Dance Like No One Is Watching...Except The Photographer

My first dance recital.

When I was first asked to do this job, I'm 99.9 percent sure my palms immediately started sweating. Not only had I never photographed a dance recital, but I also had never taken on a job of this size. By the time I put the finishing touches on the last shot, I had devoted three days to this one job. I know that doesn't seem like a whole lot, but it was three times the amount of time I usually put into a single photoshoot, plus editing.

The day of the dress rehearsal, most of my fears were put aside. I met the dancers and their parents, and they all seemed cooperative and enthusiastic about the fact that, for the first time, there would be a photographer to take both formal, posed shots, as well as candid shots from the actual recital.
The lighting during dress rehearsal was frustrating to work with. The stage wasn't well lit; there wasn't anyone to work the lights that day, so we all had to work with the bare minimum. I try not to rely too much on editing to make a great shot, but in this case, I had to make an exception.

Two days later, I was sitting in the front row at the recital, camera in hand, my palms still sweating, but having a fantastic time. The shots I got all came out incredible. The lighting was also much easier to work with.

But the best part of this experience was the opportunity I had to do something new. Even if this is the only dance recital I ever shoot (which I hope it's not), at least I can say that I've done it.