Been invited to participate in a show based on tradition and folklore, just this weekend past. Actually, this thing had a bid of everything in it: flower display and arrangements, local culinary stands, theatre play, chamber music of good taste, poetry, local dj, fun, young girls dancing (dressed as nymphs), good atmosphere. The venue chosen for this was at the Ghika Castle im the village of Dofteana, Bacau, Romania. Read more on this location here.
My friend, who was the photo/videographer for this got me implicated in this, so I guess I have to thank him for the opportunity. As I am shooting film only, I took with me some Ilford HP5 400 (shot one @ 800, the other one @ 1600), an Ilford Delta 3200 (shot @ 1600) and a couple of Kodak Tri-X 400 (shot @ 800). Camera wise, Nikon F4 and F3, with a 50/1.8 AF (for the F4), and a 35mm/2.8 for the Nikon F3. At some point, my 105/2.5 was involved during the day.
These photographs here were shot with Kodak Tri-X 400 @ 800, with a Nikon F3. The scenes are from a very well known theatre play called “La Tiganci” by Mircea Eliade. Superb play, great actors), however not all of the players were professional actors, though.
Some 70% of all shots were indoors, no flash as I do not use any ever; within the building – quite shadowy, high ceiling rooms, full of dark wood furniture, with a rather weak light coming in thru the large windows. Artificial light wise, a couple of reflectors and the chandeliers, with quite a poor light since they’re up at a good distance from the floor. Even with that gloomy ambience light, the 1600 ASA was too strong for my liking.
LE – this show was run by a very gracious host and her lovely team, now running this show at its 5th edition. The theme was that of a very popular folklore celebration in Romania, the Dance of the Fairies (or nymphs). You may read more on this here. The page of the event itself, as promoted and advertised is here: DANSUL IELELOR.
Anyways, did my best, employed all the tricks in my book, and hopefully some shots will be printable. As of now, I need to process all the rolls, so the results will make for another article here.
