There’re two types of performance photography, each in many ways the opposite of the other. Rehearsal photography involves a virtually empty room with even (but usually low) lighting, actor/s and a director, often an assortment of designers, sound composers and lighting specialists and occasionally the playwright, all meeting to discuss and perform the script. Over three hours or so there may be the same 5-10 minute scene repeated over and over interspersed with discussion. The trick is to get variety.
Production photography is recording the performance in its finished form with costumes, and often with bright constantly changing, high contrast lighting, you’ve got no idea what will happen next and there’s only one chance to get it.
My first production shoot for The Queensland Theatre Co. was “The Orphanage Project” in 2003. Written by the very talented Angela Beitzen, the play was an alternate history of Australia from the veiwpoint of the non-beneficiaries of settlement and society in general. She teamed up with director Leticia Carceras plus an ensemble of youthful actors and production professionals to deliver a poignant reminder about a wrong this country was collectively denying at the time. It was a stinging volley of shots during the long dark years of the “Howard Culture Wars”. Bravo.
Queensland Theatre Compant 2003
(Wednesday, 24 February 2010)
If I was to mention Post-modernism seriously, then those of you who’ve managed to read this far may be thinking “here we go …pretentious wanker”. But I’ll have a go; it’s a bit like speaking up for someone who has helped you out.
I’m not welded on to any beliefs, but P-M explains why the world can never be explained (if you’ve noticed). Simple insights like; things are more than the sum of their parts, and the truth depends on who is standing where and when, seem obviously true.
Why is it a such a misunderstood and maligned measure of the world? Anyway that can wait.
In the meantime here’s a minute in the life of a bird in a cage.
Art Photography, Polaroid Art, Lismore pet Shop 2001, Post Modernism ain't so bad.
(Wednesday, 24 February 2010)
“Did the Real Estate Agents send you?” I jumped and looked around. A guy in a suit was standing right behind me, his tie flying free in the cold westerly.
I was a little self conscious at being seen photographing let alone in front of a shop window full of undressed mannequins.
I wasn’t from anywhere and didn’t have a reason for being there, “Ah … no … sorry”
He looked down and noticed the camera swathed in black tape ...”oh”, and kept his gaze on me as we turned and walked away from each other.
Brisbane Street Photography, Fortitude Valley 1988
(Wednesday, 10 February 2010)
It’s good top have Plan B. Sometimes that is nothing just not Plan A. Luckily Jacob and Kim had one when the sky over the border ranges turned black. The boys carried the Chuppah (Jacob had made) up the beach and across the road to a restaurant.
The storm spent itself by the time of the ceremony shrouding the remains of the day in a dreamy mist that came off the sea.
Gold Coast Wedding Photography, The Boatshed Bar and Cafe, Currumbin Wedding, Non-Flaky Wedding Photography, Wedding Photo-documentary, 2008
(Wednesday, 10 February 2010)
Any photographer doing their work properly is bound to get these type of letters. Here's a few from the last couple of months.
Hi Stephen,
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!!
I don't think I can thank you enough for the fantastic photos of our wedding. You are amazing, thank you SO much. They are perfect. I have watched that slideshow nearly a million times and its perfect. Its so much fun being able to relive the day watching it, it makes me feel so happy. Everyone I have shown (there have been lots) loves them. You have such a great eye and capture the most important parts of the day - how happy everyone was.
Thank you again... I could just keep saying it. They are perfect and I love them. It was a pleasure to have you there with us. I hope your family enjoyed their holiday too.
We had a great time in Turkey. Its a beautiful place and I highly recommend Kas.
Thank you, just once more.
Hope all is well. Take care and next time we are down your way maybe we can catch up for a coffee.
Kate & Ricky Megee
Hi Stephen,
Just wanted to let you know that we have recieved the cd of all the photos. We cant express enough how much we love them. Everybodies personality shines through, and we feel like we are re-living the happiness and fun of the day everytime we look at them. And we cant stop! I have no idea how we are ever going to pick photos to put in an album, let alone to frame, we want every single one of them.
I have already showed heaps of friends and family, and everyone that sees them wants to know your website and contact details, as it seems that what you do is what everyone wants. One person, a friend of my cousin, said that they are the most beautiful wedding photos that she has ever seen, and she had worked in the industry!
Honestly, we knew your were good, but we had no idea how blown away we would be (in some photos, literally!).
Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you.
Look forward to hearing from you soon,
All our thanks and best regards for a wonderful new year,
Joel and Meagan
Well hello Stephen!
WOW, the photos are amazing!!! We are sooo happy with them and can't thank you enough! Sorry it has taken a while to reply, we have spent a couple of nights playing with the photos :-)
We will definitely be recommending you to anyone we can! We will take your advice on Friday evening and sit down with a fine wine and enjoy! They really did capture the day so well, especially the special moments! So glad you took Jase and I outside during the reception, those pictures are unreal!
Chat soon
Trace
(Wednesday, 10 February 2010)