Last Christmas, I had the privilege of photographing a professional production of Jack and the Beanstalk at the Princess Theatre in Torquay, Devon. This wasn’t just any shoot; it was a dress rehearsal, held in an empty theatre the day before the show’s grand opening. For theatre photographers, dress rehearsals are a lovely treat. They allow us to work without the distraction of an audience, capturing every magical moment in a controlled setting. Armed with my trusty gear and the excitement of the season, I dove into one of the most rewarding shoots of my career.
The Lighting: A Photographer’s Dream
Lighting can make or break theatre photography. If you’ve ever tried to edit theatre photos when they use the older and cheaper lighting, you’ll understand my disdain for what I call “the purple beam of doom.” It’s that harsh purple stage light that leaves dark blotches on performers’ skin. This is nearly impossible to fix in post-production. Thankfully, the lighting design for this production was nothing short of stellar.
Every scene was bathed in professional, well-balanced light that complemented the costumes and set design beautifully. Highlights were natural, shadows weren’t overly harsh, and skin tones remained vibrant and true to life. This level of lighting gave me the creative freedom to focus entirely on composition and timing without worrying about technical mishaps.
Composition Choices: Close to the Action
One of the ongoing debates in theatre photography is where to position yourself. Many photographers opt for higher vantage points to avoid capturing stage equipment like speakers, monitors, or fog machines at the foot of the stage. While I understand their reasoning, shooting from a distance, even at 200mm, it can sometimes feel detached.
For this (and all my) productions, I position myself about a dozen rows back, creating a balance between immersion and practicality. Being closer to the stage allowed me to create photos that feel as though you’re right there, among the performers. There’s an intimacy to this approach that’s hard to replicate from a balcony or higher position.
That said, this approach isn’t without its challenges. Stage equipment was visible in some shots, but with Adobe Lightroom’s new AI features, editing these distractions has become much easier. Removing a rogue speaker or cable from a frame no longer feels like an uphill battle. Yes, it’s more work, but the end result is worth every extra click.
The Setup: Tools of the Trade
For this shoot, I used two Sony A7 IV cameras. This is my go-to setup for theatre photography because it allows me to switch between focal lengths quickly without fumbling to change lenses mid-action. Each camera had its specific role:
• Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM2: This lens was perfect for capturing the larger group scenes, where I wanted the full stage in the frame while maintaining stunning detail and sharpness.
• Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 GM V2: This was my secret weapon for those intimate, character-driven moments—expressive faces, small gestures, and intricate costume details.
Using a dual harness allowed me to transition seamlessly between these cameras. It’s a system I’ve fine-tuned over years of Theatre shooting, and it’s especially crucial in fast-paced environments like the theatre, where you can’t afford to miss a beat.
The Magic of Jack and the Beanstalk
As the dress rehearsal unfolded, it was clear this production was something special. The story of Jack and the Beanstalk is a beloved classic, but the cast and crew brought fresh energy to every scene. From the comedic timing of the dame to the spectacular costumes and larger-than-life sets, each moment was crafted with care.
Photographing theatre is about more than just capturing pretty pictures. It’s about telling the story of the performance. I focused on key moments that conveyed the heart of the production; Jack’s determination as he climbs the beanstalk, the hilarity of the dame’s antics, and the breathtaking awe of the giant’s castle, which was lit so incredibly well!
The wide versatility of the 24-70mm lens allowed me to frame the full ensemble in big, sweeping scenes, while the 70-200mm was my go-to for those quiet, poignant moments.
Challenges and Rewards
Even with perfect lighting and a cooperative cast, theatre photography comes with its own set of challenges. Timing is everything. Performers don’t pause for the perfect shot, so you have to try and anticipate their movements, expressions, and interactions. This requires a blend of intuition, technical skill, and familiarity with the production itself.
The highlight for me was the giant; quite literally larger than life. The costume and stage design were impressive, but photographing such a massive character alongside normal-sized actors required careful framing. The 70-200mm lens came in handy here, allowing me to isolate the giant while maintaining context.
Why Theatre Photography Matters
Theatre photography isn’t just about preserving memories; it’s about amplifying the magic of live performance. In an age where so much entertainment is consumed digitally, there’s something irreplaceable about the energy of a live show. As photographers, we have the privilege of translating that energy into still images, giving audiences a taste of the magic long after the curtain falls.
For productions like Jack and the Beanstalk, these photos serve multiple purposes: marketing material, archival documentation, and a keepsake for cast and crew. Knowing that my work contributes to the legacy of a show is incredibly fulfilling.
Reflecting on the Experience
Looking back, photographing Jack and the Beanstalk was a highlight of my year. The combination of a talented cast, a professional production team, and stunning lighting made my job both easier and more enjoyable. While every theatre shoot comes with its challenges, the rewards far outweigh the effort.
As I sorted through the final images, I was struck by the variety of emotions and moments I’d captured, from laugh-out-loud comedy to moments of quiet wonder. Each photo told a piece of the story, and together they painted a picture of a production that was equal parts heartwarming and hilarious.
Final Thoughts
Photographing a theatre production is like stepping into another world. For those few hours, you’re not just an observer; you’re a part of the story, capturing its essence frame by frame. Jack and the Beanstalk at the Princess Theatre was no exception.
If you’re a theatre photographer or considering diving into this niche, my advice is simple: embrace the challenges, invest in good gear, and always strive to tell the story. Whether it’s the dazzling lights of a pantomime or the raw emotion of a dramatic play, every production has its own unique magic.
And when you find yourself in a darkened theatre, cameras at the ready, remember this: you’re not just taking pictures. You’re capturing memories, preserving artistry, and—most importantly—bringing the magic of theatre to life.