Community Calendar

PHOTOGRAPHING THEATRICAL PRODUCTIONS” FOCUS OF TOPSHAM SLIDE TALK

 What actually goes into creating sharp dynamic photos of up to thirty actors on stage all striking snappy poses in dazzling costumes under extreme lighting? Jeff Morris of Pierce Studio, Inc. in Brunswick can tell us. With 16 seasons and 67 shows to his credit, Morris will present a slide talk about “Photographing Maine State Music Theatre Productions” when the First Light Camera Club meets at the Topsham Medical Building, 4 Horton Place on November 13, from 6-8:30 p.m. The presentation is free for FLCC members (only $35/year) or $10 for guests. The public is invited to hear this behind-the-scenes account of what it takes.

Pierce Studio, Inc. is 57 years old, and Jeff Morris and his wife have owned the business for the past 16 years. For 20 years, Morris was a Naval Aircrewman stationed at Brunswick Naval Air Station. Although his father was a professional, photography for Jeff at that time was a hobby. He shot 35mm film primarily using large- and medium-format cameras. It wasn’t until he took classes at Southern NH University, that he encountered Richard Bancroft, the second owner of Pierce’s. Morris waited for a photography class to fulfill his art requirement since he thought that would be “easy.” Bancroft was the instructor, liked Morris’ work, and took him on as an employee. Eventually, Morris bought the business.

Pierce Studio specializes in portraits, weddings, pets, commercial, product, and aerial photography. Morris shoots in his own studio, on location, or from a Harpswell waterfront studio he has use of. A walk through his studio is a fascinating look at the field with his many vintage cameras, massive tripods, lighting sources, reflectors and umbrellas, props, and backdrops that slide into place with the press of a button. He now shoots digitally and says his Nikon D3X “replaced 11 film cameras.” His training with film serves him well, however. As one example, he used to get 12 shots per roll of film using his Rolleiflex camera, so he learned to make shots count. He favors the use of two handheld light meters: one digital, and one analog spot meter that he says, “works great.” He will demonstrate their use at his talk.

Photographing for Maine State Music Theatre was one account Morris acquired from Dick Bancroft (Pierce’s first owner was James Pierce), and Bancroft guided him for a year or two before handing the job over. His work for the theatre seems intense, but Morris takes it all in stride. Although he attends a performance about a week ahead of the shoot, and often makes notes about good lighting cues, the actual photo shoot takes place around 10 or 11 at night after a performance. Actors often have to change costumes, strike and hold poses (and sometimes lifts!), and appear fresh while the scene is documented. Apart from a cast that can contain 30-40 actors, the photographer works with an artistic director and a lighting crew and must work very fast. Morris typically uses wide angle zoom lenses and shoots at ISO 800 for 1/15th of a second or longer. That means actors must smile and stay still for a long time.

Founded in 1990, First Light Camera Club hosts meetings three times per month from September through May, as well as photographic workshops and field trips all year long. Programs include technical nights, image critiques, photo outings, mentoring, and guest speakers. Future speakers will focus on “Videography using your DSLR,” with Kevin Fowler; “Capture to Print in Lightroom,” with Rob Sylvan; and “Photojournalism Tips” with Greta Rybus. The Club welcomes new members from all areas who may join at any time throughout the year for a fee of $35 per year. For more information, visit www.firstlightcc.com, info@firstlightcc.com, 207-729-6607.

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