Dance and Ballet Photography with Gene Schiavone

Dance and Ballet Photography

Episode 109 with Gene Schiavone

About Gene

• He started photographing the 2nd Company of ABT (American Ballet Theater) as a volunteer 15 years ago.
• Gene traveled with and photographed the dancers and shows for 2 years and learned stage lighting photography techniques.
• He was then invited to photograph the main company - a very big honor.
• Gene is now contracted (by performance) with several ballet companies. He is usually booked 6 months in advance.
• His photographs have been published in many different magazines and publications.

Use of Images

• Images are licensed and used by the company for marketing and promotion.
• The company has control of all images - every image has to be approved by the company.
• The contract is renegotiated if the images are to be used for other sales (for items such as T-shirts or mugs).

“The hard part is getting your photographs to look different from everyone else’s.”

Shooting the Stage

• He usually photographs one dress rehearsal and 2 performances.
• Always use a tripod and a gimbal head. (Favorite is Manfrotto)
• Able to set up tripod at the back of the Orchestra - has to shoot through glass.
• Sometimes has to set up tripod in last row of seats for a performance.
• Uses a Blimp - an insulated sleeve to fit over the camera and lens that acts as a ‘muzzle’ to dampen any mechanical noise.
• Gear of choice: Nikon D850 - need to have have ISO capability and INSTANT shutter release.

70-200mm lens or 200-400mm for tight shots

• Opening Settings: Auto ISO, f/2.8, 1/250s, underexpose by 2/3 stop

Uses center-weighted focus.

“Shoot the moment.”

Other Types of Stage Shots

• Rockettes - the stage is bright, the lighting is much different than a ballet. The dancers are also arranged in a long line, different from the small groups of ballet dancers on stage.
• Opera - the actors/singers move much slower than dancers. The key images here are with the mouth open singing and a good expression - which is very difficult.
• Orchestra - there is not much movement, the key for these images is getting the conductor in the right position.

Finding Gene

Website - www.geneschiavone.com

Facebook - Gene Sciavone

Instagram - @SchiavoneGene