Simple Man

Too often, society tries to dictate what it means to be a “real man.” They tell you what kind of job is manly, what kind of hobbies, who to love, etc. Those who do not fit their mold get outcast. They are scoffed at; called names. They are called sissy, fag and such. If you don’t fit in their mold, they dont know how to handle it. To them, different equates to bad.

Before us is a shameful epidemic as a result of bullying… Suicide. Young men and boys taking their own lives because someone else viewed them as different and made them pay for being who they are. Now, a mother is without that child because some ignorant fool did not know to accept someone’s individuality.

These external pressures play a role in one’s psyche. There are many and great internal struggles men face with regards to how they “fit” in society, ESP if it’s not the “norm.” What these individuals fail to realize and are blinded of because of stereotypes is just how beautiful they are. It’s their individuality that makes them special; makes them unique – makes them, THEM! Brave is he who stands in the face of intolerance and says, I’m me. I’m amazing. I love me and I’m not changing just because you think I should.

Sadly, not enough of these beautiful spirits feel good enough about themselves to realize it. Often, they feel like a burden or feel so helpless, without a voice or anywhere to turn so they resort to self inflicted pain in the form of self mutilation or even the extreme – suicide.

The song, Simple Man, speaks to whats important. It speaks to the heart of a man. Here are some of the lyrics:

Forget your lust for the rich man’s gold
All that you need is in your soul
And you can do this, oh baby, if you try
All that I want for you my son is to be satisfied

And be a simple kind of man
Be something you love and understand
Baby be a simple kind of man
Oh, won’t you do this for me son if you can? Oh yes, I will

Boy, don’t you worry you’ll find yourself
Follow your heart and nothing else
And you can do this, oh baby, if you try
All that I want for you my son is to be satisfied

The song strikes a strong cord with me due to my son being special needs and the challenges he faces daily and what he may face in the future. My inspiration for a series can come from a number of things – a topic, a title may come to me and sometimes, music. I have always loved this song and knew I wanted to do something with it or inspired by it for my son. I have also wanted to do a series against intolerance. That is what this series, Simple Man, is.

This series will tell the struggles of a male to just exist and follow their chosen path and the ensuing obstacles they will face by just being who they are. Simple Man will push past the issues of intolerance and hatred, bullying and ignorance and delves into ones own inner battles and exploration in the quest for identity.

Here is probably my favorite version of the song. I love it acoustic and in this setting. I feel it brings an honesty to it and more emotion.

Send the Elevator Back Down…

During a speech at Arts Advocacy Day last year, actor Kevin Spacey quoted his mentor, actor Jack Lemmon by saying, “If you’re lucky enough to have done well, then it’s your responsibility to send the elevator back down.”

This is a mindset that I maintain in all facets of my life. I am truly blessed and fortunate to have the rewarding and bustling career that I do, especially in such a short period of time. I know that I alone did not accomplish this. There are MANY people who have come in to my life that have helped push me and my art, my work, who have helped me create bridges, connect the dots and make MANY inroads to get to where I am today.

I am not even five years into my career and I have already traveled internationally, been published in 4 different countries (just in the last year), and worked with dancers from some of the largest most reputable, storied ballet companies in the world. Just this August I had the opportunity to photograph Mariinsky Ballet in the Royal Opera House in London. This, in just under 5 years. To say my career is charmed in an understatement. But, I know I had help and I can likely tell you every person who has come into my life and what their experience did for my career. It is because of this charm; this goodwill that was bestowed upon me, that makes me want to give back, pay it forward, to send the elevator back down.

Spacey goes on to say, “Countries may go to war, but its the arts that unite us. It educates us, it teaches us to be better.”

During the Second World War, Winston Churchill’s finance minister said Britain should cut arts funding to support the war effort. Churchill’s response: “Then what are we fighting for?”

The arts are so vital to our community, to our culture. The arts help build character, they help build, promote and foster confidence and self esteem. They allow for self expression. They unite people. They transcend race and religion. It is PARAMOUNT that all peoples, regardless of abilities, have access to the arts. This is why I create the programs I do.

Folks, we need your help if you can offer it. we are looking for 10 used digital cameras. They can be point and shoot, they can be ay brand. I am working on a program, the details of which will be revealed later. If you have one that you can let go of, please do let us know!

I do realize this is a lofty request and I ask it in the most humblest manner. Your consideration is immensely appreciated!

