We have one event during the year that requires me to shoot awards photos during the awards presentation. Typically, we set up a chair or small step-ladder in the middle of the room, and when it’s time for the photo, I jump up from my crouching position on the floor to the chair/step-ladder/etc,. and shoot the photo.
This year, there happened to be a perfect spot in the very back of the room to set up a small platform from which I could shoot the awards photos. I was out of the way, could easily capture the entire stage in the frame, and didn’t have to crouch on the floor in-between shots. We routed the lighting controls to a table on this platform, I set up my tripod, and we were good to go.
Until the tables were set for dinner.
Three-foot tall lamps were placed in the center of each table, right between my photographer’s platform and the stage. And since we had planned on me shooting from the back, we hadn’t arranged the tables in a way that allowed for me to set up in the middle of the room. The lighting was set up in the back of the room, as well, so when the spots were cranked up, the lamps cast shadows across the stage.
I typically shoot these events with my 7D, but we rented a 5D Mk III this time–and it made all the difference. The crop sensor on my 7D required me to be in the middle of the room in order to get the entire stage in frame. But the full-frame sensor on the 5D let me set up almost directly in front of the stage with the same lens.
I’ve spent the last 8 days with the Mk III, and almost wish I hadn’t. I’m in love with it. Every spare penny I have is now going to go towards the purchase of a new Mk III.
New Orleans, shot with the 5D Mk III
Daniel Hedrick 
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