shooting dancers

[cathy_w_J]

Hi,
Being the newbie that I am, I thought I would ask everyone for some guidance. My freelance client is a jazz dance instructor and she is having her end of the year show in a few weeks. I have an opportunity to shoot the rehearsals. I can't use flashes and I have no clue what the light is going to be like in the auditorium. Probably dark and moody, tho. What would you folks suggest in the way of film, gear, etc? I was thinking of bringing my GSN, tripod and maybe my Contax G1, too.
Not sure what would be good for the film...definitely B/W, 800 or faster? She is letting me roam around backstage, too. Basically this is for my own practice but if I get any good shots, my client can use them. She has hired a photographer already to document the show.


Thanks!

 

[einolu]

I have heard success stories of velvia being pushed to 1600 and stuff, worth a shot? maybe.

 

[FrankS]

Hello, and welcome. Your photographic opportunity sounds interesting. So, yes to fast B+W film. About equipment, I have to admit that I've never used a Contax G1, but I do know that they are auto-focus cameras and that may be problematic with a moving dancer, though it would work fine if there are positions held for a few seconds for the auto-focus to do its work. A manual focus camera would be better, I think.That brings us to the GSN, a fine manual focus camera, but with auto-exposure only, no manual settings. The meter may be fooled by the dramatic lighting likely to be used. Perhaps though, you could use the flash setting (1/30 sec I believe) and set the aperture manually given the light condition (using a handheld meter) and fire away. Good luck and let us know how it turns out.