En avant

Ana Santos, wearing her mother’s dress and wedding veil.

When Ana Santos emerged from the dressing room wearing a white tutu trimmed in gold and a matching leotard I took a deep breath. It had been awhile since I had photographed a ballerina, and I wondered if my plans would measure up. We weren’t going for any artsy invention, but rather, something clean and simple to show the grace and budding beauty of this hard working 12-year-old.

Test shot of Ana Santos.

As I was testing my lights she rose en pointe and I quickly hit the shutter. It was the first image of a two-hour session and I knew it was a keeper. Her nonchalant expression contrasted with a posture developed through years of sacrifice and hard work. She looked as though she was standing in the kitchen waiting for a snack.

I asked Ana what music she would like to hear and she chose Lizzo. We worked steadily through a variety of poses and leaps against black, gray and brick backgrounds. My assistant, Amanda Joy Redd, monitored my laptop for exposure, framing and wardrobe issues as Ana’s mother, Ligaya Carlos, herself and accomplished dancer, offered suggestions and corrections.

We worked fast for two hours, as we had to pack up quickly to clear the studio for another photographer. (I share studio space with several other photographers in Northeast Minneapolis.) I am posting my personal favorites in the gallery below. Enjoy. Contact me if you’re interested in dance photography, portraits or headshots.