Live entertainment photography

Abstract

Stage and theatrical photography requires skills from the photographer that are of photography. The quite different from any other form challenge is to the photographer's ability to isolate still pictures from the moving spectacle presented on the stage, usually under conditions which range from the difficult to the - seemingly - impossible. The venue and situations will often demand the utmost of the photographer's technical skills, and dealing with the performers themselves will often necessitate tact and diplomacy; at the same time one should have total regard for the other photographers who are around at the same time and who are experiencing the same d i fficulties . Difficult lighting conditions . the fact that some artists do not really wish all tax the psycologically to be photographed, technicalities going wrong photographer's skill both technically and in achieving the desired effect and obtaining a good pict ure. Added to this are the inevitable time restrict ions the photographer alwa~rs meet with at photo calls and the l ike. The equipment necessary is often highly spec i alised if the most professional results are to be achieved. Artists hate being kept waiting whilst lighting is adjusted. light me ters read and cameras loaded. and they will often be pleasantly surprised, if the correct equipment is used, at how relatively brief and painless a photographic session can be.