Documentary Photography

These photos are part of the documentary series I took, which I then edited out from the 5-7 photo limit for grade submission.

Series title: A Day in the Life of a Competitive Dancer

Story focus -- a ballet dancer practicing, part of her daily routine

Model putting on the most important piece of ballet equipment -shoes. This photo expresses the significance of the preparation process, which was a fairly lengthy one, as focus was on ensuring the ballet slippers were secure and snug.

 I found the model's use of this window particularly interesting and visually pleasing. With minimal props and aids to practice with in her home, she uses the window sill to help her balance. Essentially this was a very difficult position that she practiced to help benefit her endurance with balancing on her toes. The shape of the window and colour of light coming through provides appealing contrasts in the photo.

I can appreciate this photo most specifically for the bent and curved lines, which contrast with many of the other photos I took where the ballet dancer displays strong and straight lines and posture. I particularly like the angle this photo was taken at, as I was on the ground at the same level as the model. 

The wall of mirroring that the model constantly used throughout her practice, allowed for an interesting use of space in the photos. The mirrors provide an intriguing visual, which allow the viewers eyes to shift between the model and her reflection.

The model spent a fair amount of time between practicing steps and routines to reflect on her performance and gather her thoughts before trying again. I particularly like how the model takes up the majority of space in this photo and the tight cropping that frames it.

I really wanted to use this particular photo in my 5-7 photo series for submission as it depicts a large part of being a dancer, but I thought the photo to be too blurry. This photo depicts the sores, bruises, redness, pain, and taping of feet that specifically a ballet dancer experiences on a daily basis.

At the end of the model's daily practice she threw her ballet shoe at the wall a few times, to relieve some of the disappointment, frustration and pain she was feeling. I particularly like the angled motion in this photo.