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My biggest photo challenge: Ballet
Lens: A50 f1.7 Camera: K100D Super 
Posted By: ismaelg, 08-12-2010, 05:10 AM

Hi,

While the forum is engulfed in the FF debate, I actually went out and took some pictures

In all the years as an enthusiast, I think this has been my biggest challenge yet: My daughter is active in ballet and they had a formal recital.
What a photography nightmare!
Very dark theather, no flash or any kind of light allowed, million color constantly changing stage lights that throw white balances out of the planet, performers moving very fast all over the stage and just to make it a bit more difficult, my fast lenses are MANUAL FOCUS! I have the M50 f1.4, but I went with the A50 f1.7 which I have a bit more experience with.
I'd love to have access to an ISO 1,000,000,000,000 / 1,000 MP camera with a f0.001 lens, 1mm to 10,000,000mm zoom (and all for around $200)
but my workhorse now (and for the forseeable future) is my trusty K100D Super
Anyway, here is a sample.





My favorite: That's my daughter in the air











Believe me, those girls DO fly




You can see all of them here:
Recital Ballet 2010 album | Tatocorvette | Fotki.com, photo and video sharing made easy.

What do you think?

Thanks,
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08-12-2010, 06:03 AM   #2
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wow, now that is a nightmare to take photos of a ballet show with MF lenses.

However you really did a good job and i like very much some of the pictures (3, 4, 5) both as captured moment and technique accuracy.

Just for curiosity, how many keepers did you have when looking on the computer screen after the show?
08-12-2010, 06:17 AM - 1 Like   #3
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QuoteOriginally posted by kytra Quote
wow, now that is a nightmare to take photos of a ballet show with MF lenses.

However you really did a good job and i like very much some of the pictures (3, 4, 5) both as captured moment and technique accuracy.

Just for curiosity, how many keepers did you have when looking on the computer screen after the show?
Thanks for the comment!
I took about 250 shots and ended up with about 60 keepers. Not surprisingly out of focus is the primary reason.
With really heavy post-process I think a few more can be saved.
That's roughly about a 24%-25% keeper ratio.

Thanks,
08-12-2010, 06:35 AM   #4
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60 out of 250 is a great ratio ! The fist one is a little off but the rest are excellent - well done.

08-12-2010, 10:29 AM   #5
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I think you have done an excellent job. These are really tough conditions.
08-12-2010, 11:48 AM   #6
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Considering the lighting and the action, your keeper rate is exceptional. Very nice series and I'm glad you took the time to post them for our viewing pleasure.

Tim
08-12-2010, 01:12 PM   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by volley Quote
I think you have done an excellent job. These are really tough conditions.
I agree. I know how difficult it was when I used my k20d to capture some concert performance. Good job.

08-12-2010, 02:45 PM   #8
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there are some superb shots there.... especially considering the circumstances... i particularly like 3+4... thanks for sharing ... dave m
08-12-2010, 08:32 PM   #9
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Wow, these are fantastic. I can't believe how much the colors jump out at you with the black background.

Very well done.

Jim
08-14-2010, 09:09 AM   #10
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Thank you all for the nice comments!
I just showed some of them in the ballet studio and I may even make a few bucks in prints!

Thanks!
08-14-2010, 01:48 PM   #11
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I think these are awesome, well done!
08-14-2010, 05:08 PM   #12
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I wish I could handle my biggest challenges as well as you have yours! Great series!
08-14-2010, 08:08 PM   #13
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oooh I love the little lady bugs! Well done!
08-16-2010, 08:55 AM   #14
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Fantastic

Wow...and wow... again.
I can't imagine how you made it using that lens. I also have it, but use that to shoot moving objects in low light?
no more to say, excellent pictures!
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