Just DANCE.  Those words are the only ones I can think of when I look at these ballerina portraits.  And those words are exactly what I said probably a million times while shooting this session.  The truth is that typically I will in some way prompt anyone I am photographing to do something that will get the reaction and interactions I want to capture.  And when I am photographing kids, it’s actually even easier because I let them be themselves.  But in this case, this sweet girl was  wearing her ballerina shoes and tutu and I have no clue as to what a ballerina does.  And so, all I said was “just dance and do your thing.” And these ballerina portraits are what we got!

But as I look back and sit down to write about our session together, I find that those words that I repeated over and over again actually mean more now.  I look at her and my hope is that she always takes the chances that come her way, and that she puts aside any fear or worry to just get out there and “dance.”  As adults sometimes we get so scared to do things… to take risks… to follow our dreams…especially when others are watching.  But as children nothing gets in the way of that.   And so… sweet “M” JUST DANCE. Dance your heart out!