Advocating Fathers Casting Call

Ok gang… As those of you who know me and/or follow my work, you know how important my role as a father is to me. It is one I cherish and embrace fully. I feel so lucky to have the family I do and do my best to make sure I do not take them for granted.

Some of you may or may not know that I am the primary caretaker of my two children. My wife works full time so I can have the career I do. So, I must juggle my duties as father and photographer. I will not sit here and lie to you. It can be frustrating managing my career and kids, especially with all of the meetings, appointments and schedules for my son and his needs. Quite often, I feel like a failure in regards to the juggling act, but I do my best and hope my kids don’t hate me when they grow up.

Anyway, getting back on track here… I am working on a virtual series paying homage to those fathers who are involved in their special needs child’s life. It takes a strong man, a real man, to accept his child has special needs. It is not always easy to embrace. As a male, it is not always easy to let go of our ideals of what kind of relationship we want to have with our sons or the dreams we have for them and our relationship with them. It is not always easy to accept that we may have to change our dreams; that we may have to create new ones that may not be on the level that we had hoped. The inevitable is that we must. We must be flexible so as to be an active participant in our children’s lives. THIS is what separates the real men from the pack.

I want to create a virtual homage to those REAL men who accept their special needs child’s reality and embrace it; who do all they can to help their child live the fullest life possible and know love. So, I am asking all of you out there to share this with those who you think would be interested and “fit the bill.”

To be considered, you must:

1. be active in your special needs child’s life – really champion them and their progress.
2. be available to come to my studio in Phoenixville for a professional portrait session with your special need child
3. be willing to have your images posted online and take a little bit of credit for what you do. I know this is also not easy for a lot guys. We dont want credit for doing just what we are supposed to be doing. But hopefully this will inspire more to do it!
4. submit a photo of the dad and his special kiddo and a story about how dad is the kiddo’s biggest fan! You will NOT be judged on grammar or photo skills, nor does dad have to had saved the world single handedly.

** photos and stories should be submitted to brian@bmengini.com – Please put advocating father in the subject!

** submissions must be received by February 6th.

** sessions will be scheduled throughout February-April.

Again, the intent of this series is to celebrate those fathers who champion their children. Those who do, need to get more “press.” They need to get more visible recognition!

Fathers Advocating

Malachi 4:6
“6 And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, And the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.”

Most times, when you think of advocates in the home, you think of mom. This is no slight to dad. Often times it is mom who is the chief care giver and subsequently is at the forefront of the campaigns. This is NOT to say that dad is not supportive. Obviously they are very supportive but typically dad has a full time job.

Special is he, though, who regardless of his occupation, is right there at the forefront advocating and fighting for his child and those like him. Since my son’s diagnosis I’ve made sure to be extremely hands on and at the forefront of his journey. Now, with being self employed, I have even greater flexibility to not only advocate and champion for him but for others as well. I’m also fortunate that through my career and the advocacy work I’ve done, I’ve raised my public profile and therefore able to accomplish more for the greater good. I’ve always felt that if you have a voice or a gift, you have a responsibility to use it to help others.

As fathers, we have a special role in the lives of our children. It is paramount that as men, we step up and take on that role. We must embrace it! If your child may be going through something whether they are special needs, ill or maybe being bullied due to ignorance or intolerance,your role and moreso your presence is more important than ever!

As fathers, we need to not only foster a loving supportive and nurturing environment for our children but they need to know, they need to SEE, that we are right there fighting with and for them every step of the way. They need to experience and know a father’s love and support.

Now, having said all that, I know there are tons of men out there advocating for their children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, etc. I am friends with a bunch of men who are at the forefront of their kids progress! However, I don’t think enough of it is visible. I feel more people need to know just how many dads are proactive and involved. You don’t need to have started a foundation or organization to be an advocate. You just need to be actively involved in your child’s cause as it were.

I am going to be working on a project to help shed light on those who are fighting the good fight and perhaps a “call to arms” for others! So, let me hear about that advocating dad in your life! Please note, this is NOT a competition to see who can do the most good. Nor is it intended to make any fathers feel less then adequate. You don’t have to have created a pill to “cure” Autism, you can simply be the one who takes your child to therapy and appointments. You just have to be involved. Share your stories please. I will do nothing with the info but read it. Also, let me know where you are from! Lastly, please share!!! Do not keep this to yourself. Pass this along.

