The Magic of Photographing Dancers

"Dancers possess a unique ability to physicalize the photographer’s imagination." -Joe McNally

I've always loved photographing dancers. Dancers were the first thing I ever photographed with a DSLR camera. When I was 16, I watched a contemporary dance performance at my church and was immediately blown away by what the human body is capable of. The athleticism combined with artistry was hypnotic to me. At 19, I became a dancer (no surprise!). I began taking ballroom and Latin dance lessons, by myself, at a local studio. Over the next 13 years, I would go on to perform in numerous shows, at events, and become a dance instructor.

As much as I love dancing, myself, there is something magical about capturing it on camera. Like photographing a waterfall or a bird in flight, photographing a dancer is similar in the sense that it is continuously flowing and morphing. No two moments are exactly alike. Whether it's an outstretched arm, a facial expression, or a powerful leap into the air, there is constantly something new to discover and photograph.

Not to mention, dancers require us photographers to be completely present. The brevity of each movement means that we MUST be fully immersed to be best prepared for whatever movement may come.

It was an incredible honor to photograph this local youth dance showcase a few weeks ago! Some of the talent was unbelievable.