Moment of truth ...

Posted by Ron (Saint Louis, United States) on 31 July 2008 in Lifestyle & Culture and Portfolio.

Christia Starnes, soprano, in the role of Desdemona in Union Avenue Opera's production of Giuseppe Verdi's Otello. In this beautiful scene in Act IV, the frightened woman sings of a maiden forsaken by her lover (Piangea cantando) and then kneels in prayer (Ave Maria).

This scene is all the more touching and powerful because of the exquisite beauty of Ms. Starnes and the delicacy of her vocal talent.

First in a series of three.

vfxy Photoblogs

Comments (16)

Marion from Nanaimo, BC, Canada

I love this pose Ron. You can tell that she is praying. What a very beautiful portrait. I would love to hear her sing. She is very lovely.

31 Jul 2008 5:22am

Mirko Herzner from Mühlheim am Main, Germany

What a stunning shot and perspective, Ron. Have you been the official photographer here or did you just shoot out from your seat? :-)

31 Jul 2008 6:12am

@Mirko Herzner: Thanks for the kind words, Mirko. I am not the official photographer for UAO; although over the years I have served the company in numerous capacities, including writing grants, fund raising, company manager, and designing promotional/collateral materials. Because of my longstanding connections, I'm fortunate to be able to attend dress rehearsals and shoot from various locations around the theater during the performances. This shot was taken during Tuesday evening's second dress rehearsal ... I'm sitting on the floor just in front of where this scene took place ... I have two more queued up from different perspectives around the theater.

I was really pleased with this image ... considering I was shooting at ISO 1600; most of the rest of my shots were taken at ISO 1250.

Wysterior from Kloten, Switzerland

Wonderfully composed and shot in the right moment ;)
Wys

31 Jul 2008 10:12am

Richard_Irwin from Belper, United Kingdom

Fantastic pose, super shot Ron.

31 Jul 2008 10:48am

Lorraine from Gatineau, Canada

I am so impressed by how you took it, wow, can't wait for your next performance ;)

31 Jul 2008 11:48am

Tracey from White Hall, United States

Great shot! And ISO 1600? WOW! I am looking forward to more shots. Oh, and if you don't mind, could you please talk to my hubby and get him a bit more cultured? He takes me to the demolition derby...a far cry from the opera :0p

31 Jul 2008 12:14pm

MontereyJohn from Salinas, California, United States

I saw your name on Lorraine's page, and as a former St Louisan (UCity) was curious to take a look. Wow! Nice work. I'm going to scn back through some of your images. but if this is an example, very nice.

31 Jul 2008 2:12pm

Andrew Gould from Sydney, Australia

Wonderful theatre shot. Really captures the moment well. This is full of feeling. I was interested to read your reply to Mirko because I was wondering how you got the opportunity to take it. (Our camera certainly does well at high lSO settings.)

31 Jul 2008 2:40pm

Graham Russon from Cape Town, South Africa

Great stuff, well captured and presented. This high ISO makes this a remarkable shot, especially when you look at the detail of the candle flame.

31 Jul 2008 3:36pm

Observing from West Cheshire, United Kingdom

Act IV sounds as beautiful as your image is visually.

31 Jul 2008 4:28pm

Marcie from United States

Wonderful lighting!! Really nice.

31 Jul 2008 5:32pm

zOOm from Paris, France

What an attitude ! Could be a shakesperian heroine ! :-)

31 Jul 2008 6:29pm

Photonscribbles from Pune, India

splendid....

31 Jul 2008 7:18pm

Betty from New Jersey, United States

Beautiful, Ron... can't wait to see the rest of the series.

1 Aug 2008 12:21am

amy from Nanaimo, BC, Canada

Beautiful light, Ron! Well done, indeed!

1 Aug 2008 4:27am

Anita from West Nottingham, United States

What a great job you did with this photo! Lovely composition, light, etc. And, with such a high ISO.

8 Aug 2008 5:17pm

Add your comment ...

next day →

Canon EOS 40D
1/50 second
F/3.5
ISO 1600
100 mm