Luciana Paris // New York City, NY

Constantly harping on the fact that the ballet world is so incredibly small might get tiresome to some, but it never gets old to me. How everyone knows everyone and is connected is great. The first ballerina I ever reached out to was in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Luciana’s home city. Luciana knew of ballerinas I’ve photographed in Italy, Paris, Argentina, and Spain - all over the world, really; but what finally connected us was one of my favorite shoots, with Jackie of New York City Ballet, right across the street in her own backyard.

Side note: Dancers of American Ballet Theater (of which Luciana is a soloist at) and NYCB actually support - and are fans of - each other. I jokingly always mention that perhaps they’re parts of two bitter rival gangs, but in reality, they’re all encouraging of each other, realizing the dedication and artistry involved in the other professional company.

When Luciana told me that 12pm was the only time that she could shoot, a little part of me cried inside; but to be able to work with her, I told myself I would make it work. You see, the ideal part of the day to photograph is almost always either in the early morning, or later afternoon, when shadows are longer, and the light is of a softer quality. However, being in New York City, the quality of light is great at all parts of the day - if you know how to look. Because of the tall buildings, light bounces around in unique and beautiful ways, sometimes creating hard shadows at the oddest hours of day.

As I was prepping with Luciana for the last few frames of our roll, this wonderful couple - let’s call them Diana and Charles - stopped and started asking questions of Luciana. Me being me, I told them they’re only allowed to ask questions if they’re willing to pose with Luciana. Diana was incredibly hesitant, but of equal gusto was Charles, who already had Luciana’s hand in his, kissing it, and showering her with compliments.

I’m always grateful when my subject - the ballerina - is willing to allow interesting connections to occur, and even join into the image-making process. Luciana clearly stands on her two feet - no pun intended - and makes a great image alone; but Diana and Charles were lovely additions to the image, albeit tentatively enthusiastic.

To be clear, Luciana Paris is her given birth name - I asked. What a great name.

September 12, 2021