Dan Swinson Photography

The Spring Season

2009-07-19T08:16:00.000-07:00

It has been a very busy time for me over the last several months; several ballets and a few smaller company performances as well. The slowdown in July and August gives me a chance to reflect back on this past season. It was one filled with long days and a seemingly endless workload, but I am DEFINITLY not complaining.

I can't think of a better way to spend my days than shooting ballet. The photography is challenging both technically and artistically, the people are incredible, and ballet itself is the most beautiful form of art I have ever seen. I can only hope that my images do it justice.

JSSB Coppelia 2009

2009-02-08T05:05:00.000-08:00

Well, next week it starts again. I will be at the Judith Svalander School of Ballet to start documenting the rehearsals for their 2009 production of "Coppelia". Trying to give a small peek at the work these dancers put into a production. These are some of my favorite shots of the whole production because they are completely candid and relaxed.

Here are a few shots from JSSB's 2008 production of "The Nutcracker":

You Shoot What????

2009-02-07T03:59:00.000-08:00

When I received a call asking if I wanted to try shooting something different, I figured it would be kinda' like shooting the sports stuff I'm used to, and what the heck, I'm happy whenever I have my camera in my hand. I had no idea where that decision would lead me...

I have always loved the quick reflexes, anticipation, and knowledge of the subject required to shoot sports. The passion and dedication required to be the best is something that shows in the eyes of competitors and can be captured through the lens of the camera.

The added bonus with sports photography was, I love being at sporting events; the crowds, the sights, the sounds, the drama. I love everything about it.

there was never anything that could compete with my love for shooting sports.......or so I thought.

Don't get me wrong, I still love sports; shooting it, participating in it, watching it, and talking about it. I will jump at the chance to grab my camera and head out to ball park or ice rink. I will sit and watch anything they are keeping score of (yes, even curling) on TV or in person. None of that has changed, but I have found something that I have just as much passion for; something that I could never do myself, and something that evokes the same response any time someone asks me what kind of photographer I am...

"You shoot what?"

...Dance

I knew almost immediately that theatrical photography was "IT". "IT" was that thing that everyone is trying to find; "IT" was the difference between waking up in the morning and saying "do I really have to go to work today?" and waking up in the morning and saying "I can't wait to get to work today."; "IT" was what made me really understand the saying, "do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life."; "IT" is "IT".

So, here I am...