2011 Year in Review

Well, this was quite a daunting task… recapping all that happened in the last year. Hope I don’t leave anything out. To say the least, this was a banner year for me. I took on many new clients, both locally and out of state, many of whom have become friends. I launched a few new projects which is always exciting! We launched 2 successful Kickstarter campaigns, one of which took me to London, where I created wonderful imagery and made wonderful new friendships! I also became internationally published this year – 3 different countries outside of the US, actually! I did extensive traveling within the states, which is always exciting and fun. I am going to do a month by month recap. I had several guest postings on the Ballet Bag. I will do my best to be inclusive but I am going off the top of my head and some light tracking on FB, since this is a last minute idea.

January
January brought me some new clients and new work. I shot Jeanette who is now a trainee with San Francisco Ballet, for Tutu.Com. I also had a shoot with Pamela H who is a tap friend of mine. That same day, I shot the Harnett sisters, Genna and Alex. Genna is finishing up school and Alex is now an apprentice with Ballet Arizona. They were in for audition shots. January also took me down to Tampa to shoot Gaspar, the pirate ballet. This month also marked the birth and launch of Hope Dances, my dance outreach program for special needs kids. Last but not least, I worked with a new company. Well it was new to me, Delaware Contemporary Dance Theatre.

February
This month brought me back to South Jersey to work for Dance Factory. I have shot for them for the last few years. Always a fun day and I love Stacey, the director. She is the best! Hope Dances was involved in the first ever Tap Teaser on Tour, which was really exciting. I photographed, Tapas, for Ballet Fleming, of which I am now a steering committee member and their company photographer. In a very ironic twist of fate, I became the back up or plan b to Lois Greenfield who was supposed to do shots for Dance4Life dance school. Things fell through and Ms Chauntee called me and asked if I was available. Fortunately I was. What a fun night that was! That group is just plain ole CRAY CRAY!

March
This was a neat month. I had a few in studio for fun, personal things. I also shot Belfast Connection for their promo content. This was a blast. They are always a hoot and brought in a wee taste of whiskey to help jump start the shoot. I also had in, Isabelle Seiler, who is currently training at JKO school in NYC. I shot a bunch of live Irish bands including Blackthorn and Drop Kick Murphys. DKM was really fun as I went backstage and interviewed Tim Brennan who plays accordian and banjo for the band! I also went up to Boston to shoot Boston Ballet’s rehearsal for ELO Experience. Also, I worked on some personal projects with some of the dancers. I always love going up there!!

April
April brought me to Baltimore to photograph the rehearsals for Rasta Thomas’ Tap Stars as well as headshots for the cast. I also begun shooting for the Inspirational Irish Women nominees. This is a yearly event where a committee votes on and nominates xx number of women who they feel are exceptionally inspirational in the Irish community. Last year they had a painter create the portraits which were done in an abstract method. This year, I was fortunate enough to have been commissioned to create them! On Easter, I had the fun opportunity to travel to NYC to photograph Avi Scher and Dancers, which included Carla Korbes and Seth Orza of Pacfic Northwest Ballet. Barre Boys had their event, Happy Hour which featured an exhibit as well as an hour long performance of men in dance!

May
May is always busy for me. I work with 3 different local dance studios for photo day in May. In addition to that, I did a promo shoot for Too Darn Hot – an all female tap revue. Inspirational Irish Women had their event including the exhibit of my portraits. I photographed a performance on top of the Intrepid battleship. One of the biggest things for me this month was to shoot the first edition of the Boston IBC. What a wonderful opportunity this was! My images from this got some serious action in the press. One of them was in the May or June issue of Auditorium magazine from South Korea.

June
Ah June… mark of summer! This was a pretty active month for me. I had the opportunity to work with a young dancer from the Rock School, Alston MacGill. We had our first ever Dance for Dreams Gala for Hope Dances. Barre Boys celebrated its 1st birthday. I did a shoot with Allie Parsons who was wearing Margot Fonteyn’s original tutu from the birthday offering! I also had shoots with Holly Curran from Ballet Fleming, Kat Richter and Abi Kurdin. I traveled to DC to shoot with Sona from The Washington Ballet, her husband and father as well as with Septime Webre, Artist Director for TWB. I also flew to Tampa for the better part of a week to shoot a ballroom competition. Well, I was the personal photographer for one of the competitors. While there, I met with and shot a dancer from Orlando Ballet as well as Peter Stark.

