Photographing Ballet

[supraman215]

I volunteered to photograph a couple of Ballet Dress rehearsals at the ballet company in which my daughter is enrolled. I'm currently a RE and interiors photographer, you can see my link in my sig. But I like photographing everything. I was wondering if anyone had any tips on photographing events like this. I plan on working backstage a little and from the seats. But since I've never shot an event like this before I'm not quite sure what to expect and I'm a little nervous.

I was thinking of renting the Nikon 200/f2 I have a tripod because from what I understand this lens is very difficult to use handheld due to it's weight. I was thinking of picking up a decent monopod as well. I was thinking that lens since the extra stop of light over the 70-200 will be helpful since I'll want a nice high shutter to help freeze the action plus it's a beautiful lens and it performs exceptionally wide open.

 

[2WheelPhoto]

I used a D700 with 70-200 VRII d2.8, and aperture wasn't an issue (high ISO) at a girl's ballot. Couldn't get near stage, couldn't control shadows, etc but a few turned out reasonable. I'm not sure if your D90 will shoot high ISO or not, thats what will make or break the pic shooting onto a dark stage in natural light. I prefer my strobes so i can control the light but at events such as these its not an option.

 

[supraman215]

Yes strobes are not an option. I'm not sure how close I'll be able to get, it's a rehearsal but I get the impression this place is pretty serious. I'm going to try to use my charisma to get as close as possible lol. As for Hi ISO I can do 3200 which looks good unless you get really close, that D800 you've got would really help . But I'm comfortable at 1600. Thanks for the tips.

I like your shot here. Did you shoot that wide open?

 

[2WheelPhoto]

Yes strobes are not an option. I'm not sure how close I'll be able to get, it's a rehearsal but I get the impression this place is pretty serious. I'm going to try to use my charisma to get as close as possible lol. As for Hi ISO I can do 3200 which looks good unless you get really close, that D800 you've got would really help . But I'm comfortable at 1600. Thanks for the tips.

I like your shot here. Did you shoot that wide open?

Thanks - Yes sir, f2.8

that lens never ceases to amaze me.

 

[supraman215]

Yeah I was thinking of trying that lens as well. It's also cheaper to rent than the 200/2. So I will end up with one of the 2. I like the idea of being able to have the lower ISO though, and get some REALLY super sharp shots.

 

[Designer]

Yes strobes are not an option.

Gee, that's too bad. I think you need to turn on some charm or begin to sound like a professional photographer, and get some strobes over there. I think the school will welcome some good shots especially at a rehearsal.

 

[bianni]

An important thing to remember is timing. Listen to the music and observe when they do the movements since the dancer and you will both listen to the music, you can get them at the peak of the action. Maybe also good to use center weighted metering since some scenes may have very dark backgrounds.

 

[supraman215]

"Gee, that's too bad. I think you need to turn on some charm or begin to sound like a professional photographer, and get some strobes over there. I think the school will welcome some good shots especially at a rehearsal."

I would imagine they are far more interested in putting on a good show than getting good photos. Strobes could be distracting to the dancers even for the rehearsal I didn't ask but I can only imagine that strobes are not an option. Plus I'm not sure I have anything powerful enough to shoot that far. Since they would likely have to be offstage. I only have speedlights. I'm sure I could set something up at the location they are warming up before they get up on stage.

 

[supraman215]

An important thing to remember is timing. Listen to the music and observe when they do the movements since the dancer and you will both listen to the music, you can get them at the peak of the action. Maybe also good to use center weighted metering since some scenes may have very dark backgrounds.

Yes great point on the timing. Maybe I could show up for one of the practices a couple weeks before they get on stage to help understand the music and get some practice shots. I always use spot metering.

 

[tirediron]

Yes strobes are not an option.

Gee, that's too bad. I think you need to turn on some charm or begin to sound like a professional photographer, and get some strobes over there. I think the school will welcome some good shots especially at a rehearsal.

You don't shoot many dance events do you?

 

[tirediron]

An important thing to remember is timing. Listen to the music and observe when they do the movements since the dancer and you will both listen to the music, you can get them at the peak of the action. Maybe also good to use center weighted metering since some scenes may have very dark backgrounds.

Yes great point on the timing. Maybe I could show up for one of the practices a couple weeks before they get on stage to help understand the music and get some practice shots. I always use spot metering.

This is ideal.

 

[supraman215]

Yes strobes are not an option.

Gee, that's too bad. I think you need to turn on some charm or begin to sound like a professional photographer, and get some strobes over there. I think the school will welcome some good shots especially at a rehearsal.

You don't shoot many dance events do you?

That's correct!

EDIT: HA my bad I thought this was directed to me!

 

[supraman215]

This was supposed to be posted the in Beginner forum. If a moderator wants to move it there thats fine. This is kind of a beginner discussion.

 

[Designer]

Yes strobes are not an option.

Gee, that's too bad. I think you need to turn on some charm or begin to sound like a professional photographer, and get some strobes over there. I think the school will welcome some good shots especially at a rehearsal.

You don't shoot many dance events do you?

No

Still, I have offspring in dance, and perhaps I will try to get some shots. Using flash.

 

[2WheelPhoto]

Yes strobes are not an option.

Gee, that's too bad. I think you need to turn on some charm or begin to sound like a professional photographer, and get some strobes over there. I think the school will welcome some good shots especially at a rehearsal.