Audrey Billups // Fredericksburg, TX

Audrey wasn't the first ballerina that I photographed with a hat, no, that honor belongs to Kogan Murphy. However, Audrey was the first ballerina that I recall specifically deciding to fall in love with hats as a prop. Hats are such a wonderful accessory, and when Audrey mentioned that she has almost a dozen different hats at her parent’s ranch, I asked when can we shoot?

As pretty and done up as Audrey can be in her pointe shoes, she’s most comfortable in her cowgirl boots, and that’s why we included her favorite boots in the image. Even when not wearing a hat or boots the way they’re meant to be worn, Audrey still makes the hat look cool - and still looks cool to boot - pun intended.

I apologized to Audrey for the fact that I always obscured her face with hats; but a willing muse is always willing, and for that I’m grateful: for Audrey’s dance musings with my camera.

June 25, 2021