QVC Collaborative Study— A new photography exhibit debuted in Francis Harvey Green Library on September 28. Images from dance recitals and theatrical performances glistened in gold and silver frames, making the shots appear as if they were in motion. Photos in the collection were taken by members of the Time-Light Art Association. The photography collective is a community group based in the West Chester area. Professor of Mathematics Dr. Lin Tan is the founder of the organization. The exhibit is the culmination of a decade of collaboration with the West Chester University Department of Theatre and Dance.
Dr. Tan began photographing dance performances at West Chester after he was introduced to a visiting scholar from China. That scholar was a faculty member in the Dance Department and introduced Dr. Tan to other Department of Theatre and Dance members. An opportunity for Dr. Tan to collaborate with those faculty members organically emerged. “I photographed a dance concert in 2007 and the Dance faculty liked my photographs, and that started the whole thing.”
University Dance Company, 2007 by Lin Tan
Dr. Tan also began photographing theatre performances around the same time. As he photographed more Theatre and Dance Department shows, Dr. Tan realized he needed more team members to help capture the events. “I felt like one camera might not be enough,” said Dr. Tan. “So every time I brought one or two more people to shoot more and cover different angles.” Photographers from Time-Light Art Association have photographed nearly every Department of Theatre and Dance performance at West Chester since 2007. That collaboration is still flourishing and continues into the current performance season.
Capturing the perfect moment during Department of Theatre and Dance shows requires preparation. According to Time-Light Art Association photographer Gene He, some photographers attend rehearsals of shows before they debut. Attending those practice sessions helps a photographer know the background and story of a show. Having that knowledge prepares a photographer to capture the perfect moment.
“When we talk about photographing the stage shows it is very challenging. Most times there are fast lighting changes,” Mr. He said. “You have to be very fast to capture the moment. You may know a beautiful jump is coming and you only have maybe one hundredth of a second to capture that moment.”
Re[F]use, 2013 by Gene H3
Capturing exhilarating images during the Department of Theatre and Dance shows is is a delicate balance. According to Time-Light Art Association photographer Keven Yang, photographing a stage show combines the experience of the photographer with their technical skills. A photographer must focus on the action of the show and react with the appropriate technical skills to capture the perfect shot. At the same time, the photographer must anticipate the action of the performance and when an ideal shot may arise.
“Shooting pictures of stage performances is a little bit different than shooting a portrait,” said Mr. Yang. “There is a type of moment you have to capture. You watch the show and you have to be immersed into it and at the same time you try to capture those moments.”
Accurately capturing the profound action and emotion of the performers also requires the proper equipment. Photographers must bring the proper camera and lenses to photograph the shows. Having the proper equipment is crucial due to the rapid changes in movement, lighting, and color that occur during Department of Theatre and Dance shows.
“A lot of these photos are shot with the lights so low and dim that you are pushed to the limit of your lens and your camera body,” said Mr. Yang. “You need to have very advanced hardware in order to capture the moment.”
The gallery opening of the photography exhibit also provided a different perspective for the members of Time-Light Art Association. The photographers got the opportunity to step out from behind the camera and share their work with the community, a significant step after a decade of collaboration.
“The process of making this art is enjoyable. So is showing these photos to an audience and experiencing their reaction,” said Mr. Yang. “That is a secondary enjoyment that everybody is craving when people take in your photos and relive the moment you captured.”
The photography exhibit gives students and community members an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Department of Theatre and Dance shows long after the curtain closes. Additionally, these photos help immortalize the culture shared by West Chester University students, community members, and faculty. If you missed the debut of the exhibition, there is still time to experience the photos. The exhibit will remain in the QVC Collaborative Study until the conclusion of the Fall 2018 semester.
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