According to Oliver Endahl, the photographer, the purpose of the Ballet Zaida photography project is to “educate and expose the public to ballet, as well as inspire the world through pictures.” A former ballet dancer himself, his work is definitely inspiring as well as inspired, featuring incredibly talented dancers in stunning locations. And there is just gallery after gallery of images – a visual feast.
photography
Sunday Snapshot: Searching For Perfect Balance
Pablo, our featured photographer, claims to be the worst dancer in the world. He has some friends, however, who dance in a local academy. One of them asked him to shoot this performance. He remembers feeling very surprised when the photographed dancer, Karina, began the show in her red shoes. Pablos spent the entire dance in pursuit of her feet, searching for the perfect balance. He shot at 800 ISO with a Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 at 200 mm (400 mm for a 4/3 camera).
Sunday Snapshot: Canyon Repose
On the rock face are the MoonFlower Canyon Petroglyphs. Considered a holy place in ancient times by the Native Americans, the petroglyphs are located just five miles outside of Moab, Utah.. The pointe shoes resting on the fence post belong to Cricket, the photographer. She says, “What you can’t see, is an Indian ladder and foot holds that takes you to the top of the red rock cliffs 200 feet above, that over look the Colorado River and its stunning views. It’s a difficult climb for those who are not experienced with climbing on red rock or have a fear of heights.”
Sunday Snapshot: You Raise Me Up
“Bad lighting and quick movements make for very difficult focusing but, when you get it right it’s just feels so rewarding, and sure enough it made me a better photographer. The individuals themselves were an inspiration to me, everyone in that class were extraordinary talents, intelligent, high minded, and always with the good of the community in mind.”
Sunday Snapshot: Ray Of Light
René Michaels is a professional photographer in Austin, TX. His interest in dance stems from growing up in the Los Angeles, CA. area in the ’70s & ’80s where, working as a dance club Disc Jockey, he witnessed the birth of Hip-Hop and got his “fifteen minutes of fame” appearing on the nationally syndicated TV series “Soul Train” as a featured dancer for several years.
Sunday Snapshot: Curly Top
The white background really makes this colorful photo pop. I loved this series of images of this precious tap dancer – the oversized hat, and those curls reminding me of Shirley Temple. Just cute! I hope your recitals are all going well this year. Do you have photos taken before or after your performance?
