Alistair How  


Morris Dance by Alistair How

February 2025 - Morris Dance

About the Image(s)

Something focused on traditions and events. Morris Dancing or Morris Men is traditional folk dancing originating from the 15th century. Lots of variations but all tend to be a rhythmic team of men (and women now), dancing to a tune - accordion, violin, drum sort of instruments. There are all sorts of variations - with sticks, with handkerchiefs, with or with out bells on their legs. Most wear boots or clogs (wooden shoes).

This at Masham Sheep Fair with the Ripon City Morris Dancers in September 2024. The sheep fair is a farming event at the end of the season when farmers compete for sheep awards - best in a particular class. They dance at various events and have a Lancashire style. Their hats are decorated for each event.

The challenge photographing them is that they dance in a fairly small space surrounded by people, so to get them in a clear shot can be tricky. They move quite quickly so getting any sense of separation and not having noise from the background can take some patience. If you get in the way of others wanting to watch you will be told to sit down!

Hand held, Nikon Z8 with 24-70 f2.8. 43mm 1/640th, f2.8, ISO 64. It was a bright sunny day so no issue with light. Shooting with an open aperture to get a shallow depth of field and try and minimise the background.


This round’s discussion is now closed!
4 comments posted




Zhicai Ren   Zhicai Ren
Morris dance, a wonderful moment that records the traditional ethnic dance and clothing culture of the local area, belongs to the category of tourism photography. It is beautiful and I like it!
Would it be better if the composition on both sides were more relaxed?   Posted: 02/16/2025 03:44:51



Sylvie Tas   Sylvie Tas
Love the movement and the light in this picture.
The crop is a little tight. I think that's what Zhicai is referring to?   Posted: 02/17/2025 09:23:52
Alistair How   Alistair How
Crop is tight I agree - there were lots of people looking on and it was very busy   Posted: 02/17/2025 09:37:32



Lisa Cirincione   Lisa Cirincione
Nice capture, looks like a fun event to photograph at. I don't mind the tight crop, but I do want to see the front of the outfits a bit more… but I see how your composition is symmetrical…It should work in PTD.   Posted: 02/28/2025 13:09:58