I think the organizers here at the Rio Olympics misstepped. Samba should be a medal event. Athletic, fast moving, beautiful, energetic, and sweaty, I think it meets a lot of the criteria of a world class sport. I went to a samba school practice the other night, at the Salgueiro School of Samba, one of the biggest in Rio. I left at 2:30 am, and they were really just getting going. So, you could add endurance to the list of sporting attributes for this particular art form. These ladies had hips that moved like a paint mixer and tushes that probably require their own ticket on an airplane flight. And the music? My ears are still ringing, two days later. The drums define the idea of percussive power.
And the attire? Need I say more…
For the technically minded, the dance pix here are shot with D500, and the drums with D5. Thanking the stars for the SB-5000 wireless flash system. In a crowded bump and grind dance hall like this, being freed of line of sight and having accurate radio TTL is a wonderful gift.
More tk from Rio….
Samba!!!! Love these shots. I’ve been enjoying your images of “The Bolt” Joe…. hope all is well. TBow
COMPLETELY agree Joe! I think it is amazing what all of the dancers and musicians go through to do this.
OK now I get why you went to Rio. Given how clear you are in your workshops about your past sports photography prowess with SI, I was scratching my head a bit at you slapping on the long lens and standing in line with the thousands of other shooters there. Thank god someone is shooting the party and having a good time vs the 10’s of thousands of M. Phelps swimming shots. What a brilliant move by SI to have you document the real Rio (they do know that’s what you are doing?). Looks like the real action is at night and not during the day. Photography is a tough business and oh well someone has to do it. Thanks for involving us in your fun.
Sounds like you’re having a heck of a time of it Joe ?
I’m very fortunate to have shot Brazilica, a Brazilian festival in Liverpool, a few years ago. Still in touch with a number of the dancers who are incredible. I don’t think I could move my hip like that if I fell in a cattle fence after being caught in a rain storm..
If you’re ever thinking of doing a Samba dancer shoot in the uk, drop me a line and I’ll put you in tough with Simone.
Enjoying following your Olympic adventure.
Cheers
JT
*Make that in touch… “Thunder Thumbs”
OMG, tushes that require their own…hysterical. But you forget the most important part – they do it all in 4″ FM heels!!!
I don’t know how they do it! Amazing balance!!!
What’s the wide angle you most like on the DX sensor D500? I have that body, but I’ve not yet settled on a wide-angle lens for it I’d like 24 or 28 equivalent prime, but none yet.
Hi…don’t have a prime for the D500, been using the 16-80, and love the results. Best, Joe