I guess I never thought of photography this way before, but I’m learning more and more that my images are teaching me a lot about myself- what I’m drawn to, what I treasure, things I hadn’t consciously realized are engrained in who I am. While Matt & I were out and about in Paris this past June with Joel & Michelle, we came across a Repetto shop with a display of pointe shoes in the window. I only had my digital camera with me at that point, so later that afternoon Matt and I came all the way back in search of that one shop window, just so I could photograph it with my Contax. It wasn’t a choice, really- I needed to photograph that window display in a way I just can’t can’t explain. And then the next day, as we were strolling past the various street vendors along the Seine, I saw something that brought me up short; a painting of a ballerina. I’m sure the artist who painted it has done dozens of others similar to it, but this one struck me in a way no painting ever has before. I was heartsick at the thought of going home without it, again, for reasons I just couldn’t rationalize.

Aside from photography, no piece of art has even taken my breath away, but this one… this one robbed me of the ability to speak for a few moments. It was then that I finally came to understand just what a profound effect my past as a ballet dancer has had on me as a person, as a photographer, as an artist. The way I see a subject through my lens, the way I’ve always seen it, is through the gauze of a pink tulle skirt, elegant and graceful, light on its feet with its chin held high. Last year I discovered the Ballerina Project and after seeing their images of my childhood friend (and AMAZING ballerina) Keenan, I knew I wanted to photograph a dancer in some capacity. Thankfully, a chance encounter with Kristi, whom I also danced with, led to this shoot!

Kristi, I can’t begin to tell you how thankful I am. You gave me the opportunity to capture something I’d dreaming of for a long time now, and I have no doubt that some of these images are going to end up on the walls of my office. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I wish you all the best at Providence Ballet this year- you’re going to be incredible!

Happy Friday!