Here are some of my favorite photos from a photo shoot with the Ballet West Academy. They selected 3 dancers and the photos would be used in the Ballet West Academy marketing campaign. I think this may have been my first photo shoot with dancers, ballet or otherwise. It was a lot of fun and the photos turned out great.
Ballet West students in studio
In any commercial project like this it takes planning and discussion to know what the client needs. Yes, photographers have their own unique style and look to their photography. Although, I think photographers should always work to meld their vision with that of the client. If the client wants bright and colorful you don’t want to deliver dark and moody photography. A mood board is a great way to discuss the look and feel of a photo shoot. Or, if the client can send a sample of photos that they like it will give the photographer an idea of what is wanted.
Ballet West students in studio
Ballet is a demanding skill and discipline. My hat is off to the students for the hard work they put into this art/sport. Each student was easy to work with and their was a coach on hand to give direction. I really know nothing about ballet, except for what I’ve seen in the Utah Opera, and so it is vital to have someone knowledgeable on hand to direct poses, jumps, and dance moves.
Ballet West students in studio
After the photo shoot I supply a gallery to the client with all the photos that survive my initial culling. I whittle down the photos to those that are good enough to be seen by the world. I then let the client pick their favorites and I will then retouch their favorites. I am flexible though. If a client wants me to select the best of the best and only show them those… I can do that to. Some photographers prefer that method.
Ballet West students in studio
I am including a few photographs that were not used by Ballet West Academy. The additional photographs were some of my favorites and showcase a dance move or a pose that I think really rocked it.
Ballet West students in studio
Ballet West students in studio
Ballet West students in studio
Ballet West students in studio
Ballet West students in studio
Ballet West students in studio
Ballet West students in studio
Ballet West students in studio
Ballet West students in studio
Ballet West students in studio
Ballet West students in studio
And here is a behind the scenes photograph of the photo shoot that I shared on my Instagram account. For this photo shoot I was using my portable lighting kit that uses the Canon speedlights. They help freeze the action of dance. I hope I can photograph dancers more often… the beauty and grace seems like a perfect match for photography.
