Orpheum Theatre: Photo-op of the Grand Old Lady

It's time again for our now annual Orpheum Theatre photo-op! These events have been a success and our members ask us to bring them back. This time the event will be open only to first-timers (If you've been to our previous two Orpheum events you cannot attend this one.)

First, our host Mr. Haynes, of the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame, and his guides will introduce us to the theatre with some history and stories. Then we will be allowed to roam freely and photograph the spaces for 2 hours; we'll have the whole place to ourselves.

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Above photograph by Grant (https://www.meetup.com/Van-City-Free-Capture-Photography/photos/19359182/321366612/)

We'll get a chance to photograph the lobbies, the theatre, the back-stage, the basement, the dressing rooms, the mezzanines, grand staircases, colonnades, arcades, murals, and other details in Baroque and Moorish revival styles, such as golden ornament, plasterwork, stonework, coffered ceilings and many crystal chandeliers. So bring a tripod and also a wide-angle lens to capture the grandeur of some of the spaces.

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Above photograph by Tharaka Mapalagama (https://www.meetup.com/Van-City-Free-Capture-Photography/photos/19359182/321241572/)

The deal

As before, many will like to take photographs of the stage and the theatre. To avoid mishaps with unwanted bodies in frames and flashes we'll organize ourselves. First, we'll all set up on stage and take 15 minutes to take our shots. During this time, the doors will be closed so no one can come in or leave, risking someone's shot. The general lighting to the theater will be on, but there will not be any stage lighting. And because we'll have tripods with us, the use of flash will be prohibited at this time. When we're done with the stage, those who wish to exit can, and we'll move into the parterre to take shots of the stage for 15 minutes. And when that's done, we'll move to the mezzanines above to take more shots of the stage for another 15 minutes. I'll be there to help out. Then we'll open the doors again and make it free to move around. All the other spaces during this lock-down, like the lobbies, will of course be free to roam.

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/b/8/a/600_321455722.jpeg

Above photograph by Garry (https://www.meetup.com/Van-City-Free-Capture-Photography/photos/19359182/321455722/)

Mr. Haynes will have other guides with him. If one wishes to enter a space but finds the doors locked and it isn't restricted, you can ask Mr. Haynes to give you access.

We would all like to have the chance to make memorable photographs, but please, let's be mindful and considerate of our group mates. If I am given complaints or I notice someone being inconsiderate, they will be told to leave the theatre.

The Walk-about

The cost for this event is a $10 donation per person, which goes to the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame; please bring cash.

We'll meet at the Smithe St. Entrance (601 Smithe St, corner Seymour) at 12:45 sharp! This will give us time to group and give Mr. Haynes the moneys so we can start at 13:00.

After we start the event, the doors to the theatre will be locked. So please do not be late.

We will end the event at 15:00 back at the lobby. Afterwards, we'll get a cupper at Caffè Artigiano (763 Hornby Street) around 15:30 so we can share photos and conversations.

The Aim

The function of the group is to learn and practice the techniques of photography. This involves learning photography not only from your guides but also by sharing knowledge with your group-mates. The intention is also to organize and get to know new people. The attendant size of the meets will be small so participants can have the opportunity to get to know all their group-mates and spend time with a guide. If you select to attend a meet and then cannot make it, please be courteous to others in the group and change your RSVP status as soon as possible to allow others a chance to participate.

The Après-Meet

Please feel comfortable in posting your photographs and advising others; critical appraisal is helpful. What will also be appreciated are ratings and, especially, comments to individual meets and the group dynamic as a whole. This is important because it will ultimately add value to our meetings and improve our experience.