Under the Chapel Lights: 'Waiting For Life to Begin'
As a concert photographer, my job often takes me on a whirlwind of emotions, lights, and music. It's a dance that weaves through the rhythm of the night, and every performance is a new story to tell. One such story unfolded on the evening of May 25 at the historical Milbank Chapel at Teachers College. It was the setting for the concert "Waiting For Life to Begin," performed by the Singers’ Workshops at Teachers College. The cast included Christian Moore, Cianna Williams, Eliezer Nebot, Helena Finn, Isabella Reichenbach, Layla Bunch, Lorelei Rey, and Nigel Swinson.
The concert started with the title track "Waiting for Life to Begin" from "One on This Island," a vibrant performance that set the tone for the rest of the evening. The challenge for me here was balancing the dynamic range of the lighting conditions while capturing the energy of the performers on stage. I positioned myself at a vantage point that allowed me to include the performers, the stage, and a portion of the audience, thereby encapsulating the full essence of the concert atmosphere.
As Helena Finn took the stage to perform "I Could Have Danced All Night" from "My Fair Lady," I switched to a longer lens to capture the emotions on her face. The key to concert photography is to anticipate moments and be ready to capture them. When Lorelei Rey performed "On the Steps of the Palace" from "Into the Woods," I focused on her expressive gestures, using the lighting to highlight the intensity of the performance.
The lighting in Milbank Chapel, which remained consistent throughout the concert, provided a warm and intimate setting for the performances. Nigel Swinson's rendition of "Rain" from "Once on This Island" was a captivating performance. The clarity of the light allowed me to focus on Nigel's engaging stage presence and the details of his performance.
Layla Bunch's delivery of "Burn" from "Hamilton" was full of power and resonance. The steadiness of the lighting conditions enabled me to capture the intensity of Layla's performance, which translated beautifully into the photographs.
Eliezer Nebot's rendition of "Any Dream Will Do" was a testament to his talent as a performer. He delivered the song with sincerity and finesse, and under the consistent glow of the chapel lights, I was able to capture the subtlety of his performance in my photographs.
Isabella Reichenbach's rendition of "Think of Me" from "Phantom of the Opera" was an exercise in elegance and grace. The photographs reflect her poise and the careful precision of her performance.
Christian Moore's "Can’t the Future Just Wait" showcased his charisma. The images from this performance highlight Christian's dynamism and the depth of his performance.
The grand finale, "We Are Stars" from "Mean Girls" performed by the entire cast, was a showstopper. The whole stage was filled with performers, and the energy was palpable. The consistent lighting of the Milbank Chapel allowed me to use a wide-angle lens to encapsulate the entire scene, capturing the excitement and intensity of the final performance.
The concert, directed by Dr. Jeanne Goffi-Fynn with assistant directors Matt Tiramani and Carl Belfatti, was a testament to the immense talent of the performers and the dedication of the team behind it.
As I reflect on the evening,I'm reminded of the importance of being adaptable as a concert photographer. Each concert is unique, and it's my responsibility to capture the atmosphere, the emotions, and the memorable moments that make each performance special. Whether it's adjusting to lighting changes, experimenting with different angles, or anticipating memorable moments, every concert brings a set of challenges that keep me on my toes and make my work exciting.
My advice to aspiring concert photographers is to know your gear inside out, understand the basics of concert lighting, and study the venue in advance. Be ready to adapt quickly, anticipate moments, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques. It's not just about capturing a good image; it's about telling a story. The story of the artist, the performance, and the shared experience of everyone present.
In conclusion, "Waiting For Life to Begin" was a night filled with music, emotions, and incredible performances. It was an honor to capture these moments, and I'm looking forward to the next musical journey.
