Ballet from the Wing

 December 13, 2011

A little over 20-years ago, as a student at Boston University I attended a panel discussion by several notable photojournalists who talked about pursuing one's passion and following subjects for long-term projects.
Jerry Berndt, who's made a career documenting wars and conflict overseas and the plight of the homeless in the United States, spoke primarily about his long-term efforts documenting the Boston Ballet. He showed a series of stunning images he'd made both on stage as well as behind the scenes.
That work has been with me every since. The Eastern Connecticut Ballet has been an ongoing project for me since I've been at The Day. I've documented many aspects of their programs, from classes for many ages to their first story-length ballet production of Cinderella to their annual Nutcracker performances.
When they are performing on stage I work very hard to catch the athleticism and artistry of the performance. Then I work my way to the backstage where I look for the moments that most don't get to see and I strive to find my own artistic inspiration in the soft light that filters in off the stage.
I may always be a little troubled, aesthetically, by the bit of clutter from the backstage that intrudes on this quiet moment in the perfect light, but this image embodies the work that Jerry Berndt showed an aspiring photojournalist over two decades ago.

Recent Posts

Photographing Fireworks

 August 10, 2011

Many summer festivals and baseball games include a fireworks display. Bursts lit up the sky across the country on July 4th. By now you may have taken some shots of these summer celebrations and may have been disappointed in the results.

Evening Aerial Light

 August 10, 2011

I've written before about my love of aerial photography.

In Your Eye

 May 2, 2011

Sometimes I surprise myself. Like when I can have a really striking photo and have no idea I have it.

In Memory of Brian Lanker

 March 15, 2011

Sunday's passing of Pulitzer Prize winning photojournalist Brian Lanker

http://www.nppa.org/news_and_events/news/2011/03/lanker.html

The Day's staff of relentless photojournalists blog on previously published and never-before-seen work from their assignments.

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