Everyone knows the best way to enjoy a Tuacahn musical production is live and in person, but capturing those moments with photography and videography plays an important part in the overall experience too. From promotional marketing shots to freezing just the right moment in time through a camera lens, there are two people who do a lot of work behind the scenes to ensure the photo version of these productions is every bit as magical as the live moments happening on stage.

Ben Braten, photographer and videographer, and Leavitt Wells, photographer, are responsible for nearly everything that happens behind the camera lens at Tuacahn. Working as independent contractors hired by Tuacahn, their assignments are separate from one another, with Braten handling the promotional photos in advance of the productions and Wells snapping photos of the actors in character on stage during one of the early performances.

“I actually started in concert photography, and that’s still my bread and butter,” Wells says. “Shooting concerts is a really good flow for me, but I love the challenge that theater adds.”

One of her specialties is shooting in low light, and she gets in a pretty good workout running up and down the Amphitheatre stairs.

“I shoot from the audience, so the only way to get from one side of the stage to the other is to use the stairs,” Wells says.

The biggest challenge in shooting the actual productions includes anticipating the perfect photo moment before it happens and getting into position without disturbing anyone in the audience.

“You’re trying to freeze a moment in time, and that takes correct timing on the actors’ part and on my part, making sure my equipment is set up completely,” Wells says.

In her experience, there is nothing like the feeling of catching the emotion of a scene through her camera lens.

“When someone sees a photo of the Beast singing, ‘If I Can’t Love Her’ from Beauty and the Beast for example, I want them not only to recognize the scene from the show, but to pinpoint the emotion of the song,” Wells says. “I want people to be completely immersed in the scene from the photo I take.”

“Anyone can take a photo. I want to get photos that make people feel,” she adds.

Wells has spent years perfecting her craft. Starting back in high school when she spent her time as a broadcast journalist, never going anywhere without a camera in her hands.

“I liked documenting life and the things I did and the places I went,” she says.

In 2013 she started shooting concerts professionally and found she had a real knack for working in low lighting. In the last decade her client list has grown to include Blake Shelton, Backstreet Boys, GENTRI, David Archuleta and more. Then in 2021, she jumped at the opportunity to add live theater to her photography resume and has been excited by the opportunities so far.

“It’s fairly technical, but I’m able to manipulate my camera so well, my clients have told me they would never have known I hadn’t shot theater before,” Wells says.

Because Wells does not live in the area, she appreciates the days she gets to spend in the shadow of the Tuacahn canyon, watching the actors do what they love and doing her best to stay out of the audience’s way.

“I really try to be pretty sly,” she says. “The audience is the whole reason we are here. My job is to avoid impeding their experience as much as possible.”

Operating in a completely different setting, Ben Braten is tasked with capturing images of the cast prior to their stage debut; setting up studio sessions to shoot promotional photos, including the large posters that hang on the columns in the Tuacahn plaza area outside the Amphitheatre.

“The cast is so much fun to be around,” Braten says. “I find their energy so appealing. It’s really great to collaborate with them.”

Typically, Braten spends around six hours shooting various members of the casts, in a process that he says is a little like “shooting fish in a barrel because the actors are putting out such great stuff.”

“I’ve been with Tuacahn for 10 years or more, and some of these actors I’ve stayed in contact with, so it’s a great place to meet people as well as just enjoy being in such a fun environment.” he says.

But it is still work. Most of Braten’s prep involves showing up with the right gear, and ensuring he captures all the different looks the marketing team is hoping to use. After so many years, he knows what to expect, but he is always excited to have a few happy accidents as well.

This year, Braten particularly enjoyed seeing the child actors for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, as well as the youth playing Young Tarzan, really come to life for the camera.

“These kids are all terrific, and just really fun to work with,” he says.

Braten also uses his videography skills to capture some social media snippets and other promotional pieces. In the past, he’s flexed his videography skills in longer projects, specifically the Miracle in Padre Canyon documentary about the history and behind-the-scenes of Tuacahn.

“I just love collaborating with people and the energy I glean from them,” Braten says of his work. “When they get excited about the image, that’s the best part.”

For a glimpse of Braten’s work, or to see the plays in action the way Wells gets to see them, get your tickets now to Tarzan, Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical and Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. Call the box office at 435-652-3300 or log onto www.tuacahn.org