Nancy Morrison: Allie Rimanic, Jane Moore Academy of Ballet

The Image

Photographer:
Nancy Morrison

Location:
Jane Moore Academy of Ballet, Highett, Victoria. Australia

Time / Date:
April 7, 2013

The Technical

Gear:
Camera Body: Canon 6D
Lens: Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L

Camera Settings:

Shutter Speed: 1/400s
Aperture: f/2.8
ISO: 400
Focal Length: 27mm

The Story

Background: 

I am a self-taught photographer. Since my Dad was a photographer, I grew up feeling and understanding the importance of documenting family moments on film. Having been a dancer in my younger days, being able to capture the beauty and grace of dancers has always been a passion of mine and is a continuing driving force in my personal work.

When planning this shoot my goal was to hopefully get an image strong enough to enter in the Australian Professional Photography Awards. I am thrilled that this has won a gold award at the AIPP Victorian Epson Photography Awards and a silver award at the Australian Professional Photography Awards (APPA).

I assembled a team of professionals to support me through the process which allowed me to concentrate on setting up the shot. I’d love to credit the team of stylists that assisted on the day, without their talent this image never would have happened.

Dancer: Allie Rimanic
Dancer Assistant: Georgia Hicks
Fashion Stylist: Kristina Schapova/ StylEpic / http://www.stylepic.com.au/
Hair Stylist: Maren Holm https://www.facebook.com/maren.holm
MUA: Katherine Murphy https://www.facebook.com/kate.murphy
Retoucher: Mambo

The Scene: 

Jane Moore Academy of Ballet is a beautiful, natural light ballet studio, where Allie had studied and is local to where we live. In the image, Allie is holding a long piece of tulle. While she strikes the dramatic pose, Georgia is holding the other end (just out of the shot) throwing it in the air, while I simultaneously click! We did about a dozen takes before moving on to the next pose.

Gear: 

I had recently bought the 6D, although I had my 7D there too so I didn’t have to switch lenses so often. This was my first shoot with the 6D so I was a little nervous about knowing my way around it. But having always been a Canon girl, it was intuitive. By the end of the day we were good mates. My 24-70mm, f/2.8 is my ‘go-to’ lens and was perfect for this space.

Making the Shot:

I had the final image in my mind that I wanted to capture; something emotive, graceful and ethereal. The afternoon light from the windows was all I needed and I loved the way it played off the fine fabric and the contours of her body.

Editing & Processing:

The windows and some other distracting elements were removed, some cropping, and then processed as black and white which added to the mood.

Looking Back:

This was the ‘Hero Shot’ of the series. The timing was crucial to have all of the elements work, and hopefully the viewer can feel her beauty, talent and grace. Allie is featured in another gold award image from the day. I think she is my lucky charm and I truly hope we can work together again.

Advice:

The best advice I’d give would be to surround yourself with fellow professionals who are as passionate about their craft as you are with photography. It always helps having a clear concept going in. Take notes, draw sketches, create a ‘pinterest’ board with all of your ideas. Brainstorming with the other members of your team beforehand can be very beneficial too, and helps the day of the shoot move more smoothly.

Follow your heart!

Inspiration:

I want to be the best I can be! Setting goals has been instrumental in keeping me motivated and excited to learn and grow as a professional. Just last month I earned my Associateship with the AIPP, and now look forward to my next goal Master of Photography.

I am inspired by Lois Greenfield and Jordan Matter, and SO many talented Australian photographers I am lucky to have as friends.

About the Photographer

Award winning photographer Nancy Morrison has over 15 years experience as a professional photographer. Known for her work in dance, pregnancy and birth, family, corporate, and commercial work, Nancy is flexible and versatile. She has an exuberant and warm personality with the ability to put her clients at ease without even trying. A consummate professional with an eye for detail, Nancy has a flair for capturing that something extra. Her images are more than snapshots of a moment, they are artworks to be kept and cherished, evocations of the essence of her subjects.

Website: www.morrisonphoto.com
Instagram: @nancymorrison
Twitter: @morrison_photo
Facebook: /morrisonphoto
Pinterest: /morrisonpix
Email: [email protected]