July
Well, I must be honest. By now, I am deathly tired of planes and airports. I mean seriously. lol. July doesn’t seem to have been as busy. At least according to my calendars as I am going back. In July, I spent probably about 4-5 days in Savannah, George to shoot for DTI, dance competition. My first day down there, I drove to Hilton Head Island where I met and had the chance to work with Angie and Mollie Sansone. Angie dances with Kansas City Ballet and Mollie for Nashville. We did a shoot on a plantation down there. That was really really fun!! The day after I returned home, I had the chance to shoot a dear friend’s wedding. Lisa and I have been friends for a few years – I found her on craigslist. I love her to death. So, it was an emotional day for me. Also this month, I was published in UK’s Dancing Times and Philippines’ Town and Country magazine! I also had the pleasure of working with a set of ballerina twins who happened to have the same disorder my son was diagnosed with. The family and I are dear friends.

August
Now we are talking!! August, aside from being my birthday month, was epic!!! In August, I flew to London for a week. Wow oh wow was this an amazing trip!! I flew out of Philly Intl and into Heathrow. It was an overnight flight going in. I will include my blog which has a daily log for the trip. But, to summarize it, I spent a week in London that was fully funded by my generous supporters. While there, I met with the girls from the Ballet Bag, shot dancers from Royal Ballet, English National Ballet and Hamburg Ballet, saw Mariinsky do Don Q, SHOT Mariinsky’s dress of Robbins/Balanchine Triple Bill, shot Mariinsky principal dancer Igor Kolb on the rooftop of the ROH. Doesn’t get more epic than that!

That was the very beginning of the month. At the very end of it, I traveled to Salt Lake City to lend my services for a fundraiser to benefit a young lady with stage 4 terminal cancer. This trip left me a changed man as well as making some new life long friends! This trip also inspired my new series, empoweredME. What a great way to spend my birthday.

I think one of the headshots I did for the new director of the dance department at Boston Conservatory was in Dance Teacher this month.

September
September was unfortunately quiet for me. We had a Hope Dances-9/11 event which was wonderful. I also had an image from RHPM in the NYTimes Sunday calendar section as well as a 6 page spread in Dance Studio Life with my BIBC images AND a 2 page spread as an ad for DTI. That same RHPM image appeared in Connecticut Magazine either this month or October. I had the pleasure this month of photographing Allenda Witzel, a young ballerina who was studying at Kirov in DC. We had mutual friends at CPYB. Since then, I have remained in touch and friends with her mother.

October
I finally got my mojo back and the phone was ringing like crazy. One of my images was featured on the cover of SI Focus magazine, which is a magazine for those dealing with Sensory Processing Disorder. I had wrote an article for the magazine for this month. One of my images from the ASH Workshop was in Dance Teacher Magazine. I celebrated my second year at the studio (or was it 3?). I picked up a new client, United Dance Merchants of America and shot their Jersey show! We also launched the Portraits of a Disorder exhibit, featuring images of children diagnosed with SPD. At the beginning of the month we had a Barre Boys exhibit at the Performance Garage. I did work for a new client, Jovo Dance, which was great. I love them! Also did some family portraits for the Kurdins. In October, we did a SLEW of shoots for empoweredME! I also was in NY shooting for that and for Tutu.Com including a few shots at the Occupy Wall Street scene. In October I also did the new promo shots for Ballet Fleming. This is always fun as is the theme – FUN. No, that is the theme they go for… fun!

November
This was a great month!!! I started the month by shooting BalletX rehearsal for a piece for the Ballet Bag. I had a small exhibit at the Dance for Dimes event at Widener. I interviewed Pennsylvania Ballet’s Artistic Director, Roy Kaiser for Barre Boys and photographed him at their new property on the Avenue of the Arts. I did a promo shoot for Renaissance Academy’s Nutcracker. Some more empoweredME shoots. I did Chesco’s dance team shots again as well as a new client from the Rock School, Isabel Montague. Ursinus College and PDP brought me back to shoot shows then flew up to Boston to shoot for Boston Conservatory. Some of the dancers needed shots, so the director brought me up. While there, I made some new friends. I had a mini shoot with Amanda who is in Boston Ballet’s school. She wanted images for a Christmas card. I also did a shoot for Alex Heier who is also a student at Boston Ballet and her mom is on their board. What a wonderful family!!! My dear friends, the Ramsay family played host to me as well as chauffeur! This was one of the few times where I was actually sad to be leaving. What an amazing weekend!!!

