Small Town Burlesque Lives !

Nice idea&result for a not easy shot!

Thank you Maurizio. I have shot this group of performers at their request) on two different occasions during live performances. Live performances are always a challenge. I am not much for using a flash, but did for this particular image. It was even more difficult for me to get the look I wanted because smoking is not allowed in public places where I live. This is a good thing, but the smoke in the air, to my eye, always added an extra level of "grittyness" to photos like these.

I can imagine how smoke would have contributed to the atmosphere (no, I didn't intend the pun; how about "....contributed to the feeling of being in a crowded, boisterous night club" --if in fact that's where you were).  Being asked to take some photographs would have helped my mental attitude tremendously; otherwise, I'd be very self-conscious in a setting like this.  Using flash probably made the invitation essential.  I like the narrow latitude of the flash and the fact that her arms extend out of the flash zone.  This takes me back to the '60s, although I don't recall that body art was as prevalent then.

Actually Stephan, the flash just illuminated her, including her hands. I darkened all areas that were outside the flood's main beam to emphasize the flood on the ceiling. Also added some grain.

Up to this point I knew how to use a flash for mostly static things like wedding photos, but really didn't know much about hi sync flash. I also liked to use rear curtain flash to give motion to dancers I have photographed in years past. I don't like to use them so I never bothered to learn much about them. I had mixed results from this show, in a tavern as well as the next one in a ballroom with stage. I went to Mississippi last August thinking only available light (again) in blues clubs, but once again flash was necessary at times. It wasn't until the end of that trip, that it finally dawned on me how to stop action with a flash. I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks... if the tricks are self taught anyway.

I too like the fact that her extended arms are out of the flash-zone & the way you placed her in the frame here.  Your lower POV, as well as her stretched pose & thrown-back head, give the photo a striking graphic overall effect... Agree too that this has somewhat of a 50's feel (despite the lack of smoke & film :-)  Very nicely handled & processed, Paul. best, Marjolein