Dancing Elephants and Other Circus Freaks

[jfrancho]

1. Elephants and freaky ponies


2. Windy City Acrobats - flipping, flying freaks


3. Freak w/ freakishly large kitty


4. Tightrope walking, basket wearing, umbrella carrying freaks


These are from Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey Circus. I haven't been to the circus since I was a kid. I was very surprised at what a slick show they have.

[Mr. Pickles]

Did you take them yesterday? They was here until 2 dyas ago I think, and one wouldn't think they went from OK to NY in a couple days. Must be more than one of them.

[easypickings]

Nice clear shots. I especially like number 4. Imagine walking the line with baskets on your feet!

[jfrancho]

These were taken May 14, in Rochester, NY. There are actually two of the greatest shows on earth that travel the world.

[Paul Shields]

Nice captures. I've never been to a big top circus, but looks like great fun .

[Stormdancing]

These are great photos under difficult lighting situations.
What camera did you use.
Did security give you any crap about it?

[jfrancho]

I carried my full 20D kit and Domke in with no issues. The gymnasts were shot with 17-40L and the rest with Tammy 28-300. While on the floor before the show, I roamed with camera, bracket and flash rig, and even security and circus personnel accomodated me quite nicely. I was able to get the gymnasts from a spot no one in the crowd would have had access. I suppose they assumed I was a working photojournalist, when it was actually a family outing for Mother's Day.

Another shot from an "out of bounds" area:

[Stormdancing]

I was reading their FAQ
16. Can I bring my camera or video camera to the show?
Ringling Bros. policy is that no video cameras of any kind are allowed in the arena; however still cameras are permitted providing they are non-professional type cameras, and the photos are intended for personal use only. Since the definition of non-professional cameras and the use of digital cameras varies from arena to arena; please contact your local arena to verify their policy.

Ok so you Joe Cop security guard who determines what is a professional vs non-professional camera. Hmm I always thought it was the person behind the camera.

[jfrancho]

That is the nature of these things - when in public, we follow the law, but set foot on private property, and rules "rule" and there lies the rub. As long as the rules do not break the law, they can be as restrictive and vague, and not even published - made up on the spot - and serve whatever motive the particular executor of the rules sees fit. On this day, there was no hassle. Technically, the camera is not a professional camera, but is more than capable to be used professionally. I provide professional photographic services, but I am not a "pro" by trade, and wasn't taking these pictures for anything other than personal/educational use. I think it's ironic that such access was granted, simply because I looked like a pro, as several security personnel had stated, which was clearly against the rules.