Capturing The Magic: A Guide to Theater Photography
Theater photography is a unique and challenging art form that requires a combination of technical skill, artistic vision, and a deep understanding of the theatrical world.
I recently had the pleasure of working with the Tennessee Williams Festival 2024 for its 19th year run in Provincetown, Massachusetts. The four days performance was packed with various original playwright, showcasing exuberant and creative art direction and talents all around.
The Brief
Prior to the show, the curator of the festival, Director David Kaplan had briefed me on the visual expectation for what was to be captured. He required photos that would summarize each of the plays and that the audience were also incorporated to show engagement and inclusivity.
I was briefed to capture seven plays across one and a half days. With the short window, I ensured I had the schedule ahead of time with venue references for each shows. This further helps in understanding the space and lighting I had to work with, which led me to properly plan my gears I needed to use.
Logistics
This was going to be my first time in Provincetown hence I had to carefully plan my logistical route. Given the back-to back performance schedule with various locations, it came down to the math of how much traveling time it took by foot versus cycling to and fro. I also considered the time I needed to leave to get to the next show. After few strategic revisions with the team, I made it to every show in time. Phew!
Anticipation is the name of the game
I’ve photographed music concerts, weddings and corporate events and fully understand the game of anticipation — waiting for that one second of epic gesture at the right moment. However, theater photography is a whole different level. Even with its timed rundown and scene cues, every line of dialogue seems to be click worthy. There is so much action and reaction going on—expression, emotion, gesture, tone of voice. Every second is so dynamic, it almost felt as if I was in Cirque du Soleil. Not a moment worth blinking!
Gotta be fit baby!
These plays run anywhere between sixty through a hundred and fifty minutes long, hence imagine how tired one’s eye can be after squinting close continuously for a long period of time. By the third play on the first day of shooting, I had convinced myself I should be wearing an eye patch for this kind of assignment. And don’t get me started on my jelly arms after!
It’s no joke that photographers need to always keep fit. It demands a lot of stamina and physical and mental endurance during these shoots. With event photography, I find myself actively moving around, bending, climbing, flexing, squatting, contorting my body, ensuring I get the shot! That’s right, a seven-day workout jammed into one!
You can’t always please everyone
There will be times when someone is going to be either displeased or annoyed with you while you try to Ninja about, so determined in getting your shot. But take it from me, try your best to be mindful to not to continuously disrupt audiences view and focus as much as you can. If you can be conscious, confident, safe and respectful in commanding the performance space, you will be alright!
To summarize the experience, will all be worth the labor when your client is happy of the outcome! As an event photographer, you will quickly learn to adapt to your environment, taking in multiple elements and surroundings while keeping focus on accomplishing your assignment. You will deliver awesome visuals and call it a day!
Here are some visuals from the plays I captured at the 2024 Tennessee Williams Theater Festival in Provincetown, Massachusetts.
Read through for tips below and share this page if you find it helpful!
To capture the essence of a stage performance, it's essential to prepare thoroughly before the shoot.
Understanding the Performance:
Research the play: Familiarize yourself with the plot, characters, and themes.
Communicate with the director: Discuss their vision for the production and any specific shots they'd like to capture.
Assessing Light Conditions and the Performance Space:
Lighting design: Understand the lighting cues and how they contribute to the overall atmosphere.
Stage layout: Familiarize yourself with the stage setup, including props, scenery, and seating arrangements.
Camera placement: Consider where you can position your camera to capture the action while minimizing distractions.
Defining the Expected Photo Outcome:
Purpose of the photos: Are they for promotional materials, documentation, or personal use?
Desired style: Determine whether you want a more traditional or experimental approach.
Composition and framing: Think about how you'll frame the shots to highlight the actors, sets, and lighting.
By carefully considering these factors before a theater photography shoot, you can ensure that you're well-prepared to capture the magic of the performance.
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