THE TECHNICAL CHALLENGES OF BEING UNOBSTRUSIVE

I was recently hired to help photograph a convention and gala dinner in which many public figures had been invited to speak about the issues of the day.  A wonderful event, I was flattered and thrilled to be there!    

Technically, the photography was quite challenging.   The stage lighting was rather low; and the usual solution of strobe lighting (either on-camera flash or off-camera monolights) would have been too disruptive.  Only solid technique would allow professional-quality images to be taken under such conditions.  

The first requirement is professional-grade cameras and lenses*.  The cameras must have top-notch sensors to capture images in low light without excessive noise.  Telephoto lenses must be used to bring you close enough to the action.  These lenses must focus quickly and accurately, gather in as much light as possible, and provide excellent image quality (high clarity and sharpness, low aberrations).  

The second requirement is expert handling**.  Even with the professional gear, the photographer must find the best combination of camera and lens settings -- shutter speed, aperture, ISO (sensitivity to light), and vibration reduction -- to achieve the desired results.  It is a delicate compromise.  (When the lead photographer and I compared notes later, we found that we had both arrived at the same settings independently.  The margin of error was that small!)  

And the rather heavy combination of high-end camera and lens must be supported by a monopod, to minimize camera motion and the blur it would cause.  A tripod would be much sturdier and easier to use but, again, too disruptive in a crowded room.  

Despite the challenges, good technique can deliver good photographs.  Please enjoy my candid portraits of a few famous people taken that night.  Do you know -- or can you guess -- who they are?  Hint:  One was a recent contender for the Republican 2016 presidential nomination!

Notes:    *A significant investment of money!     **A significant investment of time (education and experience)!