Paranormal Cirque: Tips for Photographing Live Circus Shows

Photographing Paranormal Cirque in Mesquite was my first time shooting a live show—and it was a wild, fast-paced learning experience. Between fire, fog, flashing lights, and nonstop motion, it was one of the most challenging environments I’ve shot in. But it also gave me some of my favorite photos to date.

🎟️ Getting Access: Media Pass Tips

I landed a media pass by reaching out through email and following up through different channels. It took a little persistence, but it paid off. If you’re looking to shoot shows like this, try contacting the organizers directly or see if your local photo club (like the North Texas Photo Club) has connections.

📸 The Gear I Used

I brought two cameras to balance speed, flexibility, and light:

• Sony A7III with a 24mm f/1.4 GM — great for wide, fast shots in low light
• Sony A6000 with a Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 Art — effectively a 36-105mm on crop sensor, gave me reach for distant shots

I needed fast lenses and a camera body that could handle high ISO without destroying image quality.

 

🧠 What I Learned (The Hard Way)

• Light Changes Fast
  Circus shows are chaotic. Fog, strobes, color shifts, and fire effects constantly change your exposure. Be ready to adjust ISO and shutter speed on the fly.
• High ISO Is Your Friend
  Don’t be afraid to shoot at ISO 3200 or higher. You’ll lose the shot if your shutter speed is too slow trying to preserve image quality.
• No Time to Review Shots
  This isn’t a wedding or portrait session. You’ll miss moments if you chimp after every shot. Trust your exposure and keep moving.
• Two Bodies Help A Lot
  I was constantly switching between wide and zoom shots. Having two cameras saved me from missing angles during critical moments.
• Stay Light & Mobile
  There’s no time to reset or tripod up. Everything is handheld, fast-paced, and physically demanding—especially while wearing a mask.

 

 

⚙️ Recommended Camera Settings for Circus Photography

These settings worked well under the Paranormal Cirque lighting conditions:

• Shutter Speed: 1/250s to freeze motion
• Aperture: f/1.4 to f/2.8 depending on the lens
• ISO: 1600–6400 (don’t be afraid to go high)
• White Balance: Auto, then adjust in post
• Focus Mode: Continuous AF (AF-C) with subject tracking when possible

 

🎯 Shooting Goals: Candid, Dynamic, Useful

I approached this like a mix of street photography and event coverage—trying to capture:

• The vibe of the crowd
• Candid moments between performers
• Key show highlights (contortionist, vampire/fire scene, fog effects)
• Images the company could potentially use for promotion

I took over 5,000 images, knowing many would be duds. But when you only have one chance at a fire burst or acrobat mid-air, volume gives you options.

📚 Final Thoughts

Photographing Paranormal Cirque pushed me technically and physically. It taught me to work faster, trust my gear, and adapt to unpredictable environments. It’s not easy—but it’s worth it.

If you’re planning to shoot a circus or live show, remember: good gear helps, but preparation and adaptability matter more. The goal is to capture the intensity, atmosphere, and magic—without getting in the way.

I can’t wait to shoot another show and keep improving.