Rehab
Sue Martin pauses for a photo at Tapestry Folkdance Center in Minneapolis, New Year’s Day variety dance.
If you follow this blog you know that I had spinal surgery to replace a disc in my neck a few weeks ago. My rehab limits me to lifting no more than 10 pounds until the end of January, so my activities have been greatly limited. Even so, I already have managed some photography and some limited Argentine tango dancing (I’m still barred from ballroom dancing). True to form, I overdid it initially. But fortunately, nothing shook loose and I have backed off, discretion proving to be the greater part of valor.
My first step back into photography came at the end of the year. The Rev. Katherine Mary Engel, a dancer friend, death doula, actor and minister had wanted a fresh portrait. She was one of the first subjects to sit for my foray into studio lighting, back when I was using Canon speedlites and Impact softboxes. We had great success, and I have been eager to get her back in front of my camera now that I have substantially upgraded my kit and have a professional studio.
Katherine brought a large duffle bag full of wardrobe and said, “Let’s play.” We started out classic, in front of one of my new Clot Studio backdrops, a deliciously red, hand-painted canvas. Next were some poses in front of some rusted, corrugated metal sheeting that adorn a small section of studio wall. I broke out a red gel and a smoke machine I had bought secondhand (but had never used) to provide a bit of atmosphere. Katherine donned a camisole that revealed a more playful side of her personality. And finally, we moved on to another new Clot Studio canvas, a black and gray one I found perfect for shooting in black and white. Please check out the gallery.
Then I decided to shoot impromptu portraits of a bunch of ballroom dancers who regularly attend events at the Tapestry Folkdance Center in Minneapolis. The New Year’s Day dance started off with a bolero lesson by Scott Anderson, a Minneapolis pro known both for his teaching and performance skills and his friendly demeanor. I photographed all comers at no charge, unless they wanted prints. Mostly, I just wanted to stay occupied so that I would not be tempted to dance, risking injury. But the greater benefit was in meeting new friends and in talking with many of these folks who I see often but don’t always engage in conversation. Their gratitude for my work was heartwarming.
Rehabilitation takes many forms. There’s the physical, to be sure. But don’t underestimate the psychological value of gradually progressing back to a normal routine. For me, that means photography and dancing, in measured doses. I often overdo things. Fortunately, I have good friends watching out for me.
