'S' the creation-Silks.
Circa creates its new show 'S.' 6 weeks of creating and exploring the letter S to create something very different. Often with the stage filled with 7 acrobats t...
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Circa creates its new show 'S.' 6 weeks of creating and exploring the letter S to create something very different. Often with the stage filled with 7 acrobats they perform group scenes together supporting and lifting one another.
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Jan, 2015Views
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Contest Finalist in Unconventional Perspectives Photo Contest
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photograph was taken in Brisbane, Queensland Australia, during the pre-show warm up of Circa's production of 'S' which premiered at the Brisbane festival in 2012.Time
It is around 6pm. The acrobats are halfway through their pre-show warm up on stage. The lights are constantly changing as the technician is warming all the globes and making sure the cues are all working. The acrobats have about an hour left on stage before they must go do their make-up, set up their props and the house doors will open. Then the show can begin.Lighting
The lighting is for the show designed by the wonderful Jason Organ. The subject is being light by two booms on either side and some spot lights from above. As I am looking up so it was almost impossible to take the picture without getting the flare from the lights above. So I decided to use it instead, framing it in my picture.Equipment
I used my first ever SLF camera to take this shot. A Sony A33. I had just bought a new Sigma 30mm f1.4 lens and while not ideal for capturing theater/action shots I decided to play with it during training before the show. My camera is hand held for quick movement and I do not use a flash because it is too dangerous to use while the acrobats are performing their skills.Inspiration
I love taking photographs of theater and of Circus and Circa. The subjects are all my close friend and colleges and Circa's style of performing is very natural. You do not play a character on stage you show the audience you as an individual. Because of this I think so many of the acrobats are quite calm and natural in front of the camera. They almost ignore me as I push a lens in their face. In this photograph you can see Performer Kathryn O'keeffe on the silks. I love being on stage taking photographs during the warm up because you can explore and choose all sorts of angles to shoot from. Angles that the audience would not usually see. Here I am standing directly under Kat as she begins to twist herself around her shoulders.Editing
A little bit. I never do much more then you could do in a dark room. I shot this series in Black and white so all i did after taking the photograph was touched up the exposure in photoshop. Just a bit to make the black a bit stronger against the sharp stage lights.In my camera bag
I travel 10 months of the year so usually my equipment supply is limited. At the moment I have my Sony A7 and its kit lens a 24-70mm f3.5-5.6. I love it for its light weight and low light capabilities. When I am on a shorter tour and can go without some clothes or that extra pair of shoes I treat myself and bring a tripod, a flash, or an extra lens. I also have a cute Nikon 1 AW1 which I bring along for underwater shots.Feedback
For theater photographs the audience is looking for something a bit different. The theater photos that strike me the most are the ones from a different perspective then that of an audience member. Explore your angles and views. Capturing a light, a piece of rigging, a backstage door, or a stage sign can add to a photograph as it shows a different world from the one viewed from the audience. Side stage, back stage and even on stage creates a whole range of possibilities. Also don't be afraid to get up close. Get to know your subjects and their personalities. Kat is a former dancer and a very elegant performer. She also has quite a muscular physique so photographing her during a strength based move while capturing her beautiful pointed foot seemed quite fitting.
