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Has been a while since I've posted here, but had the opportunity to shoot a ballet dancer last week in an abandoned factory which I thought would be worth sharing. Kudos to the dancer as temp was just above freezing ! C&C most appreciated !
Very unique and creative photography here!
I like them all Mark. One might say enlarge them to see the dancer better, I would, but they look well done! Great surroundings!
Dan
Some have too much depth of field for my taste, but a couple I like.
A few years ago I photographed two friends who were ballet dancers, and I was fascinated by the strength they have to move even from a still standing position.
As for enlargement, was actually discussing that with the dancer, as some of these aren’t designed for being viewed on Instagram on a phone
Danpbphoto wrote:
Very unique and creative photography here!
I like them all Mark. One might say enlarge them to see the dancer better, I would, but they look well done! Great surroundings!
Dan
Frogfish wrote:
I like them! I do prefer the two brightest - the environment is very cool and the dancer looks great in it. I might also try some rear curtain flash
Thanks for the feedback - do you mean too much or too little depth of field ? (As was shooting with 85 @ 1.8 or 105 @ 1.4)
mdvaden wrote:
Some have too much depth of field for my taste, but a couple I like.
A few years ago I photographed two friends who were ballet dancers, and I was fascinated by the strength they have to move even from a still standing position.
Must say, the shots in thin leotards make me shiver - I recall one model suggesting that the photographer should be dressed like the model when it’s cold, but I suspect lots of photographers are rather more insulated than the average model (let alone dancer!)
Thanks Tony - I’ve known Kristi (dancer) for a while and shot with her a bunch of times, and before the shoot I asked her if the cold would be ok and if we would still be on speaking terms after the shoot !
Tony Ross wrote:
The shot in sneakers is unusual, and very cool.
Must say, the shots in thin leotards make me shiver - I recall one model suggesting that the photographer should be dressed like the model when it’s cold, but I suspect lots of photographers are rather more insulated than the average model (let alone dancer!)
I love the concept and venue, but they seem quite harsh (for a soft art form).
I get where you were going with the focused light, etc, but I think similar poses in even light might have worked better.
I am trying to find where my eye settles on each image, but am distracted by the harsh and sporadic light if that makes sense.
All of the lines / lighting patterns are simply too harsh for me to wrap my head around these. I know that this was intentional, but they lack something for me...for example, in the first one, you see every imperfection in her leotard and her right hand is floating detached.
gheller wrote:
I love the concept and venue, but they seem quite harsh (for a soft art form).
I get where you were going with the focused light, etc, but I think similar poses in even light might have worked better.
I am trying to find where my eye settles on each image, but am distracted by the harsh and sporadic light if that makes sense.
All of the lines / lighting patterns are simply too harsh for me to wrap my head around these. I know that this was intentional, but they lack something for me...for example, in the first one, you see every imperfection in her leotard and her right hand is floating detached.
Mark,
These are awesome images. Kristi is in amazing physical condition. You asked for C&C.
#1 - I would just paint out her left hand so it doesn't show at all.
#2 - Is my favorite. Really excellent pose.
#3 - Is another excellent pose, and I like how the line of her legs mimics the shaft of light on the wall, and the windows.
#4 - Doesn't need the shaft of light on the wall, and the face looks soft? Otherwise, another excellent pose, and image.
$5 & 6 - Again great poses, but soft face on 6, and a little more shadow detail on both would help add dimension.
#7 - Love it as is!
#8 - Doesn't work for me.
#9 - I like this.
#10 - Doesn't work for me.
I love your posing in this series. This may be a departure in your usual lighting, but I think you made it work really well. I think the hard light works with such a fit dancer.
Jim
Love this! Voted! Highly encourage you to join our private Facebook group Pas de Deux Photo Group. Not the FB page, but the private FB group. We have dance photographers from all over the world there.
friscoron wrote:
Love this! Voted! Highly encourage you to join our private Facebook group Pas de Deux Photo Group. Not the FB page, but the private FB group. We have dance photographers from all over the world there.
James Markus wrote:
Mark,
These are awesome images. Kristi is in amazing physical condition. You asked for C&C.
#1 - I would just paint out her left hand so it doesn't show at all.
#2 - Is my favorite. Really excellent pose.
#3 - Is another excellent pose, and I like how the line of her legs mimics the shaft of light on the wall, and the windows.
#4 - Doesn't need the shaft of light on the wall, and the face looks soft? Otherwise, another excellent pose, and image.
$5 & 6 - Again great poses, but soft face on 6, and a little more shadow detail on both would help add dimension.
#7 - Love it as is!
#8 - Doesn't work for me.
#9 - I like this.
#10 - Doesn't work for me.
I love your posing in this series. This may be a departure in your usual lighting, but I think you made it work really well. I think the hard light works with such a fit dancer.
Jim ...Show more →
It's a great series and she is a marvelous dancer. The only photo that gives me pause is #1. I see two things I would have personally changed. Her musculature is exceptional. It shows her dedication and physical fitness, but it's a bit too much with the split light. I would have moved the light more forward to reduce the detail a bit. Second, I would have eliminated the hand on the right. I do want to say that your capture timing of her poses is great!
story_teller wrote:
It's a great series and she is a marvelous dancer. The only photo that gives me pause is #1. I see two things I would have personally changed. Her musculature is exceptional. It shows her dedication and physical fitness, but it's a bit too much with the split light. I would have moved the light more forward to reduce the detail a bit. Second, I would have eliminated the hand on the right. I do want to say that your capture timing of her poses is great!
Many thanks, really appreciate it !
Interesting to see how the hand in #1 has come up a few times - I typically pay attention to hands, feet etc sticking out, but on this one, as is part of her dance routine, this is something that she would want to show - but I get that photographically it can be a distraction
C&C most appreciated !