Sam Hankins at Champaign Jazz 2003

First try with TMAX 3200. Used a flash. Took some without the

flash and they were way too grainy

Nice framing and timing. How was the concert? The grain is more evident without the flash because there are more midtones and that's where grain becomes most evident. The flash gives you more contrast and fewer midtones.

I thought 3200 speed would be grainy no matter what.

 

Was there a reason for not aiming down a little more? The top third appears to be unneccessary and I'd like to at least get his elbows in the frame.

 

The alignment of the top of his head and the bell of the trumpet with the top edge of the lights isn't desireable for me either. Was there any way to retain the "Jazz" sign in the background and get a higher or lower angle?

 

The graphics elements are nice and strong and the flash gave you an excellent exposure.

It's unbelievable what today's films can accomplish. I remember when you could not get grain like this from ISO 400 Tri-X.

 

Jim has a good point about the row of lights lining up with the top of the head and the bell of the trumpet, and I find the stuff in the lower right distracting. These, however, do not ruin the picture for me. I'm not generally too crazy about performance photos, but this one works for me.

 

Thanks for the comments. I agree about the angle/framing of the shot---but I didnt' want to be too obnoxious to either the performers or the audience.

 

This is an annual jazz fest at my son's high school, and Mr. Hankins was my son's middle school band teacher, who was performing with the high school band. We have a phenomenal jazz program here and the musicianship was really excellent.