Welcome to AdoramaTV. My name is Marcin Lewandowski and as promised last
time I will talk a little bit about how I prepare for documenting a performance
or event.
Each assignment is different but there are similarities, allowing to carry
out same type of preparations for each. It doesn't really matter if it's a
theater play, rock gig, a charity event or even corporate portraits at a medical facility.
Sure, details will vary but there are similar checklists that I go through each time.
First step is to look through existing photographs from the venue. Is there
something that gets my attention?
Something I like? Do I smell a cool idea I could execute in an interesting
way? If the answer to any of these questions is yes then Bingo! I'm on the right track
If the place is close enough for me to visit it then part of the
problem is solved. I can call in on a recce, usually upon agreement with
someone from the venue and quickly learn as much about it as I can.
Where are all the entrances and exits? Are there any shortcuts? What vantage points will I
have at my disposal that are not accessible to the public? Visits like this also
help establish a personal link and make movement during the shoot easier,
especially in larger venues. Become friends with staff and security. They are
the most important people to know and will help with unconstructive movement
around the venue. Always arrive early and learn timings of the events, not the official one but the one
from the tech guys, security etc they know things like what lighting opens the
gig, where a performer will enter stage, when will significant events and changes
happen on stage. Boom, these are all photographs. Whether a performer is well known or
not they deserve more than just a sharp, well-exposed close up. There are
plenty of these around anyway. It might be even more important for less
known performers to simply give them something special that's usually reserved
for big names. It's also much more possible that they will notice this work.
The Beatles were unknown at some stage as well.
I always learn what type of performance will take place. How it might look, what does a
performance say about themselves?
This is not to help with the technical execution but it kick-starts the flow of
creative juices. It's also tremendously helpful with portraits and allows
to shuffle some ideas well in advance to build an imaginary picture of a person
If you are new to this type of photography then keep a few things in mind, as
they will make life easier down the line.
Respect the paying public. This in exchange will give you trust of the
organizers. Turn off all the beeping and the focus assist light beams of the camera. Go
manual if needed and act like a pro.
Don't use flash. In many cases it's not allowed. Look around instead and look for light and patterns.
Wait for a moments of energy release. Take lots of photographs to try different
angles and settings and if at the end of the day you have at least one that
you're happy with, then you're a winner.
Most of all, though, respect the craft of the performance and enjoy what you do
That's all this time but if you'd like me to clarify anything, then please comment
below. For the next episode we're brewing something special so keep your eyes open
and subscribe to our channel for more. If you want to brush up your photography
skills, check out Adorama Learning Center for a whole lot of interesting
tips. This was Marcin Lewandowski for AdoramaTV. See you next time.