Welcome, Lucy!

I had not set up my home studio in quite a while, but in February I was suddenly had a very good reason to do so: we got a new puppy! Her name is Lucy, she's an English Springer Spaniel, and we got her at 8 weeks old. I took these photos the following weekend, when she was 9 weeks old.

I wasn't sure how well she would do, but I think I caught her at a good time - she was pretty chill for most of the photo shoot, and fairly pliable with being posed. She even gave me an excuse to use a fun springtime backdrop that I have.

Contemporary Recital 2016 - Part 2 | Dance Photography

In my previous post, I highlighted my favorite photos of all of the jazz performances from the 2016 Contemporary Recital. Now I get to focus on the other classes from this recital, which includes lyrical, musical theater, performance groups, and lots of tap classes!

Beginning lyrical:

Contemporary Recital 2016 - Jazz | Dance Photographer

Because there are so many dances in the Contemporary Recital (almost 30!), I've split this recital into two posts. This first one will include all of the Jazz dance classes, both graded level and otherwise. That's still 13 classes! So, starting with Jazz I, here are my favorite shots from each class.

Jazz I:

Jazz II:

Ballet Dance Recital 2016 | Dance Photographer

Before 2016 ends, it's time for me to post photos from the 2016 Loudoun School of Ballet recitals. The ballet recital is beautiful, with dancers ranging from age 7 to 18. The later classes in particular are my favorites, as watching the graceful pointe dancers is so enjoyable.

First up: the non-graded ballet classes, ranging from young dancers to special groups (dancers who are also a part of the graded classes).
Beginning Ballet

Rising Stars Recital June 2016 | Dance Photographer

It's time to post my favorite photos from the 2016 Loudoun School of Ballet recitals! First up: the littlest dancers in the Rising Stars program.

Ballet I: Neverland

Winter Showcase: Solos | Dance Photographer

In the 2016 Loudoun School of Ballet's Jazz Company Winter Showcase, there were three solo performances by members of the company. I wanted to capture the beauty of these soloists!

Dancer #1: Miss MK

Deer at Sunset | Nature Photographer

A couple of weeks ago, I had a client not show for a shoot. It was such a beautiful night and location that I was briefly disappointed that I wouldn't have anyone to photograph...until these beauties showed up! I didn't even edit them, as I didn't think it was necessary.

Loudoun School of Ballet Winter Showcase | Dance Photographer

In February, I photographed the Jazz & Co Winter Showcase, once again at Franklin Park Arts Center. After my first time photographing there, I was a bit more prepared for the smaller stage and different lighting techniques. I also didn't have the technical issues I encountered the first time, so overall was much happier with the photos. The girls did a fantastic job, repeating a few of the performances ("Mother", "Escapade", "Crystals"), but adding many more to the show than in the fall performance. This performance was extra special to me because my daughter performed in it, with the Showkids performing group.

This time I present the photographs in show order, instead of by performing group as I did last time. Solos will be in a post after this, as it was so difficult to choose a favorite shot.
First Company: All That Jazz

WCDE Workshop | Dance Photographer

I went the entire summer without posting anything here! I thought at first it was because I simply hadn't taken many photos that I want to showcase here, but it turns out that really isn't true. So, it's time to get through my backlog of dance photos and family portrait sessions from 2016!

First up, photos I shot at the WCDE Workshop in February 2016. My daughter participated in the workshops during the day, and then her, her friends, and all of us moms stayed around to watch the competition. The primary dance company from Loudoun School of Ballet was competing, and from my spot near the back of the room, I was able to take a few shots that the instructors and students really liked. The lighting was incredible, which helped to make these photos really pop.

Their first dance was "Seize the Day" from Newsies.

Miss Natalie - dance shoot | Dance Photographer

Back in February, I was hired for a second dance portrait shoot. We had to reschedule a couple of times due to weather, and even had to move the shoot from outdoors (which we were hoping to be able to do), to indoors. Luckily, I thought of just the right place to do this kind of shoot...and the location did not let us down! I absolutely love the mix of glass, marble, steel, and light to shoot this beautiful young dancer.