On Behind the Scenes Photography
I love photography improv: flexing with a situation, setting, or subject to make magic.
One of the best ways to practice this is behind-the-scenes photography, where you serve as the photographer while something – a theatre production, a commercial video shoot, or an event – goes on around you.
Sometimes, you’re in an unfamiliar location, with unfamiliar people, and you have to use your photo instincts to create images. It’s great practice, especially if you’re a new photographer, and helps to train your reflexes. Because you often can’t control the light or the action, you have to stay flexible.
Recently, I had a chance to do some behind-the-scenes photography during a video project. I appreciate opportunities like this because, first, it gives me something to do during downtime, and second, the crew always appreciates photos of the setup and cast.
And again, it’s good practice.
A great way to get started with this kind of photography is, if you have the time and opportunity, to volunteer for a non-profit event or project. Shoot the action behind the scenes, then send those photos to the organization.
If you have a family event, like a reunion or a wedding, you can practice improv photography and share the images with your family and friends, too. They’ll love the candid shots, I promise.
One tip: focus on candid shots. Posed shots are fine, but I feel like you really get a sense of a place, event, or setting with unposed photos of people doing their thing. People don’t always know what to do when they see a camera pointed at them, sneakily taking a photo. But this is where practice comes in. You can treat behind-the-scenes photography like street photography.
The more you do it, the better you’ll get. Over time, you’ll recognize good photo opportunities, learn your camera settings in difficult situations, and stretch those improv muscles along the way.