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Home » Forums » PhotoShare » Comment & Critique - Live, Backstage, Promo, etc

Sean Trotter @ Westside Concert Theatre

published by exposed.bz on Mon, 04/23/2007 - 4:28pm

Okay, things seems a bit slow here so I figured something is better than nothing. I shot an acoustic set last night and in the venue I do most of my work the lighting is atrocious. I found out last night that the lights are specific to "theatre" and not "concerts", apparently they are two different animals. Is this correct? I know this isn't exciting stuff but I need the help with my PP skills, heck I need help with all my skills. I am providing an out of the camera file (RAW converted to JPG with no alterations) and what I ended with after my post work. I am looking for suggestions of all sorts here so feel free to rip it apart. ;D

1. RAW converted to JPG

2. Final Image

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Comment & Critique - Live, Backstage, Promo, etc

Submitted by Rene Damkot on Mon, 04/23/2007 - 5:24pm.

1/50 at f/3.2; ISo 1600 doesn't sound too bad ;)

On the lighting: I don't think there is a big difference in theatre vs. concert lighting 'hardware' wise; biggest difference would be that theatre lighting is more static, concert lighting more flashing on/off, and maybe moving...

On the post processing: I don't clone out stuff, but that's just me. You did quite well, but I think the hair is not quite as it should be. There are also some light parts where the pic stand used to be. If you're going to clone, I'd remove those as well. Also, I'd prefer the BG to be all black, at least in the two top and lower right corner; it's gray now.

I like the lightening of the shadows, but I'd lessen it on the left hand: Adds nothing but moise, and IMO the extra brightness isn't needed here. Same goes for the right arm from elbow to wrist.

Overall: nice image.

Submitted by exposed.bz on Mon, 04/23/2007 - 5:46pm.

Hehehe, ya, the hair had to "built" since it wasn't there at all. I will play with that. I see what you mean about the BG, I use a laptop and the screen isn't great so I tend to not see some stuff that well. I didn't specifically brighten the arm but do you think it should be burned slightly? I would also like to know, what can you do compositionally with boring acts like this? I tend not to get many shots just because there aren't too many ways to shoot these guys. I also find that I'm more self conscious about getting in their faces since the shows are more quiet with an older crowd and I don't want to be a distraction.

Thanks for the critique Rene.

...Bryon