Theme: The Nutcracker Soldier Doll

Folks,

Holiday Greetings. I've missed commenting on the great posts of late... will return after New Years. I photographed two dress rehearsals and two performances of The Nutcracker performed by the Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre and will be processing for quite some time ;-).

This one is of my daughter who was cast as the Soldier Doll.

Attachment 147794

Topaz Impression, some mods off a colored pencil starting point, blended sets the texture.

BTW, these are shot from the top seats in the far back of the auditorium to clear the orchestra which sets the lower stage with instrument silhouettes (violin bows, bassoons, and the like). The timing, sometimes large number of positions and facial expressions, ballet form, not to mention the stage lighting (sigh) make this by far the most challenging photographic situation that I encounter. Of course all that more happy making when the shots turn out ;-).

Thanks for looking.

Hope you all have a great holiday!

Cheers,

-Michael-

Fantastic shot! You caught her at the perfect moment. Lovely processing. Congratulations.

Great shot. You are right....very difficult shot to get with lighting difficulties, etc. You were obviously far away and in dark light. Please send settings, etc.

Michael, Fantastic image! Wonderful energy, thanks to your perfect timing. Best holidays wishes to you and yours.

Wonderful -- great work for both you and your daughter! Happy Holidays!

She looks like she is looking straight at you. You did a good job, must have been very tough to get this right. Great processing to go with the animated feel.

Great pic, and just right for the holidays!

Excellent capture, perfect timing. Your painterly effect looks great!

The painterly effect sets this scene perfectly. And your moment of capture is amazing! Very well done (both you and your daughter!)

Fantastic image, Michael. Happy Holidays.:S3:

Anita, Hazel, Steve, Diane, Jackie, Mitch, Judy, Nancy, Cheryl,

Thank you all for the comments. It's a great joy for me to get the shot of my daughter dancing.

Hazel, the particulars: D810 200f/2.0 at f/4.5 1/800th -0.67EV ISO6400 Spot metered tripod (but not locked down for panning) small crop. WB is worked against colored lights (sigh).

Cheers,

-Michael-

Thanks for the stats. Getting a clear focus like that at 6400 , nicely balanced by the 1/800/
Excellent shot. Congrats.

This was beautifully done -- by both you and your daughter. The composition is remarkable, and I very much like the look you achieved with your processing. I keep going back to look at the lines and how they complement each other so well. Very, very nice.