Attending a spectacular show like Cirque du Soleil is a memorable experience. It’s the kind of colorful event we like to capture with our cameras. But, in my experience, using a smartphone to accomplish this can present some unique challenges.
In this post, I’ll offer some of the guidelines for smartphone event photography I find helpful.
Preparing Your Smartphone Camera
- Clear Your Storage: Before heading to the show, make sure your phone has enough storage space. Delete unnecessary photos and apps or transfer files to the cloud to free up memory. It’s always frustrating to get that memory full error. It’s especially disheartening in the middle of an event. A little pre-check and clean up, if necessary, can avoid that.
- Charge Your Battery: Make sure your phone is fully charged. It’s not a bad idea to bring a portable charger. You don’t want to run out of battery during the performance. And that’s especially true if you’re shooting video too.
- Update Your Apps: Make sure your camera app and any editing apps are up to date. You want to make sure you have the latest features and performance improvements. Give yourself enough time, though. You may need to familiarize yourself with functional changes resulting from an update.
- Make Sure You Know Your Camera Settings: Take a few minutes to review your phone’s camera settings. Understand how to adjust exposure, focus, and use night mode if available. Knowing these settings will help you adapt quickly to the show’s lighting conditions.
Capturing the Spirit and Physical Nature of the Show
Shows like Cirque du Soleil are visually stunning. They can feature a mix of vibrant colors, intricate costumes, and breathtaking acrobatics. Capturing this on a smartphone requires strategy:
- Use Burst Mode (or Top Shot): The performers move quickly, and it can be challenging to capture the perfect moment. Use your camera’s native mode to take multiple shots in quick succession. This increases your chances of getting a sharp, well-timed photo.
- Focus on Details: While wide shots of the stage are impressive, don’t forget to zoom in on the details. You want to capture the intricate costumes, the precise movements of the performers, and their intense expressions . It’s these details that that will make your pictures of the show special.
- Experiment with Angles: Try shooting from different angles to add variety to your photos. If you’re seated at an angle to the stage, make it work for you! Angled shots can add depth and interest to your images.
- Be Mindful of the Lighting: The lighting in shows like Cirque du Soleil can be both a challenge and an opportunity. Use the stage lighting to your advantage. Focus on well-lit moments. And of course, avoid using your flash. It can wash out colors and annoy other attendees.
Telling a Story with Your Photos
A great set of photos from a show like Cirque du Soleil should tell a story. Think about how you can capture not just the performance, but your entire experience.
- Capture the Pre-Show Excitement: Take photos of the venue, the crowds, and the anticipation as you and your companions wait for the show to begin. These shots help set the stage for the story you’re telling.
- Include Your Companions: Don’t forget to take photos of the people you’re with. Capture their candid moments. Try getting the expressions on their faces during the show. Or grab a group selfie with the stage in the background. These photos become cherished memories of the shared experience.
- Document the Highlights: Focus on capturing the most memorable parts of the performance—those moments that made you gasp or smile. These images will serve as the anchors of your story, illustrating the highlights of the show.
- End with a Closing Shot: After the show, take a final photo of the stage, the program, or your group as you leave the venue. Give a sense of closure to your photo story.
Put It In To Practice
I hope that by following these tips, you’ll get a better record of the event. Having a plan can ensure that your smartphone photos not only capture the excitement of the performance but also tell a meaningful story about your experience. To my mind, the goal isn’t just to document the event. It’s to create a visual narrative that you and your companions can look back on with appreciation.
As always, thank you for being a part of “Photography for Retirees.”! I hope these tips help you capture and cherish your memories. Be sure to check out some of the other posts when you get a moment.
