Shining Leaf Photography

Dance Junxion Exam Night

Wow what an exciting and exhilarating venture to try out for the first time! It was a challenge working with flash speed lighting as the dancers moved across the room so fast. One really needs to know the dance itself, to be able to anticipate the next move for that perfect shot! I had been going to a few lessons and so could very nearly anticipate the dance, but to be honest most of it was pure luck!

Some time later at a another dance event I got into a conversation with the officially designated photographer for that competition and he gave me a few pointers:

Manual manual manual! for flash and camera settings. Now this gives the best accuracy and precision especially if photographs go straight from the camera to the dancers who purchase their favorite photos, without any soft editing. What this means though is the photographer had the speed light settings for a particular distance across the room and so he had to forfeit any cool moves that took place closer to him and possibly have his photo opportunity blocked by other dancers in the way. It does give the best depth of field too.
No diffusion on the flash. I understand his reasons… getting the shot, freezing the action, getting the best exposure… but I wonder if I could try using the ceiling and a bounce card in future.
Best results come from a fixed focal length for low F stop (works well with point number 1), and a full frame camera as dance halls often have shadow zones where the dancers move into where there is not enough natural light.
Stock up on batteries packs.
Know the dance to anticipate the best shots.

So this first attempt I feel 60% satisfied with the results, when this opportunity comes again, I shall try out the above techniques and in the meantime go back for more dance lessons. Deep gratitude for the lovely Team at Dance Junxion for allowing me this exciting opportunity!

Here are a few of my best photos.