Peacock Dance Pose
Oct, 2015Views
712
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Awards
Zenith Award
Curator's Selection
People's Choice in A lust for dance Photo Challenge
Winner in All the World's a Stage Photo Challenge
Staff Winter Selection 2015
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Superb Composition
Outstanding Creativity
Peer Award
Magnificent Capture
Superior Skill
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Behind The Lens
Location
While visiting Kunming, China I took the opportunity to see the stage production of Shangrila-Dynamic Yunnan, a must-see for any visitor to Kunming.Time
As this performance was put on night, the photograph was taken in the evening. The signature Peacock Dance was at the end of the performance, putting the capture at roughly 9:30 p.m.Lighting
Because it occurred during a performance, the lighting was basically taken care of by the production staff. I have found that there tends to generally be great leeway in white balance settings when taking photos lit by stage lighting and still have the photo come out looking realistic. However, for this photo I wanted to make sure the dress came out white, and the auto-white balance on my camera did a great job making sure that happened.Equipment
As for equipment, I used just my Nikon D7000 and my walk-around lens, a 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6.Inspiration
Upon first arriving in my seat, I set my camera up for the lighting conditions on stage. Shortly thereafter, an announcement was made that photographs of the performance were prohibited, so I sat back and enjoyed the performance with my camera resting in my lap, as shutter lights and flash bulbs went off all around me! It was only at the end that I couldn't resist sneaking in a shot - my only one from the one hour, forty-five minute show.Editing
Since I was sitting several rows back, a few heads were captured at the bottom part of the photo and had to be edited out. But, being 6' 2" tall in a mostly Chinese audience helped ensure the dancer was fully captured. Also, since I always capture in raw format, the usual minor tweaks to exposure and noise reduction settings were make.In my camera bag
This will change a lot depending where I am going and planning on shooting for the day. However, when on vacation, I typically stay out the entire day and am fully loaded down. I have a D7000 body, a 10-24mm f/3.5-4 wide zoom, a 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 normal zoom, a 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 telephoto zoom, and a 35mm f/1.8 prime. In addition, I carry an SB-700 speedlight, a circular polarizer, several nd filters, an ExpoDisc and an extra battery. And I never head out for the day without my Sirui N-2204 tripod and attached Acratech GP-s ballhead. I really like using the crop sensor format to help keep the weight of my pack down.Feedback
I would advise anyone taking pictures during a performance to make sure photos are allowed, or to get special permission to take photos during the show. Then it is simply a matter of getting a good seat or finding a good spot and let the pictures come to you. But take time to enjoy the performance as well, especially if you are on vacation and will only see it once.
