A photography project on capturing different expressions of participants during a drama rehearsal. A work from the rehearsal floor of the audio drama "তুলে নাও তোমার পতাকা" ("Raise Your Flag") organised by Roddur, a NGO, works principally in two areas, one is cultural and another is social sector.
My main objective to approach this to effectively convey the emotions, intensity, and dynamics of the rehearsal process.
Here are some of the areas of focus in my photography project:
1. Focus on Raw Emotions : Rehearsals often evoke genuine emotions as actors are still working on mastering their characters. Capture candid shots of frustration, joy, nervousness, laughter, and concentration. Look for moments when actors are deep in thought or adjusting to feedback. These raw moments are often the most revealing.
2. Variety of Expressions : (a) Photos before the actors begin a scene and right after they finish. The contrast often tells a compelling story of transformation.
(b) This rehearsal has moments of both intensity and playful experimentation. I documented these extremes to show the full range of emotions.
(b) This rehearsal has moments of both intensity and playful experimentation. I documented these extremes to show the full range of emotions.
3. Behind the Scenes : I captured expressions during costume fittings, script readings, and even the downtime in between to give a full picture of the preparation process.
4. Smallest Details : I thought to capture many smallest details which evoke the most powerful emotions. Thus I focused on hands clenching scripts, feet shuffling nervously and expressive eyes of the actors/actresses.
5. Use ambient light to enhance mood : I tried to use Low lighting with dramatic shadows to emphasize the intense atmosphere of a serious scene, while use of soft, natural light tp bring out the warmth in a casual rehearsal setting.
6. Incorporate Motion : I used frozen shot of an actor in mid-gesture to convey passion and energy of an active rehearsal.
7. Play with Angles : I love to shoot from different angles to create dynamic compositions. Use of low-angle shots basically to give a sense of power, while high-angle shots to evoke vulnerability or introspection. Close-ups of facial expressions contrasted with wide shots that capture the interaction between two to three people TO add depth to the narrative.
8. Storytelling : I tried to tell a story through the series. I include wide shot, mid shot, close up and extreme close up shot throughout the rehearsal to follow the performer/s journey, highlight their energy and dynamism.
9. Environment : I tried to use the rehearsal space which plays a role in the mood. It was basically a formal hall where I included the surroundings to provide context.
