Creating the Publicity Photo for the Musical Oklahoma

Nikon D5, AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED, ISO 500, ƒ/4, 1/8000

This morning we shot promotion shots for Roswell High School’s Theatre performance of Roger & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma. We were shooting a variety, and then we will pick the one favorite we all have for the 12′ x 8′ banner we will put in front of the school.

Oklahoma Banner [Nikon D5, Sigma 35mm ƒ/1.4 DG Art, ISO 400, ƒ/8, 1/400]

This is me and the setup for shooting the first photo that Dorie, my wife, took of me. I am shooting a High-Speed Sync of 1/8000 to make the sky darker and create more of the “Big Sky” look you would have in Oklahoma.

Oklahoma Banner [Nikon D5, Sigma 35mm ƒ/1.4 DG Art, ISO 400, ƒ/6.3, 1/4000]

This was the first photo we started shooting.

Oklahoma Banner [Nikon D5, Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art, ISO 400, ƒ/8, 1400]

Here you can see my setup. I am using [2] Alienbees B1600 for the lights. To power them, I am using the Paul Buff Vagabond batteries. To trigger the lights, I am using Pocketwizard AC-9 pugged into the Alienbees B1600 and then into the Pocketwizard TT5. This is receiving the signal from the Pocketwizard TT1 with the AC-3 to dial in the exposures on the camera.

Oklahoma Banner Nikon D5, AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR, ISO 500, ƒ/5.6, 1/8000

I am shooting low again to emphasize the big sky.

Oklahoma Banner [Nikon D5, Sigma 35mm ƒ/1.4 DG Art, ISO 400, ƒ/8, 1/640]

I tried to keep it simple by not moving all around the farm but instead using more time at the exact location and varying the camera angle.

Oklahoma Banner [Nikon D5, AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR, ISO 100, ƒ/5, 1/4000]

Last night we watched the movie of Oklahoma with Shirley Jones starring Laurey Williams. This last photo has the same look and feels as the movie.

I wonder which of these might be our banner photo to promote musical Oklahoma.

Oklahoma Banner

Here you can get a feel for what we are creating when all the type is added.