As you know I was hired to help cover the Sedona International Film Festival for the organizers.

One of the assignments was to grab some images from a live stage performance. There was some grief from a previous performance being disrupted by flash being used and disturbing the audience. I assured that wold never happen during my capture of a show. Using built in features of the Lumix cameras makes it possible to be extremely stealthy. I always work toward being low key in capturing images at events. I jumped up in the esteem of the President/Director of the Sedona Film Festival because of a couple features on the Lumix GH3 and Lumix GX7.

Here’s the inside scoop.

Feature one – Using the auto bracket on the cameras allows you to capture the large dynamic range of the scene by blending the various exposures together. You have the choice of three, five or seven image brackets in 1/3, 2/3 or full stops at the twist of a button or a quick visit to the menus depending on which camera you are using.

sedona rouge party room photoBright white rooms with lighted accents and dark table dressing can be difficult to get detail in all areas. The multiple exposures makes sure you can find the information and put it to use. This is the party room at the Sedona Rouge Hotel. Scene of the SIFF party on night two.

Feature two – Silent Mode. Being able to turn the camera to perfectly silent mode has been a feature I’ve always wanted to have and now it’s available. I was standing right beside the guy who hired me capturing the scene. When we moved out to the lobby he asked when I was going to get the photos. I told him I already had and showed him some on the back of the camera… He said, “You are amazing! I didn’t hear a thing…”

mary d fisher theater audience photoThis was photographed in the Mary D Fisher Theater in pretty much a dark setting with high contrasting stage lights. Recovered using multiple exposures. Shot in Silent Mode available on the Lumix GH3 camera to not disturb the audience.

I keep finding more and more reasons to choose the Lumix Micro 4/3rds system and loving it!