Bellevue Lunar New Year

Leica D-LUX: 75mm, f/2.8, 1/500s

BELLEVUE, WA - When it rains here the malls get crowded. One wet day in early Feb, the Seattle Chinese Culture and Arts Association put together this indoor stage featuring various traditional and contemporary cultural demonstrations.

I did find a front-row seat, but I preferred the pics from stage-right. The big crowd made a better background than a boring black curtain. I went to ISO 6400 and prioritized a fast shutter speed.

I'm perfectly happy with the composition. I knew I wanted the lanterns on the right, to not cut off heads or feet, and to avoid the sound-board in the bottom-left. A photo like this might benefit from f/1.4 (if that was an option), to further soften that store-sign.


Leica D-LUX: 75mm, f/2.8, 1/250s

There were four of these guys in face-paint and I tried dozens of shots. This one was my favorite because both subjects are in focus and the hand-gesture. The woman on the right helps frame the shot, but again f/1.4 (if that was an option) would help throw her out of focus.

I appreciate that people act natural around the Leica D-LUX. When I shoot with the big Nikon and lens, people often turn their attention to the camera. I also helps there were a hundred other folks taking photographs at this event.

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