Eyes on the conductor

A bassist concentrates on the conductor during a performance of the Roosevelt University Symphony Orchestra. I shot photos of the dress rehearsal under ideal stage lighting and was assured that the levels would be maintained during the actual performance. What I discovered when the stage lights came up for the performance was that the level was about one stop less than during the rehearsal, rendering one lens useless and placing me on the brink of disaster with two others.

I had come prepared for the worst, and I was now dealing with it. A monopod helped steady my shots, which needed to be carefully timed to prevent motion blur. I shot the first portion of the concert from the front row of seats, then moved toward the back of the auditorium. During the intermission, I moved to the balcony.

All in all, I got the shots that the school was looking for. It was just a little tense for a while.

Click on picture to enlarge. Photograph © 2008 James Jordan.