Pictures

Posted: 10/1/16 at 3:26pm

How do you go about taking good theatre pictures? Is there proper theatre etiquette one must/should follow when documenting the process of putting a show together; mainly for their own scrapbook purposes.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 10/1/16 at 3:31pm

The set partially built, completely constructed and fully painted.

Actors at rehearsal, and then in full costume in either staged pix or during a dress rehearsal, but have groups just posing as a group isn't very telling.

 

Better if you can be on the same level (on the stage) instead of in the bit/house.

[Alex Kulak2]

Posted: 10/1/16 at 3:48pm

Whenever I've been in a show, what we've done is run through the show, and pause where the photographer saw a photo opportunity, then we'd either freeze in that one position, or run that 5 seconds of the show over and over until the photographer got what they want.

[trpguyy]

Posted: 10/1/16 at 4:17pm

A good camera and lens combination are necessary. Assuming photos for the most part won't be posed, you'll need a camera that can shoot at a fast shutter speed and high ISO with little noise. This is aided by a lens with a long focal length and low aperture, to allow as much light in as possible and still be a reasonable distance away from your subject. 

Updated On: 10/1/16 at 04:17 PM

[freewilma]

Posted: 10/1/16 at 4:36pm

I've been photographing theatre for about 10 years and lots of the information above is terrific.  It depends on how each theatre group works as to the best approach for the project.  Generally I will find a time where we shoot PR type photos in costume a few weeks before opening.  Since I primarily work with youth, I tend to get the best PR photos when they're in action and not posing; but it definitely depends on the vision of the production team.  I will often have them run a scene, song or dance and photograph them while in action.  They are much less stiff and self-conscious when they are performing; rather than posing.  

I will also fully photograph one (or two) of the final dress rehearsals.  I definitely recommend WATCHING a full run rehearsal before shooting the show.  There are often terrific moments in a show that you want to be sure to catch.  If you've watched the show and know the special moment is coming, you'll be better prepared to capture it.  Again, since I'm photographing youth, I always try to capture each of the actors on stage at some point (so their Granny Fran will BUY the photos!).  

If you are photographing a musical the speed of your photography equipment becomes even more important when it comes to dance photo.  You need a camera that will allow you to use a higher ISO and a very fast lens combo to ensure you can stop the action.  What combo works depends a lot on your camera body...but buying a 50mm 1.4 lens absolutely changed my theatre photos.  Good luck!

Posted: 10/1/16 at 10:44pm

Great tips, but I should clarify... I'm an actor that is looking to take pictures of the shows I am in.. like "behind the scenes" so-to-speak, as well as, action on the stage.

[trpguyy]

Posted: 10/1/16 at 10:52pm

The above is still applicable. Also make sure you have proper clearance/permission from all involved parties, especially if it's an Equity production. 

Posted: 10/1/16 at 10:56pm

trpguyy said: "The above is still applicable. Also make sure you have proper clearance/permission from all involved parties, especially if it's an Equity production. 

 

"

Mainly college plays/musicals right now.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 10/2/16 at 7:19am

Then my advice is to concentrate on your role, instead of losing focus with your camera.  It will difficult to get good pix from backstage without use of a flash.