In my studio, I had a male ballet dancer who is studying at Butler. This was a nice treat. Most of my commissioned work for audition shots are from ballerinas. He was a lot of fun and very open to things!

I also had two of the dancers from the NY Knicks in for headshots. I had shot one of the girls’ sisters a year ago for dance shots. This was a fun session. They were a blast to work with!

Black Friday, I made an impromptu trip to NYC to shoot THE Misty Copeland for empoweredME. What an AMAZING experience that was!!! She was a delight to work with (duh) and seemed to be really happy with the images. They were simple yet powerful! Although I had told my wife that I was free that day to do family things, I simply could not pass on this opportunity. We still got to go to the movies when I got back.

3 days later, I found myself back up in the big apple for a shoot with Jon & Abi Stafford of NYCB for a piece I was doing on brothers and sisters who dance in the same company, for the Ballet Bag. Before my shoot with them, I had lined up a mini shoot and interview with Oliver Swan-Jackson who dances for Suzanne Farrell Ballet, for Barre Boys. He was a lot of fun and a nice guy!

December
This December was much easier then last. I only shot 3 Nutcrackers and they were all within 30 mins of my house which is nice. I launched my very fist coffee table book which was for empoweredME. Artistically, I knocked off one of the things on my bucket list – maternity shoot en pointe! I actually did two! One was with Fang from Koresh Dance and her hubby Tommy Gant who is also a ballet dancer. The second was with Pennsylvania Ballet Soloist, Gabriella Yudenich. Some of my images from CPYB’s Nutcracker last year saw some life this month. One of my snow scenes were part of a 2 page spread in the local paper in Carlisle plus the cover of 717 mag.

DCDT company stopped by the studio for an off the wall shoot. They are always a hoot, esp Ms Chauntee! Project Moshen was in the studio for some new promo shots. That was a lot of fun! I have been friends with Kelli Moshen on FB for a few years now, so it was also nice to meet her!

The last few shoots I had, yielded some of the best images I have created all year. One of my favorites was with Sara Rodriguez from University of Utah. We grabbed 3 different looks in one shoot. So so so awesome! I love her!!! I also had a visit from Lisa Fitzgerald from Exit 12. She was a blast! I ended my work year with a shoot with Simon Hoke, a young budding cavalier who is studying at CPYB.

So, this is 2011 in a nutshell. There are a lot of shoots that took place that did not get mentioned and I enjoyed every one of them! This was a banner year to say the very least! The good thing about doing this is it gives me clear picture of what I did so I can set new goals for 2012! THAT is exciting!

I am taking holiday from Dec 23-Jan 3 to spend time with my family and decompress. When I come back, we will have a new website within days and exciting new content to release!!!

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to you all! Thank you so much for your support, I love you!!!

Gabriella Yudenich – Pennsylvania Ballet Soloist – Maternity

It had been a long desire of mine to do a maternity shoot on pointe. Ballerinas are beautiful. They are graceful and elegant. An expecting mother is also beautiful. She may not feel that way most of the time, but to be with child is an amazing thing. “Mothers to be” possess a certain glow. They are part of a miraculous process. They are creating life. You look at a pregnant mother and you can’t help but smile. Well, at least if you are already a parent, you can’t. You know how much joy their life will be full of as a result of this spirit they are carrying. Plus, the time leading up to the birth is such a fun and exciting time for them and the family, apart from pains, discomfort, morning sickness and odd cravings.

Sorry, I think I went on a rant there. Anyway, because of the above stated things, there is a joy in maternity shoots. It allows the mother to have this life changing period of time documented. I always felt that maternity on pointe would make for some dynamic photos. One thing that didn’t really dawn on me until talking to Gabby at this shoot was just how special it is to capture a dancer’s maternity period DURING her career.

I had just completed my first en pointe maternity shoot with Fang from Koresh Dance Company when I approached Gabby about doing one. We had talked before about working together. However, it can be a daunting tasking trying to schedule around a professional dancer’s schedule. Throw in that dancer being pregnant and boy oh boy, good luck Charlie! So, it was a pleasant surprise almost when she agreed to the shoot and we kept up on communication!

