I first met Ruth while accompanying my friend and mentor Cemal Ekin on a photo-shoot of a ballet dancer at a location in a nearby cemetery. This was the third or fourth shoot in a series of images taken by us of a dancer dressed in attaire representative of a specific Ballet. In this case it was “Gizelle.” Gizelle is a story of a local girl who met and fell in love with a nearby prince, a ruler of State. He told her he loved her then married another – after which Gizelle died. The scene today was to photograph Gizelle as she appeared to her prince as he visited her grave.
Ruth was dressed in all in white with white fabric bodice and a flowing chiffon dress. At times her head and shoulders were covered with a white lace fabric as it she was dressed for a wedding. Watching the various poses I noticed that Ruth’s arms, shoulders and legs, where exposed were heavily covered with makeup. Paying closer attention I realized that the makeup covered a series of tattoos. “I thought how intriguing.” I asked about the makeup saying I was surprised that there was a product available that could cover the dark ink of the embedded tattoos. What I was thinking was entirely different however. I wanted to photograph her, dancing with her tattoos exposed. Several months later while photographing a rehearsal at Festival Ballet Providence there was Ruth, rehearsing with the troop, with her tattoos exposed. I thought “here is a modern day dancer performing her art (dance) and wearing her art (tattoos).” It was awesome. The following images were all taken that afternoon. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of capturing these images. Hope you enjoy them.
Enjoyed the photos very much. I felt that you really captured her grace and athleticism!
Thank you very much Mary Ann. I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity and access to take such images. Jim
old saying – “if the music is good you dance” – many meanings. For me that statement is about staying in process – creatively, spiritually, holistically etc – and going with the flow when that flow feels good. So the dancer Ruth is demonstrating her layers -art, athleticism, strength, grace, attunement etc. -responding to her inner experience of the music in an intensely individual way. In a similar way you as photographer are doing the same – moving with your subject and gracefully entering the experience, but making it your own dance as well. Your photos comprise a story about Ruth as artist and about yourself as artist. Great work!
You are very gracious. I value your insight into these images. Thoughtful, sensitive, and with emotion. You tell your own story of how you saw these images. I very much appreciate this comment.
Michelle, go to the forum button on the side bar. You can sign in there, once you’re apropved, you will see a list of topics on the main page. Just choose one that seems appropriate to what you want to ask and then write a new post. Hope that helps.