Digital photography has been beneficial to professional photographers and enthusiasts alike. But now when every one with a camera is a photographer, many tend to disregard basic etiquette expected of a photographer. And dance photography is no different.
Recently, a lensman covering a programme was not only right in front of the stage but also running about the entire length of the stage in an attempt to get the best shots. He seemed oblivious to the plight of the audience and other photographers.
Moreover, he also decided to review images he had clicked right there in front of the stage!
Nowadays it is not rare to find several photographers, professional, amateurs et al, covering the same programme, most of them huddled in front of the stage, blocking the viewers.
While one itself is annoying, imagine a group clicking and disturbing the audience and the dancers themselves. Being a dance photographer myself, I do know that there will be more opportunities to take photographs if one decides to move around and stand close to the stage. However, one has to take into consideration that the dancer is performing for the audience.
Be considerate
If the venue is extra-wide and an open one like Nishagandhi, even moving a towards the side won't help; keeping some distance is a must.
Some photographers often make me wonder whether they consider the stage as their own studio floor and whether she/he is doing a private photoshoot!
It is imperative for every dance photographer to remember that the performance is always for the audience. It is the duty of every one – whether the person is a public relations officer or a hobbyist, or whether that shutterbug has been engaged by the organiser or artiste to officially cover the event or whether a mediaperson – to respect the stage, the performer(s) on stage and the audience.
Try to be as unobtrusive as possible to let the audience enjoy the recital and permit other photographers also to take pictures.
If it is necessary to move to the other side of the stage, do that after a piece is over. If one must move in between a performance, take a route behind the stage or around the audience.
Flashes are harsh
There are occasions when the stage is not well-lit to the liking of a photographer. Either the organiser had to tackle a shortage of funds or the performer(s) may have wanted it that way. Flash is certainly an option but not something that is recommended in dance photography, unless it is for some documentation purpose or for press coverage. Even if that is the case, limiting the number of exposures would be ideal. Flashes are a distraction to the artistes on stage and spoil the experience of the viewers. Using those extra large flash modifiers while standing up close will make things worse.
‘The better options are to rely on slow shutter speeds, boost the ISO or one can use a wider aperture lens.
At times, though rare, the viewers tend to be non-cooperative. While there are seats available in the front or other areas, there are viewers who occupy the seats on the sides, where all the photographers (those who leave adequate space between them and the stage) have taken position and that too in chairs behind them!
A word to the audience
While the audience has every right to sit anywhere they want, it would be great if they could factor in the needs of the photographers. While one’s technical and aesthetic skills will contribute to interesting photographs, it is the attitude that defines how good a pro is. For that, it is mandatory to observe certain common courtesy for the good of the performers, viewers and photographers themselves.
Author of books on graphic design and photography, the writer views photography as a passion-cum-profession.
