For the 'reach out' element of the project, I approached a professional photographer. She specialises in dance photography and editing. I have explored the techniques she uses to capture the ultimate photo and editing techniques she utilises to best portray the subject of the photo.
I designed a questionnaire to gather information relevant to my project.
How would you describe your profession?
My profession is based around the needs of a youth ballet organisation and my ballet daughter. I call myself an artist but run my business Prima Diva as a costume designer photographer and designer.
The photography component of my business is predominately commission based dance photo shoots along with marketing images for Dance Taggi and Brisbane City Youth Ballet.
What camera do you use?
I use a Nikon D750 and I love it. For on the go YouTube videos I must admit it's often the iPhone 6 that we use.
What do you look for in a background e.g. light, colour, etc.?
The background is very important in dance photography as it needs to add interest to an image without distracting from the subject ie the dancer. Busy backgrounds can detract from a dancers lines. If the background is busy an often used trick is to heavily blur it so as to keep the dancer the only thing in focus.
What do you think the definition of a good photo is?
A good photo is when the Composition + subject and lighting come together correctly to create an image that stirs emotion in the viewer. I believe a good photo has a character and mood that translates a story.
Do you ever consider how the position of certain objects or the subject may affect how the audience react?
Yes most definitely. The positioning of the subject is key in the overall effect. For example shooting a subject off centre can create a moodier more serene feeling. A distant subject creates a landscape portrait and a close up subject a more portrait feel.
Do you ever use particular colours to play on emotions?
I love to play with colours to change the mood of an image. For example a bright blue summer sky contrasted with an orange leotard gives a strong statement in both colour and lighting. This image suites a strong pose on the subject. By contrast a misty grey bush in the soft morning light would create an environment for a personal soft portrait type image.
Do you think about the audience when you take a photo or do you suit it to your preference and taste?
I mostly suite it to the purpose for why I'm shooting - is it for product promotion, is it to market a ballet, is it to highlight Talia's dance ability etc. I guess the answer then is yes. I do however take the photo in an organic way allowing the lighting and environment of the setting to guide the perspective of the shot as well as how I direct the subject to pose.
Does social media affect the types of photos you choose to take? (especially of Tals particularly)
Yes it is the reason we take so many dance poses as Talia has a dance Instagram account. Due to her being a Capezio ambassador we are also influenced to take product style shots as well.
Are there certain types of photos that get more ‘likes’ and if so why do you think that is?
Definitely actually it's often the candid mucking around in the studio ones snapped with an iPhone. I believe that is because followers like to connect to the person and get a glimpse into their life. Often the preconceived studio shots are lacking in personality. I have also noticed that the photos with high likes and comments often have some extreme dance capability featured eg a super high arabesque, an over split jete etc. pointe shoe foot work is also a high rater.
What do you look for when editing a photo?
I always edit my photos. It's important to be proud of your work. I like to edit contrast sharpness brightness and even colour sometimes. If the background has an element that detract I usually edit that out too. With product images I often edit wrinkles in clothing and other tweeks.
To what extent will you edit a photo e.g. do you have limits when editing someone’s body etc.?
This is a controversial question as many photographers claim they don't edit dancers. My answer to that is they are probably lying. Most professional dance shots are edited.
I always blend skin tones and remove spots and blotches to the skin. If my client has a slight skin roll in a side bend then I edit it smooth. Also If a young dancer has stiff fingers I sometimes soften them or tweek a bent knee etc. I do not like to do too much to their proportions however. I know one Gold Coast photographer who edits away fat thighs points toes and another one I know even stretches the legs longer. - I do not go to these extremes as I believe they are not a true representation of the client.
How much time would you spend typically editing a photo?
If it's a studio shot that I'm just cleaning skin cropping background and tweaking light / colour about 10 mins
If it's a full cut out of the subject and graphic design of the background around 3 hrs. Time tends to loose itself when I'm editing. - it doesn't feel like work. I like to do it late at night when there are no distractions.