Dressing room photos

I normally try to turn up fairly early when shooting a show. And more often than not, the dress run starts later than planned. So sometimes I have some spare time in the theatre. I make sure I have a video or two on my iPod, and sit quietly in the theatre not bothering anyone.

At a recent show, I was encouraged to go to the dressing rooms and take photographs of people getting ready. As it happened I didn't have my flashgun or diffuser with me, so I didn't do so, but thinking about it made me kind-of uncomfortable.

How do you guys go about doing this kind of thing. "Just keep taking your kit off, dear, I'll snap a couple of pictures here". Hmmm. And it made it even worse that there were kids in the show...

What's your technique for this kind of thing?

regards,
/alan

Is this in a play setting?

Oops, yeah - sorry I didn't make that clear. This was before a stage musical production.

regards,
/alan

I had the opportunity to shoot back stage at a fashion show a few weeks back.
General rule - stay out of the areas where people are changing clothes. It's uncomfortable for all involved.

If you can, let the person in charge know that you'll be back there, so they can instruct people not to flip out about the person w/ the big camera back stage.

Aside from that, just shoot. Changing scenes are probably off limits, as they should be.. however makeup and costume adjustments, the participants hanging out and fooling around, etc. will all make great shots.