THE UPGRADE
Returning to the vibrant embrace of Raleigh, North Carolina, my passion for photography blazed brighter than ever before. Armed with the mighty Nikon D750, a full-frame marvel that promised unparalleled image quality, I bid farewell to my faithful Canon 70D, a mere stepping stone on my artistic journey. The world around me transformed, its colors deepened, and its details sharpened as I gazed through the lens of my new companion.
With the acquisition of the 24mm Sigma 1.4 lens and the 85mm 1.8 Nikkor lens, my photographic arsenal expanded, bestowing upon me the power to capture breathtaking vistas and intimate portraits with unrivaled precision. The moment I held these exquisite pieces of glass in my hands, I knew I had ascended to a new realm of artistic mastery, where every click of the shutter would be a symphony of artistry and technical brilliance.
Eager to put my newfound gear to the test, a local artist beckoned me to shoot a music video—an opportunity to unleash the full potential of my upgraded equipment. As the camera rolled and the rhythm pulsated through my veins, I immortalized the artist’s essence, capturing their passion, their soul, and the electrifying energy that swirled around them.
But fate had more in store for me, as I stumbled upon a community of musicians and performers who welcomed me with open arms. The stage became my canvas, and the performers, my muses. Every chord struck, every note sung, was a moment frozen in time, ready to be etched upon the film of memory.
This exhilarating foray into the world of live performances became a masterclass in understanding the interplay of colors and skin complexions. Through the lens, I witnessed the harmonious marriage of vibrant hues and the rich tapestry of human diversity. With each click, I captured the magic that unfolded on stage, the raw emotions that painted the atmosphere, and the artistic brilliance that transcended the boundaries of time.
Yet, the challenge lay in the aftermath, as I embarked on the arduous task of sifting through over a thousand images, seeking to unearth the gems hidden within. Hours melted away as I meticulously curated the best shots, breathing life into each frame through the delicate art of post-processing.
The stage lighting, a symphony of colors that danced across the performers’ faces, became my playground for experimentation. With each adjustment of hue and saturation, I sculpted a visual narrative that matched my artistic vision, harnessing the essence of the moment and weaving it into a masterpiece of light and shadow.
One particular show led me to challenge conventional norms, as I boldly tamed the highlights, banishing their overpowering glare. At that time, I was not a fan of their domineering presence, and in turning them down, I unveiled a new dimension of artistic expression, one that painted the stage with subtlety and grace.
In this whirlwind of creativity and passion, I learned that capturing the essence of live performances required agility and adaptability. While my trusty 85mm 1.8 lens, devoid of image stabilization, remained a steadfast companion, I discovered that the versatility of a zoom lens would lend itself better to the unpredictable nature of concerts. The ability to capture a range of perspectives without the need for frequent lens changes proved invaluable, allowing me to immerse myself fully in the captivating atmosphere.
