Who knew that Duke Ellington wrote an opera?  Personally, I did not know that.

When I saw that the Long Beach Opera would be staging a production of this little known work, I wanted to check it out.  I thought it would be a fun performance to attend.

Then, out of the blue, I was asked by my friend, Flutprayer, if I’d be interested in shooting still photos during a dress rehearsal.

Just like that it went from cool to VERY cool.

The timing couldn’t have been better.  It had been an ambitious vacation week and this would be a great way to spend a day that I hadn’t otherwise planned out.

My thanks to Fluteprayer for thinking of me.

Going into it, I didn’t know what exactly I should expect.  Sometimes these situations can be tense and the last thing people might want is camera distraction.

I also want to be careful that what I’m doing isn’t putting another photographer out of a gig.

Every situation is different and I have to be on my toes.

Keep in mind, facing the unknown and adapting to the environment is a big part of what I’m paid to do working in news.

As uncomfortable as it is for me, I have to figure it must be pretty bad for the folks I’m taking aim at with my camera.

I mean, come on, just who is this guy taking pictures?

In news, I’ve been around long enough to know what needs to be done when I get to an assignment.  I know what shots I’ll likely need to put the story together.  I know what I need to fill one minute and thirty seconds.

When it comes to shooting stills in an unfamiliar environment, really I just do my best to follow the light and the action and try not to draw too much attention to myself.

After it’s all over, I try not to compare my shots to what anyone else might have done.  I look at my photos with a critical eye and try to find what worked.  If there’s anywhere I can improve, I’ll make note of that also and keep it in mind for the next time.

The show was fun.  I’m told the photos were well received and that’s great to know.

My time is never as free as I’d like it to be, but at least I know if I have the time, then maybe I’ll be lucky enough to have the opportunity.