Posed theater shots of actors

[michael_taylor9]

I may be doing some ongoing archival shots of actors posed on stage

as they would appear in a play. I'm looking for others with similar

experience on advice for equipment, film, lighting.

I have done a muscial group in performance with my Nikon F3, some

Fuji Superia 1600 and the stage lights. For 4x6 prints, the results

are excellant. I suppose I need to find out what the final use would

be before I can determine film speed and camera format.

Any advice is appreciated.

cheers.

mt

[lemastre]

You are doing just fine, apparently. I'd try to use 800 speed film where

possible, but 1600 is fine if needed. Posed shots usually allow you to slow

down the action so that a slower film can be used. I shot everything,

rehearsals and photo calls, with Tri-X at 400 for many years, but for color,

later on found that 800 speed Fuji works fine.

[yance_marti]

As long as they are going to be posed shots get a tripod and use 100 speed film. Even 400 speed would be ok but I wouldn't use anything faster than that. Assuming the stage lighting is well done without too many shadows, then use that. Maybe some fill flash may be necessary but make sure that you gel it to match a tungsten light source. Also depending on the size and height of the stage, you may need to shoot from a ladder set up in the first few rows. A higher viewpoint is better than a lower one and a longer lens should be better too.