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Ballerina private photoshoot session

Behind the scenes video feat. Monica Barbotte


This photoshoot was particular. For every photoshoot, On a typical session, I try to create different scenes, depending on the number of images needed. For each scene, we experiment with variations in poses and sometimes compositions, and on this one, I am glad we did. Usually, my client will choose a variety of shots and at least one from the different scenes created. But here she actually rejected a bunch of images and chose variations and different versions of only a few scenes.

I was surprised, but as long as my client is happy, I am happy. I love her selection, and I was reminded of something I learned a few years ago. I now always try multiple poses, change a few details, and sometimes stay a little longer in the same spot and slightly change my composition. The idea at the time was to over-deliver and give a wide variety of images and options to my client. And you know what, almost every time, they end up taking more images. This is kind of a typical private dance photoshoot session. I wish to thank Monica, a professional dancer I met a few years ago who trusted me for her pictures. Underexposing my background, and increasing the contrast and shadows of my images with one light is still something I love to do:


Fujifilm GFX100 + GF 120mm f/4 Macro R LM OIS WR Broncolor Siros L (800ws) 1/125sec f/4 ISO200



For these stairs shots, I asked you guys on Instagram which one you preferred… uncropped or cropped, and of course which pose. You guys didn’t seem to agree on a particular shot. Personally, I prefer the uncropped versions more.


Fujifilm GFX100 + GF 120mm f/4 Macro R LM OIS WR Broncolor Siros L (800ws) 1/125sec f/4 ISO2500



This is how much the addition of light changes everything. Down below, without a flash… (and as a bonus the before and after)


Fujifilm GFX100 + GF 120mm f/4 Macro R LM OIS WR Broncolor Siros L (800ws) 1/125sec f/4 ISO500



and the following images I added a Flash camera right with… Which ones do you prefer?



And finally, of course, I had a few smoke grenades in my backpack so I had to fire a few for at least one image... and because you guys are awesome, another before and after just for you!


Fujifilm GFX100 + GF 50mm f/3.5 R LM WR Broncolor Siros L (800ws) 1/125sec f/5 ISO400


You may have guessed, that the last image is a combination of multiple images. What I loved in this session is the amount of freedom she gave me. Sometimes I have tons of restrictions and don’t have that much room to express myself. Here I almost got to do whatever I wanted. Hope you enjoyed this one, I thought this blog needed a little more dance photoshoot behind the scenes these days. I really hope you learned a thing or two here, if not, then maybe next time. Until then, take care and have a good one.

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