Emotion and movement are two pillars of my work as a photographer. It is a lifeline I cling to and try to pull out of every person that steps in front of my lens.
Dancers emote through movement. So obviously I love working with them.
I get to relax on the pose guidance and just hold space. I allow them to express whatever it is they feel compelled to breathe life into.
And it is so incredibly beautiful to just watch it all unfold.
I think this resonates with me so deeply because it’s how I personally both process emotions and connect with spirit, something bigger than myself.
To capture that in an image is like getting to glimpse a slice of a soul.
Photographing dancers comes with its own set of challenges though. We are a perfectionistic bunch. The lines have to be just right, the toes have to be pointed, that peak moment in a move has to be preserved. I get it. I myself have gotten images back from photoshoots and screamed, wishing that the photographer would have just told me to extend more. Because of that I show you the back of the camera for certain shots to make sure we both nailed it. And if not, we do it again until we do. Otherwise, we just flow baby.
I won’t say that I am a dance photographer though. I’m a movement photographer. Emotion always takes precedent over a perfect, sterile pose with me. So as long as you know that going into working with me, we will make movement medicine magic together!
To witness Vanessa dance is so gratifying. She is empowered yet vulnerable, the very definition of sensuality. The way she flows and commands a room is enviable. And all on heels! It was like watching the big leagues version of those Carmen Electra striptease aerobics dvds I used to work out to!
I edited wayyyy too many images of this shoot. But the whole point of this set was to test out my new camera and lens to make sure it can handle what I put it through when photographing movement. It passed with flying colors, that’s for sure!
