Photo Tip:When shooting a performance on stage, front and center doesn’t always offer the winning shot. Find unique perspectives that will bring a creative edge, dimension and interest to your results. Move around!
Ciao Italy!! On the eve of my first night in Rome, after getting my groundings by seeing some of the required tourist attractions, such as the Colosseum and Forum, I was planning my second day to go deeper in my exploration, away from the noisy touristy locations… but the Sistine Chapel is a must for a person who has a Master’s in Art – Drawing / Painting.
From reading Lonely Planet, I noticed there weren’t big festivals listed for January. All other months has plenty. So, when I heard from my dorm mate at the M&J Place Hostel that there was a Chinese New Year Celebration at the Plaza del Popono, I knew that Sistine Chapel will have to wait.
I heard it start at 2pm and ended around or so.. I wasn’t up to doing a whole afternoon shoot only on that. I chose to do the ending part and hope that I caught some of the entertainment.
The Piazza del Popolo, the large urban center of Rome, was packed with people and tourist around the city. Unfortunately, I didn’t prepare for that as getting to the front, or near it would be challenging. I tried using a press pass.. but they didn’t allow it. So, using my lack of height, I moved my way through with my hefty camera bag and tripod (couldn’t use that)
With my height disadvantage, and not being front stage, rather to the right, several rows back, I put on my 80-200 f/2.8 on my Nikon D300s, and raised it over my head (tall men in front of me) and hoped for the best. That lens was worth bringing from US, although a ton. Perfect range. Eventually, I realized I have LV = Live View (which I am against normally, but this is the ONE exception to the rule to use it) The stage was bright so I was able to get the colors beautifully.
It was necessary to use some flash at times to get movement and not have skin colors blown out or freeze action better. Recommend putting on a off camera flash, but I didn’t have mine with me and my built in did OK.
Results: I got great shots!! Sometimes not over-thinking or over-preparing get best results. The angle I was at brought additional details, such as the spot lights that bring color and direct eye to subject. In addition, where there are rows of people on stage, I am able to capture the people who might go unnoticed.
Remember: Don’t take the road most taken, find your angles and show who you are as a photographer. Make time and move around. Don’t be lazy!! Think 360 degrees.
For more images from this event, go to http://www.demotix.com/news/1003810/2012-year-dragon-celebrations-rome
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I facilitated a charity event to raise money for the YWCA lunchbox program to feed children without parents in the local community. It was also a way to bring the expat and Korean community together. We all got to contribute with our strengths. It was a night to remember. I strongly suggest to give back to the people and places that support the beautiful life you have. Read article here.
Utata is a collective of photographers, writers, and like-minded people who share a compelling interest in the arts. We began (and continue to exist) as a salon-style gathering of photographers who came together on flickr. As a group we are continuously evolving; Utata is more of a process than a final product.
Here are tearsheets from some publications my work featured in Gwangju New Magazine, the 1st international magazine in S. Korea. I became an intricate part of the magazine’s international team with photo editing and judge for photo contests.
“The Artist’s Eye…” is a profile story about me, the newly arrival to S. Korea with my photographic and life philosophies. Photos reflect experiences in Peru. (Dec 2009)
My photos and feature story of the respected monk Venerable Beop Jeong’s funeral ceremony at Songgwang Temple, Suncheon, South Jeolla Province, S Korea. See my gallery for more storytelling photos from this event. (April 201o)
Second cover shot from the 5.18 Cemetery with those lost from the Gwangju Massacre of May 18, 1980. Citizens rose up against the military dictatorship and took control of the city for democratization. Gwangju is best known for this, however, the city is currently becoming the cultural hub of Asia. (May 2010)
Here is a photo essay on the fascinating history of Korean ahoneymooners and sex museums on Jeju Island. (Sept 2010)
An interview at the Asia Culture forum with keynote speaker Vo Van Sen, President of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities at Vietnam’s National University in Ho Chi Minh City. (Oct. 2010)
Photos accompanying story about the Gwangju Biennale, 2010. 10000 LIVES exhibition title is borrowed from Maninbo (10,000 Lives), the yet unfinished, 30 volume epic poem by Korean author Ko Un. Conceived while Ko was in prison for his participation in the 1980 South Korean democratic movement.
The 8th Gwangju Biennale presents a sprawling investigation of the relationships that bind people to images and images to people. With works by more than 100 artists-realized between 1901 and 2010. (Oct. 2010)
Photo essay about experiences at the Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai, Thailand. Its shares the importance of protecting this endangered species, lack of support from the Thai government, importance of volunteering and smart traveling. (May 2011)
Photograph taken of Massimiliano Gioni, international art director, for an interview about his work at the Gwangju Biennale (2010)
All content © 2012 by DMeryl Photography 