Comments on: Dance Photography – Capturing Movement

By: Rahela

Rahela — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:32:38 +0000

Any tips & tricks on how to shoot a ballet lesson and theater performances?

My 8yo’s demonstrative lesson soon – and I’m still fresh with my DSRL (Nikon D3100 with VR 18-105 lens).
I will be taking images from the gallery, and due to space issues, won’t use a tripod.
I’ve shot these lessons before with my pro-zoomer, but I wasn’t satisfied with the quality of images – I was able to shoot only in Auto Mode – it was the only mode that allowed proper lighting and the images weren’t (too) blurry. P mode was too slow.
So – shooting with DSRL, 18-105 VR lens, no tripod, average lighting conditions – any tips you could give me?

For the theater performance – the same 8yo has a main role and I would really like to have gorgeous pictures.
Cameras in general are not allowed in the theater due to the official photographer (who takes, IMHO, portrait pictures and doesn’t capture the movement and expressions very well), but given this is a performance of a classical ballet school for Christmas, they tend to turn a blind eye to a presence of cameras in the theater – at least they did so previously.

So again – less equipment as possible, no tripod, same lens (have only these at the moment), lighting: dark with central stage lights, and I as the photographer must keep a low profile.

Where should I sit? Downstairs sitting area, or up in the gallery? Any techniques I could practice before?
Settings for the camera?

Many thanks in advance!

By: jacks photo

jacks photo — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 22:12:18 +0000

i have been shooting dance for about eight years now, more with film, for dance you cannot use flash, what are your sugestions for the proper settings, no flash , no tripod and no lcd review allowed, shoot in the dark about 100-200 feet from the stage, what are your suggestions on mode, focus and sharp pictures??

By: nijera

nijera — Sun, 29 May 2011 06:29:33 +0000

hi
im 16 and want to become a dance photographer (praise dance) but im not sure what is the best camera.
also i ve always hear that to be a dance photographer its all about shuter speed so can you give me some advice on what camerashave the best

thank you

By: John

John — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 22:28:50 +0000

It would be nice to see more on this subject. I’ve been shooting dancers for several years now and its one of my favorite things to shoot.

I wanted to make one comment. Using a flash for dance really depends on the dance and the situation. An onstage performance you wouldn’t shoot with a flash, its hard for the performers and the audience wouldn’t appreciate it. So in this case having good fast glass (70-200 F2.8 L, for example since you are a canon shooter) and you have to rely on solid stage lighting.

By: Fire Grate

Fire Grate — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 06:26:15 +0000

dance schools that also offers free yoga classes would be very very nice ‘~’

By: Randee

Randee — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 13:20:43 +0000

Tricks in shooting a night club. Low light , dancing etc.

By: Elissa

Elissa — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 18:01:28 +0000

Thank you for this! This is EXACTLY what I was looking for! I am a lindy hopper and was planning on photographing our next dance. I know how to shoot in low light, but I wanted to freeze motion. Thanks for this!

By: Tiffany

Tiffany — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 14:49:54 +0000

Wow! I’m so glad I found this. I just googled “dance photography” but I’m heading out to a swing dance tonight and want to capture some pictures of fellow lindy hoppers! That’s some fast stuff! I love the 2nd photo.

By: Bitzy

Bitzy — Fri, 28 May 2010 12:49:27 +0000

Some very good tips here. I recently shadowed a pro photographer at a wedding.
The reception was the most difficult part to shoot, very low light, various types of lighting and lots of movement.
I had brought two cameras, Nikon DSLRs with me, one set up with an 85mm 1:1.8D with speed flash and diffuser and the other set up with a fixed 35mm 1:1.8 lens, not using the on cam flash. That 35mm prime saved me when the light was too low to use in AF. Both of those lenses are relatively inexpensive as far as DSLR lenses go so you don’t really need to spend a fortune on lenses if you use the correct settings and techniques. One thing that taught me a lot is I have acquired a lot of the older Nikon lenses, the D and G versions which speak best to the Nikon cameras. I like some of them far better than the newer releases.
I don’t often focus manually as my vision is not that great. I Always shoot using the viewfinder, never the screen as the screen resolutions leave too much to guess. I found a viewfinder magnifier which helps. They’re relatively inexpensive and easy to install. Once you get used to them you’ll find they’re a good thing to have. The site address is of shots I took with no flash at a dance recital using a 70×300 telephoto.
What’s my point? You don’t need to spend a fortune to get good results by knowing your camera and using good technique.

By: angela herring

angela herring — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 13:15:11 +0000

Thank you for your time and experiences with your photography, I class myself as knowledgable but I have soooo much to learn. I have just been asked to take photos at a local dance school so I can’t wait to get on with the job. Cheers