Photography Tip: Get Rhythm

Sometimes it takes more than basic exposure and composition to capture the moment. Today’s Photography Tip explains why you need some Rhythm behind the viewfinder of your camera.

There may come at time in your travels where you wish to capture a lively performance of some cultural event taking place on a stage. Stage lighting can be tricky and in many instances the use of your camera flash is forbidden.

To catch this photo of a very active singer, performing on an outdoor stage at night, I had to use a few tricks other than a tripod and manual focus.

I used Selective Focus and moved the focus point to the level of her eyes.

While she moved around the stage, I panned the camera, concentrating on her left eye. At the same time, I listened to the music (foreign, to me) and observed her movements, watching for a pattern.

I had my camera set at f/6.3 1/200sec. ISO 800, not wanting to use a higher ISO setting to keep noise to a minimum. 200ths of a second is not a fast shutter speed, when you’re trying to freeze the action of a fast moving dancer.

By paying attention to the music and her motions, I was able to snap the shot when her eye was just where I wanted it and her left hand was at the peak of its movement.

So, when you travel afar with your camera, remember, besides sampling the local spirits and food, get some rhythm in your photography.



Do you think it’s odd for an old goat like me to be telling you to run up to a stage and get some rhythm? Well, wait'll you see my next Photography Tip where I’ll teach you how to sharpen your Reaction Time. It’s a trick you do without your camera!