Shooting Live Theater: What Two Musicals Taught Me About Lighting, Lenses, and Growth
I recently had the opportunity to volunteer as the photographer for two productions with The District—Moana Jr. and Descendants Jr. As a photographer still growing in the theater space, this was an incredible chance to test my skills, challenge my comfort zone, and walk away with some real-world insight into what works (and what doesn’t) when photographing live performances.
Though I’m not a high-end $5,000-per-gig photographer, I bring a strong creative eye, solid gear, and a commitment to always getting better. These experiences reminded me how each project helps shape me as an artist.
Heading: Lighting: A Blessing and a Curse
The first thing I learned: stage lighting is made for the audience—not for your camera. It looks amazing in person, but it can be extremely challenging to capture. Spotlights, dramatic color washes, and shifting shadows are theatrical magic, but they often create overexposed faces, deep contrast, or grainy images when you’re behind the lens.
Pro tip for newer photographers: Watch the scene. Anticipate the light. Don’t shoot constantly—shoot intentionally. Wait for those moments where the lighting supports your shot, and let the emotion of the scene guide you.
The Lens Test – 70-200mm vs. 24-70mm
For Moana Jr., I exclusively used my 70-200mm lens—and it was a game-changer. I shot from the back of the auditorium and still managed to get crisp, close-up shots of the performers. The compression helped isolate subjects beautifully, and the zoom allowed me to follow the action without being disruptive.
For Descendants Jr., I switched it up and used my 24-70mm lens. While I had more flexibility for wide shots, I quickly realized it wasn’t the right fit for the environment. The lens struggled in the low lighting, and I missed the reach and clarity I had with the 70-200mm. It was much harder to get the kind of clean, emotional shots I knew I could capture with a longer lens.
Takeaways for Fellow Photographers
If you’re stepping into theater or live production photography, here’s what I’ve learned:
Long lenses shine in theater. If you’re shooting from a distance, a 70-200mm lens gives you the versatility and quality you need without getting in anyone’s way.
Lighting is everything. Learn the lighting pattern of the show—don’t try to fight it. Be patient and wait for your moment.
Flexibility is key. Not every show, lens, or setup is the same. Each one will teach you something new.
These two productions were an amazing learning experience, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come—even with more growth ahead. If you’re looking for a photographer who shows up with curiosity, creativity, and a commitment to getting the shot (no matter the lighting!), I’d love to connect.
Let’s tell your story—beautifully.
📩 Looking for a photographer for your production? Let’s talk! mysticharmonystudio@gmail.com
📸 Moana Jr & Descendants!
