DVC Wind Ensemble and Orchestra 12/5/09

Well, I must have done something right because Sara and Monte asked me to come back. I bought a new lens - a nice Sigma 50-150mm F2.8. It's a pretty nice lense and I was able to get more of the shots I wanted this time. I also brought the monopod, although, I'm not clear on how much it actually helped.

I was really enthralled with this angle. I got down on the ground and I liked the curved effect made by the lights. I took about 10 different shots from this angle.


There's a little story that goes with the next two photos. My husband was in the audience for this show. At this point in the music, the director was really getting into it. I had noticed and just kept my camera on him. At this moment, my husband searched for me, thinking I needed to get these photos, only to find me right where he thought I should be!






Sara wanted group shots. I had thought about bringing my tripod, but forgot it on the way out of the house. I think it would have helped. They turned out ok, but they could be better!




Thank you Sara for having me. I tell you, it is hard to enjoy the music while photographing, but there are moments that I stop just a bit to listen to the wonderful sounds around me. I hope you like the pictures. I do think I improved on myself this time!

Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band, DVC college, 10/2/09

My friend Sara graciously trusted me to be the photographer for her concert. I was really nervous about this because it is completely different from photographing my husband's band. One, it's not my husband and if I suck, I would feel bad. Two, while it may be similar to rock band photography, it is still different.

I'm not very excited about the pictures. They are ok, but they are not fabulous. (Sara, you can tell me different and maybe I'll see the light!) Russ says they look good. All the close-up shots that I loved were too blurry. I just didn't feel right using flash even though Sara said I could. I got some nice, crisp pictures with the 50mm 1.8, but my zoom lens is a 4-5.6and only worked when I was close to my subjects.

I did get a really nice comment after the show. A woman came up and asked if I was the photographer. After I said yes, she praised me for my photography etiquette and said she hardly realized I was there. She felt it made her experience that much better. It was very kind of her to take the time to tell me that. Later, Sara's sister called me a picture ninja. I accept the new name. I am the picture ninja!

Next time: (if Sara and Monte still want me...) Bring my monopod. I was going to bring it last time, but forgot. Consider renting a zoom lens with a wider aperture.



This was my favorite from the show.








I love the raw emotion I caught in Monte's face. You can tell he is enjoying the music.