Burlesque and Alt Gallery
Please note, whilst there is no actual nudity within this gallery, its not really safe for work. You have been warned.
As a photographer, (when people know you are capable and have the necessary equipment) you can get ‘roped into’ all sorts of unusual photographic experiences. Through an events and food based website I have worked with over the years, I was asked to report on an ‘Alternative’ festival, the images were great and I picked up lots of contacts. Next thing I know, I’m invited to shoot some Burlesque at Matt & Phreds in Manchester.
Shoots of this nature offer an interesting challenge, as I’m primarily a flash based photographer this is the opposite end of the lighting spectrum. Alt normally includes a catwalk or some form of event or stage lighting, so you tend to expose to what is provided for you. Some venues however are almost intentionally lowly lit. Matt and Phreds for example has a single red stage light, so its right at the end of the usability scale (technically) for Digital Cameras. High ISO has its challenges when shooting, grain and colour balance can be affected and needs careful editing.
Its also worth considering the performers, and those watching. Excellent lighting would create amazing results, but the flash (or other lighting) would be distracting for the performer and the crowd. Likewise, ‘short’ and ‘wide’ lenses would be ideal to suck in the available light, but puts you right next to the performer, and in or in front of the crowd. People did not pay to be sat watching the back of a photographer. I tend to use fast and long lenses, generally an 85mm f/1.8 prime and a 70-200 f/2.8 telephoto lens as a result.
As a photographer, (when people know you are capable and have the necessary equipment) you can get ‘roped into’ all sorts of unusual photographic experiences. Through an events and food based website I have worked with over the years, I was asked to report on an ‘Alternative’ festival, the images were great and I picked up lots of contacts. Next thing I know, I’m invited to shoot some Burlesque at Matt & Phreds in Manchester.
Shoots of this nature offer an interesting challenge, as I’m primarily a flash based photographer this is the opposite end of the lighting spectrum. Alt normally includes a catwalk or some form of event or stage lighting, so you tend to expose to what is provided for you. Some venues however are almost intentionally lowly lit. Matt and Phreds for example has a single red stage light, so its right at the end of the usability scale (technically) for Digital Cameras. High ISO has its challenges when shooting, grain and colour balance can be affected and needs careful editing.
Its also worth considering the performers, and those watching. Excellent lighting would create amazing results, but the flash (or other lighting) would be distracting for the performer and the crowd. Likewise, ‘short’ and ‘wide’ lenses would be ideal to suck in the available light, but puts you right next to the performer, and in or in front of the crowd. People did not pay to be sat watching the back of a photographer. I tend to use fast and long lenses, generally an 85mm f/1.8 prime and a 70-200 f/2.8 telephoto lens as a result.
