So often photographers, models and performers are so focused on acquiring the perfect photo, with perfect light, details, and color spectrum, that art and expression is overlooked or compromised by perfectionism. Challenge your ability and expertise. Cultivate an aesthetic appreciation in addition to utilization of technique, even if it goes against convention. When ready to take photos, notice the details and feel the space. Let your subject come out in its special way. Find art in the unexpected and story unfolds. For a performer, actor or dancer, always be ready to take advantage of the moment: Life is a musical when you dance! You can dance with your camera.

This figure portrait is a prime example. As we walked into the entrance of the Casino Monte Carlo and everyone else was headed straight into the casino, I glanced right, saw this beautiful unoccupied space and started to dance! It was captured by journalist Richard Pleuger and I have a new appreciation for the space, his art, and myself.

Capturing the right photo is a dance between subject and photographer: Not only was the photographer skilled and ready, I noticed that I became a subject and curated my movement and stillness and he coordinated. Shoot for the light, but don’t be afraid of the dark! This example goes against the conventional photographic technique of not backlighting the subject, as the adage says to “shoot for the light.” Here, the form and figure commands attention. It is not only a photo of a dancer, but of dance and of space.

I dance and I am; this is a human. This is what a photographer does and proves there is also beauty in darkeness. In an atmospheric capture of a fleeting moment that tells a memorable story. I see a story of a dancer. The fantasy of the space. The story of a body. There may be more!

While traveling as a principal dancer with a live band, we spent much time passing through train stations and airports and I got to know how the musicians traveled: very light! A small suitcase with travel clothes, stage outfits and stage gear. But they always carried their instruments whenever possible. This shadowed photo, taken of a Parisian guitarist walking out of the Barcelona train station shows the guitar case as if it was a part of his own body and identity. An iconic story of a traveling musician, at one with his instrument.