How we photographed Keke Palmer’s Pilates class at the Salt Shed

This week’s top photo comes from Visual Journalist Candace Dane Chambers.

What makes this photo important?

Actress Keke Palmer is a Robbins native whose star has steadily risen since she burst into the Hollywood scene with 2006’s “Akeelah and the Bee.” Over the last 20 years, the performer has become a multi-hyphenate, extending her talents to music, hosting and now wellness with her latest venture, “Practice By Palmer.” The touring mat Pilates class made a stop at the Salt Shed for the venue’s annual exercise festival. Over 200 attendees worked out with Palmer, whose instruction was punctuated by quips that put the crowd at ease — creating an environment fit for all levels. As an increasing number of celebrities are veering back toward the rail-thin beauty standard of the early aughts, Palmer’s take on wellness still loudly prioritizes function over form.

How I got this photo:

I started photographing on the stands at the back of the class and slowly pushed in toward the stage, being careful to not block anyone’s view. About halfway through, the whole room started to relax into the flow and I felt comfortable staking a spot up front. I took a few photos head-on and then crept around stage left to position myself on the steps directly in line with Palmer. From there my job was easy because the Salt Shed’s tech team had lit the space beautifully. The exposure setting I used let her pop against the crushed shadows in the back. The sheer curtains bathed in green offered the frame some gentle motion, and I just waited in place to snap this particularly expressive moment.

Technical details:

• Equipment: Canon EOS R5 with an RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM lens
• Focal length: 70mm
• Aperture: f/2.8
• Exposure: 1/250
• ISO: 1000

Plus, more photos from Sun-Times and WBEZ photographers: