symphony halls and lighting tips!

[LMSpiccolo]

This question is for all, but especially Pekka. I've admired your photos for years, with a special appreciation of your orchestra photos. I find shooting in our hall a nightmare. Lighting is spotty, and it's extremely difficult to get a good exposure. I end up averaging my shots, and having areas of over- and under-exposure. Sometimes the lighting adds interest, as in this shot:
http://images2.fotki.com/v20/photos/3/34562/228538/RSWSCsoloist1Ed-vi.jpg

Even this photo took a great deal of editing to tame some of the blown highlights. Do you think the lighting in your hall is more even, or do you have some "tricks" that help you get such terrific results. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

laurie

[Yance]

Too much overhead lighting can make for some harsh shadows. There are a few ways to overcome that. First of all if at all possible use either a flash to fill in some of the shadows and use a handheld meter to expose for the main lights. That will prevent the highlights from getting too hot. If you don't want to use a flash use some sort of reflector for fill even if it is just a white card. In the shot you featured the paper on the table helped to brighten the shadows of the faces.

Another thing to try is never take pictures when the faces are looking down and obscured by shadows. This may be difficult with some musicians because they are almost always looking down. Study the light in the hall and see where the best locations are and how it falls on the subjects. Try to determine when the musicians are positioned to take advantage of the best lighting and then take shots only then. But similarly expose for the highlights to avoid hot spots.

[LMSpiccolo]

Yance - Thanks very much - very useful suggestions. Interesting point about the music acting as a reflector - wouldn't have thought of that, but of course it accounts for a partial success with that shot. Very much appreciated!

Laurie