Fully loaded

I was asked to take some photos at a charity event which included a fashion show where children of the attendees would dress up and strut the catwalk. Totally ignoring Kevin’s advice to “never work with kids or animals, even more so kids who behave like animals”, I agreed to go along.

First thing was to prepare the camera. I reckoned most of the shots would be taken in portrait orientation mode, so I decided to bolt on the second part of the Olympus grip which includes a shutter button and associated dials for portrait orientation shooting; and as it also included space for a second battery, I stuck that in too. Finally, I screwed on a flash and the Summilux 25mm. It certainly looked the part:

If you look very very closely, you can see an E-M5 hiding underneath all the bolt-ons. It still felt easy to handle and not heavy, but I certainly prefer it when it is not fully loaded.

The children were as attentive and well-behaved as you might expect from about fifteen pre-teen boys and girls. That is, not at all. Fortunately I was not responsible for herding them into position for their two shows; but I was responsible for telling them that, when they arrived at the end of the catwalk and turned round, they should strike a pose and look at the camera. So I told them that; twice. One person remembered to do it.

As well as disobedient models, I was faced with limited choices of where to shoot, with backgrounds which suddenly became full of loving parents taking pictures that wouldn’t work with iPads. Plus there were flashing coloured spotlights coming from all directions, buggering up colours and generally pissing me off.

In spite of all that, the camera came through as best as it could and I gathered enough reasonable shots to keep everyone happy. I don’t think the parents would appreciate me sharing any shots on here, so I won’t; but don’t worry, you’re not missing much.

Comments 🔗

2013-03-31 | robin says

Each year, I shoot children’s dance performances. Each 2 minute dance involves nothing but young ones tearing around at full speed. In this short window I have to be sure to get a perfect photo of each performer for their parents to admire. In a hall. With no flash. It is a challenge!

2013-03-31 | Spike says

You have my sympathy and respect; and probably a great deal more patience.

2013-04-01 | Jerry says

what is the general use and range of the 25 mm. lens, sir?

2013-04-01 | Spike says

The 25mm on M43 has the same field of view as 50mm on full frame; and 50mm is reckoned to be equivalent to the field of view of the human eye; so it feels natural to use. I used it on this shoot because I was taking full body shots of people and I could do it with this lens from not too far away. If I just wanted a portrait, I would use a longer lens; because the 25mm would require me to get too close and the face would look distorted. The 25mm is good for street photography, in fact for all sorts of general photography. It’s an ideal “walk around” lens, the lens you put on your camera by default when you take it out for a walk. This particular lens is extra-attractive because it is F1.4 and designed by Leica; the output is most pleasing.

2013-04-02 | Grant says

Oh the poor thing, so overdressed! Looks like a tart at a wedding…