E-3 Handheld in Indoors

[Guest]

Last Sunday our historic Theatre Royal had their annual OPEN DAY when the public were invited for a free tour of the theatre.
Only recently we sat in two of the best seats in the house for a performance of Miss Saigon and I was wishing then
that I could take pictures of the elegant decor. Well this was my big chance, "Carpediem!"
#1

The stage as viewed from the Upper Dress Circle.
No monopod - all images are shot with a handheld E3 with 14-42mm and IS is switched on.
#2

Wherever possible I took advantage of available camera rests such as pillars, railings or seats.
A crystal chandelier lights portraits of famous playwrights that decorate the ceiling.
#3

I don't know who the cherubic little guy with the trumpet represents but he looks right down into the orchestra pit!
#4

At the left side of the picture is one of the VIP boxes.
Visitors were allowed to wander unescorted at will anywhere in the theatre.
#5

Radio ABC FM-936 Technicians broadcast visitor interviews live across Australia.
I avoid the use of flash preferring long exposures to capture the atmosphere of the theatre lighting.
#6

[Guest]

Re: E-3 Handheld in Indoors

Ah - this looks down upon the stage from the scenery loft - it's an awesome tangle of cables,
curtains, pulleys and ropes, and it's where "Fred" the Theatre Royal's ghost abides!
#7

OMG! - That could be HIM and his Bride! - He's playing that spooky music from Phantom of the Opera!
#8

The view from "The Gods", which are the cheapest seats in the theatre.
Actually, quite a good view of the stage but the bench style seating may not be so comfortable.
#9

This is Cinderella's ball gown fashioned by a wave of her Fairy Godmother's magic wand ...
Sandra should invoke hers occasionally! (I would love to have seen that show!)
#10

The make-up room where the cast put on their faces to the roar of the grease paint!
#11

Operations Manager, Don Hopkins poses for a portrait. Don controls all theatre lighting during productions.
Leaning against a wall, I shot this 2.5 second exposure handheld relying solely upon the Olympus in-camera-body IS
to give me an acceptable image. I took 5 frames of which this was the best - OK, it's a little soft!
#12