Re: [Leica] Shooting theatre with an M6?

["clive sanbrook" <clive.sanbrook@virgin.net>]

Tristan,

If you want pix good enough for lobby cards you need to consider getting on
the stage with actors for some posed shots at the dress rehearsal - think
35mm I should guess.

Remember that most of the people are going to be concentrating on what they
are about to do so get in, say what you want , get it and get out of the way
again.  You will nned to pick a moment when there is a natural break and you
dont interrupt the flow of things (have a word with the producer or stage
manager to sort out what you can and can't do)

Pix taken from 'near the stage' are unlikely to be good enoough and you will
find that stage lighting is (generally) very contrasty - plus you will
presumably be looking up at them - not a flattering angle.

Behind the scenes is fun - but if you are thinking of using available
light - be prepared - there isn't much of it!!  Rooms with lit dressing
mirrors ( the sort with bulbs round them)  (or sometimes the green room) are
good and if you get the framing right it's possible to get groups in
conversation with faces of people (who would'n t normally be seen because
there backs are to you) showing in the mirrors -

If possible I would suggest going to at least one rehearsal before the one
you are going to take pictures at just to see what goes on and be better
able to anticipate opportunites at the 'real thing' .

Think also of some candid shots when people are watching others do their
stuff or have an introspective moment for a last read of their lines.  The
producer watching the actors can often be a good shot.

Regards

Clive Sanbrook.
- ----- Original Message -----
From: "Tristan Tom" <Tristan@TristanTom.COM>
To: <leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us>
Sent: 05 April 2001 16:47
Subject: [Leica] Shooting theatre with an M6?


> I've been asked by a local community theatre to shoot some stills for
> them. I'm pretty confident that i can do this with my m6 (rather than
> an slr) but I'm not sure what i'll need in terms of lenses. i think i
> can get pretty close to the stage and actors, so would a 50 but
> enough, or do you think i will need a 75 or 90?
>
> they want production stills primarily to use on lobby cards, and then
> they also want some photojournalist type docu shot of
> behind-the-scenes, which is what I'm looking forward to doing with my
> 35...
>
>
>
>
> Thanks,
>
> Tristan Tom
> NO ARCHIVE
>
>
>
>