a photography gene in his family because his brother is a
photographer as well. He took up the craft professionally when
a relative encouraged him to follow his passion. At first he did
everything, from weddings to corporate work. As the years
went by, though, he became more focused with a deepening
interest in capturing movement, especially in the performing
arts. Now, with years of experience, he captures movement
instinctively. In fact he says if he consciously thinks about when
to press the trigger, he can miss the moment!
Behind the moment
Herzfeld says there’s no easy answer to that million-dollar
question about when to push the shutter button to capture the
right, most revealing moment. His two decades as a television
cameraman covering sport was great training for shooting
performance, particularly dance. He learned how to read the
plays, the movement of the event, and simultaneously coordinate
hands, head and eyes. Capturing the right moment becomes
ingrained somehow, like fine cooking becomes ingrained in
great chefs. He says seeing a performance of theatre or dance
before you shoot it is a valuable opportunity to acquaint yourself
with costumes, lighting, where the performers will be and how
they interact with the set. If you have shot the rehearsals you’ll
find that once the show is on stage with lighting and costuming,
it can look quite different.
Roenfeldt echoes those sentiments, and adds that every show
is different and anything can happen. But he emphasises that
research will improve your chances of capturing compellingAUSTRALIAN PHOTOGRAPHY + DIGITAL SEPTEMBER 2015 AUSTRALIANPHOTOGRAPHY.COM 61
ABOVE
Josh Franceschi
of You Me At Six.
Canon 5D Mk III,
24-70mm f/2.8 lens
@ 24mm, 1/320s
@ f/2.8, ISO 800.
Photo by Sammy
Roenfeldt.