Natalia Kempin

Hello all. I’m Natalia Kempin.

A live performance photographer working below the artist title of Natalia Die Hexe (Natalia The Witch) primarily based in Berlin.

My first expertise in pictures is linked with a mechanical digital camera, the Zenith-B from the Soviet Union instances. Again then, it was primarily about portraits and locations, with no live shows or reside occasions.

Later I acquired my first digital Canon digital camera, a Canon Powershot S5 IS, and it was with me just about in every single place: faculty, college, work, my bands’ rehearsals and whereas travelling.

Earlier than I moved to Germany again in 2009, I used to be lively in music as a vocalist doing lyric dramatic soprano, classical model and growling. We have been releasing albums and actively touring, so fairly profitable, however nothing like huge names resembling Nightwish or Epica.

After my relocation to Germany, I actually missed the stage and determined to try to get a photograph go for a music competition, the Darkish Troll Competition, again in 2010. This was my official begin within the style of live performance pictures.

At this level, I had an curiosity in pictures, however I used to be additionally attending to know individuals, making connections and probably discovering a brand new band for myself. Today I’m extra referred to as a reside photographer than a singer, however I haven’t given up hope but.

In my view, live performance pictures is among the most troublesome genres to grasp, with lighting being managed by a technician, artists shifting as they really feel, pyrotechnics and smoke, crowd surfers, stage divers, safety, different photographers, video crew, the climate and naturally large crowds.

It’s all taking place very quick!

Going into a photograph pit that could be 5 metres deep and two to 3 meters excessive may be like going right into a bathe if the climate is absolutely dangerous. The efficiency nonetheless occurs, and as photographers, we’re there to doc all of it.

This job requires plenty of focus, endurance, quick reactions and an excellent information of your digital camera and its settings. You have got to have the ability to change a set-up with out even seeing your digital camera.

Live performance pictures doesn’t require a lot gear, and since 2010, my  Canon EOS 5D Mark II has labored completely to provide all my pictures.

When I’m at a live performance or competition, I stick with my Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 USM II lens because it’s tremendous quick, tremendous sharp and nice for any full peak or portrait pictures. 

One other lens I like to make use of for smaller open-air and membership occasions is the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0 L IS USM. It’s additionally nice for any band, mannequin, promo, and journey pictures. 

Canon EF 50 mm f/1.4 USM I always remember this lens, particularly for smaller golf equipment. It has no stabilizer, is comparatively sluggish, and it’s troublesome to maintain the main focus taking pictures with an aperture of 1.4, but it surely doubles your possibilities of getting actually good pictures from a present.

This lens has turn into an actual saviour for me because it has produced some convincing photographs that painting the ambiance that the band and the editor have been pleased with.

Flash lighting is taboo on this style, so I don’t even hassle to pack one. Most occasions have a no-flash coverage. For any work exterior of reside efficiency, I use a Canon Speedlite 580 EX II.

My most up-to-date additions to the household are the GoPro Hero 9 Black and Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. The GoPro has proved to be extraordinarily useful. It’s so mild weight as a part of your package, and for the big manufacturing reveals with pyrotechnics (suppose Rammstein with stadiums ablaze), you typically want footage for social media.

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV was simply the logical improve from the Mark II which has simply not let me down over all these years.

At this time limit, I nonetheless don’t imagine in mirrorless cameras a lot the identical manner as I don’t imagine within the hyped photographic high quality of the latest cell phones.

My greatest recommendation to these beginning work within the style of live performance pictures is to study all about your gear and prepare your response instances. When you’ve got these two issues nailed, you’re going to get nice outcomes.

You might be welcome to contact me by way of my social media.

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