Another Perspective

Our new piano player. At the second practice we got to run through the Christmas Carols!

How does it feel photographing this Hegeler Carus Adventure?

Good question.

Right now, it feels fun.

I was excited when Sharon first proposed the idea of becoming Mr. and Ms. Ferris a few weeks ago. I think I can say with certainty much more excited than Matt. No one has ever asked me to be in a play before. Now, I think Matt and I are equally excited. I'm going to say the only thing that distinguishes our mutual excitement is I can't and have no need to grow a mustache.

The first practice, for me, involved a lot of listening and not many photos. I didn't feel like it was appropriate. Being a character afforded me an excuse to keep my camera slung over my shoulder rather than in front of my face. And even though including us in photos was now OK, I had to figure out how to do it. I still am figuring out how to include myself in photos appropriately. And figuring out how to shoot opening night while acting will be another challenge. Suggestions? I'm looking into remote cameras.

Another surprise was the lighting. I was warned that the lighting was less than impressive, so I brought my flash and a bulky battery pack that makes me feel like a Ghostbuster into practice. I didn't need it though. I found out that at a high ISO (film speed), low shutter speed and F2.8 I could make some rather appealing pictures with the ambient light. I don't have to do much in way of composition to make a mansion look beautiful though. Check out this picture from practice two:

Here Chad speaks with another actress as Dr. Paul Carus on the stairwell.

At the end of the first practice I got my dress, which I am a little worried about but soon you'll get to see some photos of myself and fellow NewsTribber Lindsay Vaughn making me look good...more to come on that...

Second practice, way more comfortable. Perhaps it was being able to bum around the mansion when we took our introduction portrait above that made me feel more at home in Hegeler Carus. I took a great deal more photos, but I already wrote a ton so here's just a few below:

Before I go, I have one more point to touch on...Matt already cued you to his lack in ability where singing is concerned, but I feel the need to add, 'Matt really can't sing.' It is the most earnestly awful odd sound, ever. It is like when someone jams their finger in your belly button, you want to puke and laugh at the same time. Take your place near him during our singing numbers, priceless.
-Amanda