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.

I don’t even know what to make of these images. Upon first glance at the contact sheet, I was annoyed, telling Amy that I’m going to quit photography and never shoot again. I was not happy with how the images came out. What a waste of time, I told her. Unbeknownst to ballerina Anna, I even contemplated cutting up the negatives, so dismayed at how these images appeared.

This shoot happened to be our second shoot together. I asked if she would be willing to ride a penny-farthing bike. A what? A penny-farthing bike!

I vividly remember the cold day of this shoot. It was easily in the low 40s. And on repeat in my head was a nonstop version of ‘Get it together. Don’t compliment Clara’s eyes for the 10th time. Wow, she has really does have piercing eyes. Have I told her yet? It’s cold. Did we do this shot already? Let’s do it again. Her eyes. Cold. Where am I? HARIBO! Did I say squirrel out loud? Focus, David, Focus.’

The timing of this image, and how it came to be, was quite uncanny. I don’t think I’ve ever planned a shoot from initial planning (reaching out to the ballerina in a different city), to the actual shoot, quite as quickly as this shoot with Caroline came about.

I think I’m ok if I start being known as the faceless ballerina photographer - the photographer who photographs ballerinas faceless.

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.

This photo was made on the backside of The Institute of Contemporary Art, in front of the Boston Harbor, right where I like to imagine The Boston Tea Party occurred almost 250 years ago.

Thankfully, the lighting was perfect, everything came into place perfectly - the dream exposure for the dream ballerina.