometimes get to concerned with settings i think. There is such thing as being too careful.



I agree...............!!! :D

Ro1

[BlueTit]

All great photos, but I think four is brilliant. I love the expression you caught and it looks really well in B&W.

[Leorooster]

Great shots Ro1. I love #3 & #5.

[marie]

thanks for the extra shot Roanjohn

very beautiful and romantic dresses
you caught them (tripping the light.... ) fantastic...ally :D

anything less and they would be just hanging around :lol:
love how you caught the movement
also love how all the different parts of the sequins shine out from the garment really well

the music must have been good
:cool:

[roanjohn]

BlueTilt , Leorooster - THANKS!!! :-)

Marie - the music was ROCKIN' !!!!! Thanks!!!

Ro1

[Croasdail]

You know - I never really have wanted to shoot dance, but this and the other post you did with the little dances has caught my imagination. You've done a great job. Guess I need to move up the puchase of the f1.8 telephoto.

[roanjohn]

You know - I never really have wanted to shoot dance, but this and the other post you did with the little dances has caught my imagination. You've done a great job. Guess I need to move up the puchase of the f1.8 telephoto.

:lol::lol::lol: GO FOR IT!!!

Ro1

[Maureen Souza]

Great shots... love the red color in #1. I bet it was a ton of fun to shoot this!

[mvonditter]

I really like the fourth one.:)