Emily Bromberg // Alicante, Spain

One of my favorite phrases I’ve coined to describe this project is called ‘subtle ballet’. Make it obvious that the subject is a ballerina, but don’t scream it with an incredibly beautiful ballet pose. The ballerina exudes grace in her every movement, and the inclusion of subtle ballet “props” or poses gives away the ballet aspect. I might alienate a few people here, but I don’t intend to whatsoever. I have no ballet experience, I am only a mere photographer, so this project’s allegiance is to a great photograph… that just happens to have a ballerina in it. I must always - without fail - honor the ballet, make sure it is technically acceptable. However, my goal is to create an image that is captivating - remove the ballet aspect, make it simply a portrait, and hopefully the photograph is still interesting.

I was determined to create an image to show off the striking geometric, maze-like design of the apartment complex (Muralla Roja), all the while ensuring the ballerina was the focal point of the image and not overpowering her. In conjunction with Emily, I think we successfully conveyed that subtleness of ballet.

May 15, 2022