Going into the shoot, I had really little communication or encounters with Gabby. We had never met and only communicated on Facebook a small handful of times. So, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had always heard such wonderful things about her. However, with little exchange with her myself, I really could not get any kind of read. I mean she was always pleasant when I did correspond with her.

So, we compared schedules and set up our date and time which happened relatively easily. I think with her being in her third trimester and not actively dancing, just doing a party parent in Nutcracker, it makes it easier. I will take it!

The day of the shoot came and I arrived to the studio early to set up and prepare physically and mentally as I always do. Ok. As I always try to do and sometimes actually do. Also, as normal, when I have morning shoots, I usually run to the coffee shop down the corner from the studio for some java to keep me up. This day was no different. However, as I was turning around to walk out of the shop, I saw a woman flash (speed, not the other way. get your mind out of the gutter) by with a bag in her hand. Although she seemed to be keeping a faster pace then I would anticipate someone who is pregnant, she had the look or blur of a dancer. Sure enough, it was her!

We greeted and hustled up into the studio to start chatting and begin work. I was really caught off guard by how bubbly and almost silly she was. She was very fun – light, bubbly and always laughing. This was SOOOO cool! It put me at ease straight away and allowed us to really sync from go. That ALWAYS helps the sessions. If you can connect and develop some kind of chemistry right off the bat, it will prove to be a fruitful session!

Let me also say that Gabby is drop dead gorgeous. Just stunning.

Gabby comes from a storied ballet family! Both of her parents were principal dancers for Pennsylvania Ballet. Her mother, Barbara Sandonato, was the first dancer hired for Pennsylvania Ballet when it formed in 1962 and remained with them until 1977 with the exception of one year spent with National Ballet of Canada where she performed with Rudolf Nureyev. Her father, the late Alexei Yudenich, joined PAB as a principal in 1964 until he left in 1972 to join National Ballet of Canada as a principal. Her parents also won bronze in the 5th IBC in Varna.

She herself met her husband in dance, in school actually at the School of American Ballet, the same school her mother attended. They then reconnected while at work for Pennsylvania Ballet, marrying in 2006. Her husband has since retired and joined the corporate world post-college.

I am so grateful I had the opportunity to work with her and really happy it was for this shoot. It is always nice to be a part of something special and this was just that! Here are some teasers from our shoot. Hope you enjoy!!!

B

End Intolerance!

Ok folks, this contest is for boys only. We are giving away a free photo session and 8×10 print. Winner will be selected randomly.

Bullying sucks. Many of us, if not most, were the victim of it. Maybe it happened because of a hobby or interest, maybe it happened because of who you were attracted to. Perhaps you just seemed “weak” and it made themselves feel more powerful to tease you. I was often the mark as a young kid. I was not very athletic. I was quiet and shy. At one point, my mom wanted to put me in boxing. Honestly, there is not much about my childhood that I care to relive. I do not admire anyone going through childhood.

This is something I dread and am fearful of for my son who is special needs. I do not look forward to middle school or high school. I think I am dreading that more then guys and my daughter! HA! But this topic really rings a bell and is very much a touchy topic for me. Sadly, too often you see these situations ending very badly. There are no winners in bullying. None.

People fear what is different, what is not the norm. They laugh at or mock what does not fit into societal acceptance. They are scared or comfortable with those who dare to be an individual and follow their hearts whether its a fashion trend, music choice, interest in art or who they love. Likely, it is their own insecurity with themselves. It is easier to point the finger and divert the attention.

So, how has bullying or intolerance affected you? Have you been teased, picked on or even worse? We would love to hear your story. You can do it anonymously, if you wish. You can email me at brian@bmengini.com. These stories will not be posted on Facebook. Has there been a time when you stood up to a bully? What did you do? What do you think we can do to lessen these situations?

EmpoweredME Update 12/3

Well…

The day has come! We have a major announcement regarding EmpoweredME. However, before we get to that, check out this behind the scenes compilation of all of our behind the scenes videos from EmpoweredME sessions!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PY9zmBgKA-8&feature=mr_meh&list=UUFipoBsBWx1IGwW5gSbBdVg&lf=plcp&playnext=0

Ok… now… the announcement you have ALL been waiting for…
Our long awaited, much anticipated (boy do I sound like Don King, huh?) coffee table book is NOW ON SALE!!!!!!!

