How a dance photography workshop and the creative community of the Pacific Northwest led me to my true passion

At the beginning of the COVID pandemic, I decided it was time to upgrade. My old Canon DSLR had served me well for ten years, but I wanted something new to challenge myself as a photographer. I originally purchased my first DSLR to capture moments of my son, who is now 15 years old. Over the years, I became known as "the guy with the camera," whether at parties, on trips, or during everyday moments. While photography has always been a part of my life, I haven't yet discovered the direction that truly resonated with me.

I experimented with various genres, including bird photography, landscapes, long exposure, and macro photography. Each offered its challenges and rewards. While I appreciated the technical aspects of these styles, I consistently returned to photographing people. Capturing emotions, movement, and stories in a single frame was profoundly fulfilling. This realization became even more apparent when I attended my second dance photography workshop in Seattle hosted by Ashleigh Wilson and Jane Cracovaner.

Seattle has an incredible dance community, and after that workshop, I knew I wanted to explore capturing movement, emotion, and storytelling through my lens. I began reaching out to dancers in the city, setting up shoots to practice and refine my style. Each session taught me something new about anticipating motion, working with natural light, and, most importantly, connecting with the person in front of the camera. At the same time, I asked my friends if they would be interested in taking portraits. I wanted to practice my technique, explore different styles, and capture the unique personalities of those close to me. Each session became an opportunity to refine my skills and strengthen my connections with them, adding extra meaning to the photographs. Their willingness to step in front of my camera gave me the confidence to push my creative boundaries even further.

As my confidence grew, so did my network. Initially, I kept my work local, but soon, I traveled to Portland, expanding my reach and collaborating with more dancers. One aspect I love about the Pacific Northwest is its vibrant community of creative, like-minded artists open to collaboration. Whether it's dancers, musicians, or other performers, a strong sense of community fuels inspiration and growth.

Dancers and performers hold a special place in my heart. Their ability to convey emotions through movement, their dedication to their craft, and the stories they tell through every step makes them incredible subjects to photograph. I have immense appreciation for their artistry, and no matter where my photography journey takes me, I will always be open to working with dancers and performers. Capturing their movement and emotion is something I'll never grow tired of; it's a collaboration that continues to inspire me every time I pick up my camera.

My early exploration of different photography genres still influences how I approach portraits today. Bird photography trained my eye to anticipate motion and capture fleeting moments; landscapes taught me about composition and how to use the environment to frame my subjects; and macro photography helped me appreciate fine details and textures. I incorporate these lessons into every portrait I take, blending movement, atmosphere, and emotion to create dynamic and deeply personal images.

The beauty of dance photography is that it's not just about freezing a moment; it's about conveying the energy and feeling behind it. This philosophy has shaped my approach to all portraits, whether I'm working with dancers or anyone else who steps in front of my camera.

Looking back, upgrading my camera at the start of COVID was more than just a gear change; it reignited my passion and set me on an unexpected path. That one workshop in Seattle was the spark that brought everything together and introduced me to a community that continues to inspire me. As I continue to grow and evolve, I'm excited to see where this journey takes me next.

-Andrew