I shoot Theater–Who would have guessed that one?

Today it just struck me that I probably have enough content for a Theater category in my portfolio.

While I have been asked to shoot theater productions through the years it is when my daughter became really involved in theater that had me shooting a lot as just a proud dad.

Nikon D4, Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Lens, ISO 2500, ƒ/6.3, 1/8000

This is her dressed up as the Witch in the play she is doing in a few weeks Into the Woods. By the way I must promote the musical and encourage you if you are in Roswell, GA to come to it. Here is link for it RHSIntoTheWoods.com.

Nikon D4, AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR, ISO 6400, ƒ/5.6, 1/400

Now besides getting photos of the actual productions I am also doing headshots for the programs.

Having a consistent look for all the headshots makes a huge difference in the quality of the programs and promotional pieces.

Nikon D4, Nikon 85mm ƒ/1.8G, ISO 140, ƒ/1.8, 1/100

I try to capture some shots of the audience and overall stage at some point. Most of the time I concentrate on the actors as I did in the performance of Steel Magnolias.

Nikon D4, Sigma 120-300mm ƒ/2.8 DG OS HSM S, 2x, ISO 1100, ƒ/5.6, 1/100

I am using my Sigma 120-300mm ƒ/2.8 DG OS HSM S with a 2X converter to shoot these from the very back of the auditorium.

Fujifilm X-E2, FUJINON XF 55-200mm, ISO 6400, ƒ/4, 1/420

I even have the opportunity to work with professional companies like Georgia Ensemble Theater, which is conveniently near my home in Roswell, GA.

Access & Interest

What often will make up your portfolio is things you shoot because you have access and a genuine interest. I not only wanted good photos of my daughter in these performances I knew I would be judged by parents and the theater companies about my work. 

They knew I was a professional photographer and I had to deliver. Well for the most part everywhere I am shooting I am getting consistently the best images of the productions that they have ever seen. How do I know? They are telling me. 

I have been doing headshots for actors for many years, but now taking more interest beyond just the headshots and the productions. I am now very interested in helping with the marketing of these plays.

I helped by shooting the promotion photo and created the banner for Into The Woods musical at Roswell High School.

I knew we were onto something when we were shooting the photos. We could not tell anyone what we were doing before February 22 this year, because of contract. We could post the photo. 

I teased folks with the photo and asked them what musical they think they are doing?

Pretty much everyone guessed it. That is when you know people driving by and see a banner or see the posters in stores around town will know instantly what they were doing.

With Atlanta growing in theater and TV productions I guess this might just be a good category to toss my hat into.