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Ballerina Photoshoot with Canon R6 Mark II and Profoto A2

english photography gear posing + portraits
ballerina photoshoot

There's something magical about capturing the beauty and grace of a ballerina through the lens of a camera. Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to photograph the talented Gabby, a 15-year-old ballerina with aspirations as high as her arabesques. Before we dive into the mesmerizing shots we captured, let me introduce you to this rising star. Check out Gabby's Instagram; she's on a mission to reach 2,000 followers, and every follow brings her one step closer to a dream brand deal.

Dance of Light: From Natural to Studio

Our photoshoot adventure began with a mix of natural light and studio setups. As a photographer, I draw inspiration from various sources, especially those who specialize in capturing the art of ballet. While I can't claim to be as skilled as the seasoned ballet photographers, I was determined to bring my own perspective to this unique session.

With Gabby in focus, I experimented with different poses and lighting setups. The goal was to create a visual symphony that highlighted the elegance and fluidity of ballet movements. From poses bathed in natural sunlight to dramatic studio compositions, every click of the shutter aimed to freeze a moment of grace.

Behind the Scenes: Canon R6 Mark II and Profoto A2 in Action

To elevate the shoot, I decided to incorporate 4K and slow-motion video elements. The Canon R6 Mark II, paired with the Profoto A2, proved to be the perfect combination for this task. To ensure smooth and high-quality footage, I relied on Lexar professional SD cards.

The Lexar Silver Series, boasting a write speed of 120 MB/s and a read speed of 160 MB/s, was ideal for 4K video. Meanwhile, the Gold Series, with a read speed of 300 MB/s and a write speed of 260 MB/s, became the go-to choice for 8K video. These cards, along with the Lexar professional reader, provided the speed and reliability needed for a seamless photoshoot experience.

Capturing the Dance: From Plié to Pirouette

As the photoshoot unfolded, Gabby effortlessly moved from one pose to another. The Canon R6 Mark II and Profoto A2 combination, coupled with the high-speed Lexar cards, allowed me to capture the intricate details of her movements, from delicate pliés to dynamic leaps.

One standout moment involved experimenting with natural light against a mirror backdrop. The interplay of light and shadow added depth to the images, creating a visual spectacle of dance frozen in time. Throughout the session, we explored different poses, with Gabby showcasing her incredible flexibility and strength.

The Finale: A Dance Portfolio Unveiled

As the session concluded, I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. The images captured told a story of beauty, passion, and dedication. Gabby's talent shone through, and the collaboration between the Canon R6 Mark II, Profoto A2, and Lexar professional cards brought that brilliance to life.

In the world of dance photography, having equipment that keeps up with the artist is crucial. The seamless integration of technology allowed us to focus on the artistry of ballet, resulting in a stunning portfolio of images that captured the essence of Gabby's talent.

In the end, the dance between the photographer, the equipment, and the dancer created a symphony of visual poetry. As I sift through the images, I can't help but be grateful for the opportunity to capture the magic of ballet and share it with the world. Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes glimpses and future projects. Until then, keep dancing and creating your own visual masterpieces!

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Vanessa has been photographing weddings, events, portraits and lifestyle for over 20 years.

She's a Canon Explorer of Light, an honor given to only 5 photographers in the United States, and her work has been published by Yahoo! News, Grace Ormonde, Style Me Pretty, Rangefinder and more.

With her practical and open-book style of teaching, she shares everything she knows with hundreds of thousands of photographers as an educator and influential sparker.

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