Movement is life
In the span of 30 days I will have gone from the fabulous Pas de Deux Photography Conference in Austin, Texas, focusing primarily on ballet dancers, to the Gateway DanceSport Championships in St. Louis, focusing on professional international and American ballroom dancers, to the annual convention of the American Judo and Jujitsu Federation — held virtually this year because of the pandemic — focusing on traditional, mostly unarmed battlefield techniques, to the Wisconsin State Dancesport Championships, focusing again on professional ballroom dancers and on dancers who want their portraits made at the historic Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee.
I have taught Danzan Ryu jujutsu for several decades, and I have studied Aikido, a more refined derivative of jujutsu, for many years as well. Since 2015 I have studied ballroom dancing, with a dash of Argentine tango, salsa, swing and similar styles. These activities have more in common than you might suspect. They each involve moving energetically with a partner without compromising your balance. I am not suggesting that they are the same, however.
Martial arts generally involves gaining the upper hand over an opponent, while dance eliminates such one upmanship. Yet both aim for the same thing: Maintaining balance in one’s self and in relation to others. But that’s just technique. The purpose of that technique is to facilitate accurate communication with another.
When I photograph dancers and martial artists I look for intensity, poise and form. I recognize those characteristics because I have been there, if only briefly and occasionally.
My photography is up close and personal.
When I make a portrait I also look for that intensity, poise and form. It’s often evident in the subject’s eyes, or in their posture.
I am taking portrait appointments year-round in the Twin Cities and at the Wisconsin State Dancesport Championships, held April 20-24, in Milwaukee. My time at the competition will be limited, however, as I am also competing.
Contact me directly to reserve some time if you’d like a portrait.
