Bolshoi Experience

Weeks after my first video completion, I found the time and subject to do another. I feel extremely bad for not having the ability to do these assignments for a publication that is actually paying me, but the one not doing so wore me out completely. Fortunately, part of the work was done for me this time, because the assignment came to me from the arts desk editor. She wanted to see a multimedia project done on the Bolshoi since their presence in Chapel Hill meant a lot more than the fact they were performing two ballets.

I gladly agreed, as you can see, and found myself enjoying the experience. The best part was photographing Swan Lake, hands down. Besides being beyond pleased with the resulting images, I really enjoyed seeing these performers grace the stage and living up to their world renown.

I just wished I had been able to cover the Don Quijote performance, as well, for both the experience and photos. Instead, I had to use another staffer's photographs that did not impress me too much. They worked, but I just wanted to see angles and a closeness to the performers you cannot have by just sitting in the audience, the kind of experience photography and and video should bring.

The Carolina Performing Arts (and I'm sure the Bolshoi) would not allow me to video the two performances, causing me to need their footage. It looks grainy and small because they had already edited the piece together and compressed it for distribution. When I compressed it again for this project, it gave that result.

Despite those hiccups, I enjoyed the experience greatly. I hope to provide many more pieces before the summer goes up, but we will see. The one for this week failed, but I have hope for a mini-documentary piece this coming week. *crosses fingers*