A Christmas Princess

The Ice Skater

The Ice Skater

A portrait series of young ballerinas in “A Christmas Dream,” a loose adaptation of the beloved classic The Nutcracker. All taken during rehearsals and performances over the course of several days in December. The first two were taken in the dark hallway directly outside of the grand stage with the light source being a couple of fluorescence ceiling lights located in front of them. The remaining three were taken backstage behind the curtains with minimal stage lights. First in the series is the little red-haired girl who loves to twirl and make figure eights (The Ice Skater, above). She had this beautiful smile that was simply irresistible, the same smile she gave me as I looked behind the viewfinder. I chuckled and asked her to give me her “normal” look. She stared at me for a second as if to ask a question then turned slightly and gave me this look. I quickly snapped two shots. Taken handheld with the 50L at f/1.2 and ISO 1600.

Clara, the main character of "A Christmas Story," a loose adaptation of the classic The Nutcracker.

The Dreamer

The Maid

The Maid

The Fairy

The Fairy

The Snowflake

The Snowflake