My love for ballet photography started back in 2013 when I photographed my first ballerina. I've been stalking ballet photographers on Instagram ever since haha. David Ovitsky is one of them. I reached out to him last month to see if we could collab on a shoot. He said yes, thank God, and he introduced me to Raquel.

Raquel's Ballet ShootNY Public Library, Manhattan

We all met up at the NY Public Library in Mid Manhattan on a beautiful Saturday morning. Raquel is a photographer, too. She actually suggested we shoot in the directional light that was peeking through the opening.
Raquel's Ballet ShootNY Public Library, Manhattan

I wanted to test my abilities by only shooting film, but my film speed was too slow. And shooting ballet on film is HARD! So I captured most of the images with my Digital Canon. The film photos were captured with my Canon 1N and Portra 400 film, rated at box speed.

Raquel's Ballet ShootNY Public Library, Manhattan
Raquel's Ballet ShootNY Public Library, Manhattan

I have been to the City many times, but I had never thought of shooting at the Public Library. What a beautiful building!

Raquel's Ballet ShootNY Public Library, Manhattan Raquel's Ballet ShootNY Public Library, Manhattan

I love how much character the film photos have. I mean, I'm pretty sure that's why most film photographers shoot film. There's just something about the grain that just amazes me. Raquel's Ballet ShootNY Public Library, Manhattan
Raquel's Ballet ShootNY Public Library, Manhattan
Raquel's Ballet ShootNY Public Library, Manhattan

This needs to happen again. Really, truly. I enjoyed this little 2-hour shoot so much, and I can't wait to shoot again... but with Medium Format next time! :)