Ailey Camp [final]

"I Been 'Buked"

The final performance of AileyCamp was last Thursday, August 4. It was a truly inspiring night, the kids danced so incredibly. The above was my favorite shot of the night, taken from the opening number. For the whole photo essay, including a lot of shots from that night, click for my SFGate piece. 

Ailey Camp [03]

Ballet drills

My third shoot at Ailey Camp was July 14. I spent most of the morning in ballet class, the last two images are from jazz. Looking through and editing these photos I've found them to be extremely grainy (my 40D does not do the best in low lighting, hence bumped up ISO, which I hate) - I'm thinking of converting to black and white. I'll see what happens as the project progresses.

Almost purchased a 1D this week, sadly the seller on craigslist was unresponsive to reason. Another lesson in how being rude can totally turn someone off of doing business with you - must remember that one.

Ailey Camp [02]

Jump practice in African dance

My second shoot at Ailey Camp was July 7 (yes, a little misleading since that's when I posted my first Ailey blog...sorry). I had so much fun capturing photos of the campers learning African dance moves, so much energy! Below you'll find pictures of African dance class and some images of the non-dance classes. Ailey camp focuses on building character through dance, and reinforcing that through personal development and creative communication classes.

Ailey Camp [01]

First dance class

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater puts on Ailey Camp on the UC Berkeley campus each summer, this year marks 40 years. I am documenting camp as a photo project for SFGate.com. More to come!

My 15 minutes

Lis Jeppesen and Mads Blangstrup of the Royal Danish Ballet perform "La Sylphide" at Zellerbach.

I shot the Royal Danish Ballet Tuesday evening. I always enjoy shooting at Zellerbach, even if I have to shoot behind a curtain during actual performances. The PR people at Zellerbach are always excited to have the publicity, whether it was from The Daily Cal or now the Chron/SFGate. 

This shoot was very exciting for me because my photo appeared on E2 of the Chronicle today! I hope it's the first of many more. Coincidentally I also got to hang out in the photo room for a brief second today - how I wish to be a part of that day-to-day. Keeping my fingers crossed!

For more, click for the piece on the Gate.

Dance Dance Revolution

 "Cry" performed by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

I shot the Alvin Ailey performance in Zellerbach last week. Great performance, makes me wish I had a better sensor than my 40D. But when the lighting hit just right, the shots were awesome.