Yes, it is finished! 74 pages, full color and all the trimmings! This unique and extravagant piece of artwork features dancers from Philly, Boston, New York, New Jersey, Maryland and beyond! There is an introduction by me about the project as well as a touching note from one of the dancers, Kira, who is a cancer survivor herself!

You can purchase it in soft, hard cover and hard cover with image wrap. These are shipped directly from the publisher – I do not have inventory.

To get yours, just follow the link below!

http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/2746607

Oh, and we have a BOMBSHELL announcement being made within the next two weeks!!! STAY TUNED!!!

~Adrianna

Adrianna de Svatich currently dances for Ballet Fleming. I have known Adrianna for about 2 years now. We met when she was dancing with Pennsylvania Ballet. At the time, I was working on a project to raise awareness for the fallen police officers of Philadelphia. So, I had brought her in for that as well as a shoot for Tutu.com.

Here are some of those images:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=318632742824&set=a.318632362824.146012.201276982824&type=3&theater

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=305180722292&set=a.300751307292.145157.256421562292&type=3&theater

Months later, I created a series, Wallflowers, which is a play on words. The premise was that I would shoot these beautiful ballerinas (flowers) against my wall in the studio. For this, I had her and Molly Flippen, who at the time danced with her in PAB, shoot with me for it.

Here is a shot of her from that series:

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=392029547292&set=a.385496922292.166923.256421562292&type=3&theater

Here is the behind the scenes video of that shoot:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0fPwDOtlm4

Fast forward… This season, Adrianna went to dance for Ballet Fleming, which I am on the Board of as well as being company photographer. I was really happy when I heard this. I always loved her. She was always sweet and happy and a joy to work with.

So, after a company shoot with Ballet Fleming, I asked Adrianna to come back into my studio and work with me on a couple of projects.

Here is a shot of her from the Ballet Fleming shoot:

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150354138257293&set=a.10150354028957293.350169.256421562292&type=3&theater

For our shoot, I wanted to include her on my EmpoweredME series plus my BalletsFemme series. So we did and grabbed a few fun, non project themed, shots.

Here is a teaser:

Ballets Femme ~ Alex

Sometimes as I am working, a name or title will come to me. Ideas will simply pop in my head. Sadly, there is no shut down mode for me except when I am asleep. When a title comes to me, I think about what the project would look like.

One day, the title, Ballets Femme came to me and I sat there and wondered what on earth this would look like. At the same time, I recalled a friend who said that I should do a book on Barre Boys and have it be a part of a Duet with a female counterpart. So after thinking about it some, I decided that this series will be an edgier series then I usually do.

Ballets Femme will showcase the strength, power and beauty of the ballerina but it a much less flowery way. I don’t even think you will see a single tutu. This will be very dark and edgy? lol It will not be fairytale like or princessy. My hope with this is to also challenge myself artistically and get away from my standard high key lighting set up. I want this to be a relatively new angle for me.

So, as I am thinking about this project and who to shoot for it, I immediately thought of my friend, Alex, who dances with Ballet Arizona now. She stuck out immediately due to her physique, her legs especially. She has an amazing presence when I shoot her. Her legs, however, are amazing. Gosh that sounded creepy. lol. No but, when I shoot dancers, one of the things that makes the most impact and can elevate the intensity of an image is their muscle tone. You can see this in Alex’s legs. There is an energy through them and you can see that tone when she poses, almost like she is flexing them.

Herein, lied the problem. Alex now dances for Ballet Arizona. Arizona is not in Pennsylvania and is in fact in the southwestern part of the country, not the midwest like I thought lol. Ugh. The one person who I knew off the bat had to be part of this was not available. Well kiddies, the game changer took place when I was on Facebook last week and saw on my feed something about her coming home. I immediately messaged her on Fb and sent a text. I had to have her in studio while she was home. I was just hoping she would have time!

Since my first shoot with her and her sister, Genna, I developed a friendship with the family. Well, I haven’t met the dad yet but I think he would like me too. I grew fond of Alex and there was an energy we shared when working together. I shot her during her run at BIBC then did some fun location work in the streets of Boston. I have always tried to be as supportive of her and her career as possible and they have done likewise. I am really honored to call them friends and just am so excited to watch her career blossom!

Anyway, so I got her in for a couple of hours and I tried some new lighting on a gray drop and the results are just wonderful!!! So excited to try more out! Below are a few of her favorites from the shoot! Hope you enjoy!!!

B