Addie Tapp // Boston, MA
In similar fashion to today’s other blog post with Morgan, I can make what I think is a visually appealing and interesting image, but if the ballerina is not happy with the image, I have to be respectful to her wishes. I can accept that, though. I know my style of ballet photography, or what I would like it to be - exceptionally quirky and odd - won’t jibe with what everyone envisions a beautiful ballerina should look like. This is unequivocally due to my lack of cultured ballet education and experience.
Such was the case with this ballerina. I connected with Addie (*insert [again] comment on how small the ballet world is, blah, blah blah*) after photographing a mutual friend of hers in NYC, and was instantly drawn to the tools of her trade, her legs. When they coined the phrase “legs for days”, they had Addie in mind. So when I suggested that we hide her legs, you can understand her hesitancy; I even questioned myself. But she was willing to give it a shot, and for that trust, I am and will always be grateful. I realize that established ballerinas are oftentimes taking a risk, being willing to be photographed in a different light than in which they are normally shown.
When I got home and developed the roll, I was heartbroken. Addie told me that she wasn’t that big a fan of herself in the image; definitely not as big of a fan as I clearly was. So, to respect her, and honor the non-spoken agreement that I would never post an image that a ballerina might not like, I decided not to share it.
Two months after the shoot, to the day, Addie messaged me and said, and I quote “This is now my favorite image from the shoot.” Upon closer examination, stepping back and looking at the image, it turns out she loves it now. Sometimes ideas work, sometimes they don’t. Sometimes ballerinas and I differ on how a shoot should look. But when we connect, and when a trust is formulated, a beautifully quirky image can be made, and everyone can be happy at the end of the day.
Afterwards, the sweet Addie played tourist guide and took me to eat the most amazing Boston lobster rolls… with extra, extra butter. Never before had I esten lobster, and it was as amazing as I was promised.
May 8, 2021
