Jazz Duo, National Theatre

[biglouis]

I don't take very many people photographs but this was an opportunity to work at my technique in an environment where I could work fairly unobtrusively and without hurry. This was a lunch time concert at the National Theatre, London South Bank, where a jazz duo were entertaining the Saturday morning visitors.

Both shots were my R-D1 with Summilux 35 ASPH.

Connection: I like the look of communication between the musician, introducing the next piece and the audience - ISO 200 f/2 1/35

jazz-duet-connection.jpg

Duet: in full flight, adjusted the colour levels in Lightroom to overcome the ghastly effects of the spot lighting. - ISO 200 1/110, close to 100% crop.

jazz-duet.jpg

[stuny]

Big -

Delightful, and depending on their skills, possibly delightful to the ears as well. I especially like #1 in which you capture the clear appreciation of the audience as well as the more brightly lighted musicians. I would prefer it a bit sharper though, such as this....

[biglouis]

Stuart

Thanks for the appreciation. I agree it does need more sharpening. I'm always worried about how far to sharpen a picture - it is a shame there is not a sort-of "good sharpening" guide somewhere to refer to!

LouisB

[erl]

Originally Posted by biglouis

Stuart

it is a shame there is not a sort-of "good sharpening" guide somewhere to refer to!

LouisB

Louis, there is a wonderful guide to sharpening. ........ 'your eyes'. Trust them to see how you like the look.

I like the first pic. Nice play between audience and performers. I agree with Stuny's comment about sharpening. Sometimes, with lighting as it appears here, I find a slight increase in contrast gives enough illusion of sharpness. Worth a try.