Opera Soiree

[loose cannon]

Was asked to cover an opera event in Broome the other night as a favour by the organizer. The organizer is a dear friend and also the lady featured in the images so nothing short of my absolute best was going to cut the mustard.

Mary-Attracta is a stunning soprano used to performing on much much bigger stages than Broome has to offer so I was feeling the pressure to put it mildly. Normally has a pro tog at her performances but she likes my work with local Broome musicians and wanted to see what I could produce. Pressure! Did I mention the pressure!

Quite a change from shooting desert tracks and I hadn't picked up a camera in the last month so I made a few mistakes but nothing good old photoshop can't fix lol.

First is just a draft and still needs some tidying up as I had to clone out a floor light and do some work on the backdrop. Need to neaten the line between the floor and backdrop and maybe do something with the gastly colour of the carpet.

Second is pretty much good to go but would appreciate comments on the floor. Messy?

Any and all comments deeply appreciated.

[sejac]

Hey Mick, these look pretty good. Shots like these are tough. Performers have no regard where to stand and move about just to annoy, the light is usually rubbish (if there is any!) and the backgrounds are awful.

I like #1. My favorite. The expression is great, the guy at the back integrates nicely into the composition and the shadow from the spot is most effective. Well done in coming up with a really top composition.

#2 is suitably dramatic as well. I know what you are saying about the floor. I wouldn't worry about it. It fits quite well into the overall texture of the shot. Kind of balances out.

Any more?

[loose cannon]

Thanks for those comments Charles.

Have a few more to come, still sorting the chaff from the hay.

[Isac]

Great photos Mick. Not easy with stage lighting to get the settings right but I reckon they've turned out OK. I couldn't resist having a play: In #1, I changed the shadow, darkened the floor, dropped the red and yellow on the keyboard player (and the lady a bit too) and changed the spot light on the curtains. #2, I darkened the floor, removed the shadow over her right arm and darkened her dress to give a bit more detail. I hope you don't mind, I'm only muckin' around.

[Alan]

Nice work Mick. Not something I have any expertise at, but it's interesting to see Isac's editing

[loose cannon]

Thanks for taking the time to produce those edits and share your thoughts Isac, it's appreciated.

For me the shadow is a crucial element in #1 and I feel it adds some drama and flair to the image. Initialy I gave thought to 'adding' some neck but decided I really liked the almost cartoonist shadow as is.

I might meet you half way on the toning, mines a bit warm but yours looks a bit cold. Could just be a monitor thing, I have limited faith in my laptop screen and lack confidence in my processing at the moment.

Absolutely love what you have done to the b&w!

[P Plates]

I really like #1 and think the composition works well with the shadow to the right and the singer and pianist to the left. #2 also a good shot and I think Isac's darkening of the floor is a good idea.
I usually prefer warmer tones so I prefer your tones in #1 to Isac's. I'm sure your friend will love the images.

[loose cannon]

Thanks Gabby.

[Isac]

Onya Mick. I tend to agree about the shadow in #1. I use an IPS monitor and reducing the reds didn't seem to make it too cold. I guess it's a bit hit and miss these days with colour. I'll agree to a 50/50 though. Thanks for the B&W comment. I took a heap of pics at a Beatles night at El Cabelo last year (or maybe the year before?) and my main enemy was the RED lights they used on stage - Horrible!

[loose cannon]

Don't get me started on the overuse of red lights on stage as we'll be here all day!

Another problem I'm facing in Broome is the overuse of LED lights, I can't stand the things. They are the future of course as they use minimal power and generate no heat but as a stage light they have limitations because they can only throw a weak colour wash across the stage.

I had one lighting guy tell me that I was just being selfish and only wanted strong lighting because it would suit my photography. I couldn't get through to him that if it's good for the photographer it's good for the audience.

If I'm lucky enough to capture an image with a healthy 'wow' factor in it, it follows there was a healthy 'wow' factor thing happening on stage.

And while I'm ranting about one of my favourite subjects I'll mention that the lighting guy at the opera gig decided to stop using the follow spot just past the half way spot in the show.

I was dumbfounded to put it mildly.

Imagine both of those images without the powerful follow spot.

[wacko-ocker]

onya LC
have done a little of this myself, but not with the same flare, you have captured it well
your time too me is spot on with the img.....good work