Special Event Photos
One of the most difficult photographic situations you will ever encounter is probably in your immediate future. The class program, school play, dance recital, graduation ceremony, or any other event that takes place in an auditorium or gymnasium. It’s a recipe for photo disaster. You’re too far away from the stage, it’s dark, and someone with really big hair is sitting in front of you. Here are a few tips to help you get around these obstacles.
Go to the dress rehearsal. This is my favorite tip. I photograph my kids’ special events at the dress rehearsal whenever possible. Leaving my camera in it’s bag during the real deal allows me to sit back, relax, and enjoy the program. I can usually get much closer to the action during a practice performance. If I talk to the teacher or instructor in charge beforehand I can get even closer and sometimes am allowed to go backstage. And, if I offer to share my pictures with them after the event, they’re very grateful. Recently, my daughter’s dance instructor allowed me to sit on the edge of the stage during her practice number. It allowed me to get some great shots. Always be respectful of the performers, teachers, and the other parents present.
Take pictures before and after the event. Capture your child preparing, putting on their costume, doing their hair and makeup, and when they’re all ready. Don’t forget to photograph them with their friends and family in attendance, it’s nice to remember who came and supported them on their big night.
If you’re going to brave it and try to take pictures during a performance you need to remember the following tips. Arrive early and get a good seat. Find out where your child will be on the stage beforehand. Make sure your camera is set for low-light situations. Boost your ISO/film speed. The higher the number, the better it will do in low-light. However, higher ISO (film speed) will result in grainier photos with more noise. That just means they won’t be as sharp. Sometime you have to sacrifice quality in the name of recording a memory. Remember to hold very still, or use a tripod to prevent blur. You can make a human tripod by firmly placing your elbows on the armrests of your chair and bracing yourself. Because you’re working in a low-light situation your camera will take longer to expose (create) the image. Any movement on your part will cause your image to be blurry. Your chances for blur increase dramatically when you use your zoom. Remember to turn off your flash. Your on-camera flash has limits as to how far it can reach. You won’t be able to illuminate your child on stage from 18 rows back. You’ll only light up the head of the person sitting in front of you. Also, flash is very distracting to young performers. Find more information on flash modes in the previous posts.
Here's a "getting ready" shot. She wasn't too crazy about the hot-rollers.
Another option is to forgo photos all together and instead shoot video. Capturing the child’s performance in video can be more effective than just a still photograph. Arrive early and set up your video camera on a tripod. Always make sure it won’t be in the way of the audience or the performers.
Happy Shooting!
Denise
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