Busy Times

I'M BACK!! 2011 was suppose to be about keeping this blog updated, so I'm starting a little late.

Since last fall, I've had such consistent business, largely from the dance community of Toronto, that I let a few items slide (this blog, laundry etc). However, even though I'm reusing socks, I've been extremely fortunate to work with some of the best talent this city has to offer, and have picked up some amazing tools that I can use on future shoots.

 

1) Sometimes it's not about the photo.  I took this shot of Natasha at a really casual shoot. We had no plans - I was renting a new studio where I had to quickly assess my lighting and learn out to use it - and I have never worked with her before. I knew from her work as a dancer and teacher, she was extremely giving (and collaborative) so I was happy to be in this situation with her. In the end of this shoot, I walked away with not only some of my favourite photos, but some really good lessons. I learned a lot about exchanging ideas. As much as photographers need to come to a session with a plan, you need to be flexible with your plan. You need to listen, and watch, your models (or dancers) and see how they are comfortable moving and being in the studio.  You need to be aware if something is not working, and move on to something that might. This shot above came from one of those moments that worked for both of us.

2) Sometimes, you can't do it alone.  The shot on the right was a collaboration of the dancers (in the shot), and some extremely talented designers Trixie and Beever, who are styling their upcoming dance show. They came up with this fantastic concept for a "sleeve-face" shoot, and were instrumental on set from clothing, to props, and to help position the ladies exactly to get these results.  It took all our efforts to make this a success, and I walked away knowing this couldn't have happened without them. It was the first time that I worked with so many dancers at once, and so many on-set and it was exhilarating (or it could have been the fever I was suffering at the time).

3) Sometimes, you just need to do it over, and over, and over again.  I have shot this recurring dance event, "The Bazaar", for about 2 years. It was the first show that I attended as a dance fan, and it's been an amazing networking platform to meet (and see) new dancers.
It's a pretty limited shoot, in terms of control. The lighting is horrible (back lit, moving, constantly changing colours), I shoot from the pit (and I'm short), and sometime I'm so enthralled by the dancers, that I forget to hit the shutter button. But it's the one show that I always manage to get really unique shots from, just from "happy accidents". It's also a shoot that I've seen consistent progression in my work, and oddly enough the funky lighting has given me lots of ideas for more controlled shoots.

More fun dance times ahead! (and more consistent blogging to come)