Classical Piano Concert - 5 Images

[Lorey]

I went to a classical piano concert last night to see the 5 Browns. I'd guess that most of the people who see this post has never heard of them. They are 5 siblings, 3 girls and 2 boys, in their early to late 20's that have all graduated from Juilliard Music School in New York. You can find a ton of videos of them on YouTube. PBS just aired one of their concerts recently. Fortunately I was able to get one acceptable shot of all 5 of them. Throughout the concert they would change which piano they would sit. I was on the second row on the right side of the stage so I only had a good view of the one piano.

These were all shot with the E-M5 and the 45mm. Each image is cropped to about 20% of the full shot. I had to do slight adjustments in the exposure, highlights and lights, and a little noise reduction in LR, and of course sharpening in PS. I was happy with them given the large crop factor and I only took 10 shots during the concert, 2 of each player.

I'm posting color versions in a REPLY to this thread since I can only post a max of 8 images per thread. I prefer b/w but I know a lot of people like color. Any input or tips on exposure or processing will be appreciated. I hope you enjoy them.

Thank you for viewing.

http://www.lmbphotos.com/web_postings/5browns-5.jpg

http://www.lmbphotos.com/web_postings/5browns-3.jpg

http://www.lmbphotos.com/web_postings/5browns-4.jpg

http://www.lmbphotos.com/web_postings/5browns-2.jpg

This is the only one of the two I took of her that came out clear. But on the upside I can say I think seeing her concentration in just the one eye makes for an interesting photo.
http://www.lmbphotos.com/web_postings/5browns-1.jpg

[Lorey]

COLOR VERSIONS

http://www.lmbphotos.com/web_postings/5browns-5c.jpg

http://www.lmbphotos.com/web_postings/5browns-3c.jpg

http://www.lmbphotos.com/web_postings/5browns-4c.jpg

http://www.lmbphotos.com/web_postings/5browns-2c.jpg

http://www.lmbphotos.com/web_postings/5browns-1c.jpg

[Runmonty]

You did a great job with these. I wouldn't have known they were cropped if you didn't say.

I do like the way you have captured the intensity of their concentration playing.

Thanks also for the story.


Any input or tips on exposure or processing will be appreciated.

I think I prefer the B & W versions and also prefer the warmer toning of the 1st 4.

I am referring the B & W versions here and it is very much a personal preference, but I am wondering if some very very slight & subtle burning in of the legs (& under the piano) and dodging of the face may direct the viewer a fraction more to the face and hands. It isn't a problem with the image, just a thought that may be worth experimenting with. Of course ignore me if it doesn't work

You should be well pleased with these images.:thumbup:

[mbrager]

These are excellent captures. Here is where I prefer the monotones, knowing that under stage lighting the colors are all over the place anyway. I agree with RM about preferring the warmer tones of the middle three monotone shots. The first and last appear to have different processing in the skin tones on my monitor. Well done showing the intensity of the musicians.

[JAS_Photo]

Very nice! I like both the colour and B&W but of the B&W, I have to say I like the toning in shot 1 the best. But it's all about personal taste. :)

[Yisehaq]

Both versions work for me, Lorey. Nicely captured.

[Lorey]

Thanks to all for the comments. I try different variations when I convert to mono to see what I come up with. Like JAS, I prefer the tones on the first one. It's kind of a halfway between the middle 3 and the last one.
RM, thanks for the suggestions and I will be giving it a try. Sounds like it might prove to be favorable.

[Marko]

I think you've done a really nice job here with the comp and the PP from being in the same static position. BW set for me.

[Lorey]

Thank you Marko. I appreciate you taking a look and commenting.

[AcadieLibre]

Cool set of photos and well done. I prefer the B&W version I think it adds drama to the image. They would look nice printed and hung as a series.

[Lorey]

Cool set of photos and well done. I prefer the B&W version I think it adds drama to the image. They would look nice printed and hung as a series.
Thank you AcadieLibre. I was thinking of a set of 5x7's.

[aubintbay]

Very nice set. I like the B/W version with the exception of the fellow in the second last colour shot. This one seems to work well in colour.

[Matt K.]

Definitely the black and white series wins over the colour versions in my view. So much more drama in them. Fantastic photography.

[Realist]

I also like the BW, creates a great mood, and adds drama to the pictures.

[Lorey]

Aubinthbay, Matt and Realist, much thanks for the compliments!