So today I bring to you a look back at Unveiled by artists Brandi Ou and Jessica Warchal-King at the Performance Garage, some photo composition knowledge AND the importance of play.
“Rule of Thirds”, “Balancing Elements” a couple methods photographers use in composing images. “Rule of Thirds” as the name suggest breaks the photo into thirds (9 squares, 2 horizontal & 2 vertical lines) with the hopes of placing the subject of interest on the intersecting lines. Basically add more interest then placing everything dead center. Another technique is “Balancing Elements” where for instance you try to play with subjects in the foreground and background to add interest.
Both I rely on heavily when I shoot especially the “Balancing Elements” technique which of any composition technique is tied most to my personal style as in this image from BalletX rehearsal.
You’ll see that Chloe Felesina in the foreground would make for a lovely images in itself but using Zachary Kapeluck in the background to add balance and additional interest really elevates an already beautiful image even more.
Now to another not often mentioned but VERY important concept in photography…the importance of play. Was shooting Friday night at “Unveiled” a collaborative show by artists Brandi Ou and Jessica Warchal-King consisting of two dance pieces – “(in)visible veins” and “Not All Who Wander Are Lost”.
After shooting the dress run, I decided to stick around and just watch the show but of course couldn’t resist taking a few additional shots but was in the front row and not wanting the display on the back of the camera to distract the audience behind me I decided to play and shoot without looking. You are probably like huh? This is where the play comes in. Sometimes when you can its good to play, try something different. Something i’ve done on a few occasions is shooting with the camera at a very low/interesting angle say floor level but not looking through the viewfinder or using the camera screen in LiveView mode but judging the distance focal length and using my eyes away from the camera to compose the shot without the camera. Not an easy task especially trying to focus on a subject when not looking through the lens. At times you get some very odd shots of say mostly floor and feet or the top of someone’s head but when you play and experiment that’s when you get some very cool gems and possibly a new interesting technique. Now not suggesting to if shooting for a paid job to shoot from waste level and hope for the best. Just saying try a different angle. Even I can become too complacent and just stay center shooting. Sometimes it’s important to see things from a different perspective.
As I mentioned besides a few shots from that “interesting” perspective both choreographers will get copies of my shots during dress…a couple of those appear below.
Be sure if you missed their show or if you just want to stay updated to look for more future work from both Brandi Ou & Jessica Warchal-King and also be sure to check back on the DanceJournal for my next Behind The Lens photo column.
- The Dancing Monks of Assam - April 18, 2018
- In the studio with Darrell Grand Moultrie - February 4, 2018
- Bill Hebert’s Philly Holiday Sampler - December 17, 2017
Great photos as always, Bill! It was a wonderful evening of dance from two special choreographers. Thanks for sharing Bill. Bob Oliveti
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