Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Thank you so much for your very kind words Wakko12...
And for your career in teaching... a most noble calling indeed!

"...lighting/background setup here..." a 28" silver parabolic hair light directly above... a 30x40'' softbox Key light on camera right... a 22" BD with grid & sock high on camera center-line (it's shadow shows on her jeans in the 2nd image)... a 40x60" softbox "kicker" on camera left to "rim" her against a 90" wide Black Velvet background. My entire studio is flat black... and you would be rather surprised at how little post processing was involved. The studio was configured several days before (spots marked on the floor) for both scenarios... many hours balancing each source against the Key. As mentioned above the 308 Sekonic light meter was paramount here, without that tool it would likely not be possible to achieve balanced illumination in a timely manner.

Food for thought: Your D610 w/ the 24-85mm is more than capable of capturing both these images Wakko12.

Should you wish to work with ballerinas is very important to first learn their language and terminology... many of the terms, moves etc are in french...

Highly recommend obtaining a copy of "The Dancer" (1994) directed by Donya Feuer.
https://m.alibris.com/The-Dancer/movie/100184593?matches=4
It will likely forever change the way you view ballet and a ballerina's epic struggles to achieve.
That film has been absolutely pivotal to my work...

btw, my love for ballet began when I was 4 years old when my mother saw to it that Santa brought me a recording of "The Nutcracker" by Tchaikovsky and a rather small simple record player...
I listened intently to this iconic work in awe and wonder...

Hope this helps Wakko12...
Please stay safe, and all the best on your journey

Wakko12 Loc: New Hampshire

Thank you Thomas, great info and food for thought - being somewhat inexperienced to posed portraiture, I’ve never considered hair light from directly above.

I will admit I did not grow up with exposure to ballet - my daughters have been dancing for near a decade, so my draw is more recent. Photographing their recitals has over the years turned into me getting requests from other families, and eventually an “official photographer” credit from the studio. Dancers are just so fun to shoot, but I also have never had the opportunity to direct them for a photo shoot. I’m hoping to find some volunteers to start playing more in their studio soon!

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

"...Photographing their recitals has over the years turned into me getting requests from other families..." A very common route into this genre Wakko12. Shooting dance recitals is more akin to Sports photography than a studio scenario... If this be the case your 50 f1.8 and 70-200mm f/1.8 may prove to be of merit here.

Trust you will enjoy this delightful journey Wakko12...
Precious moments to be cherished for many years to come...

NikonGal Loc: Central Oregon

Really enjoyed your ballerina images. Thanks for sharing. Bev

PAR4DCR Loc: A Sunny Place

You did it again Thomas, excellent work! It's not every day that you see a ballerina in blue jeans.
Stay safe my friend.

Don

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Thank you so much for your very kind thoughts Bev...
Glad you found these images of merit...

Please stay safe and all the best on your journey...

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Thank you for your very kind words Don and for your continued support...
It is greatly appreciated... Yes this ballerina is a tad out of traditional costume albeit she wanted fashion editorial for her portfolio... Her mission was to get signed by a major agency in NYC since recompense for Fashion Model's is considerably more than ballerinas...
NYC is pretty much the Fashion Capital of the World now... (that was before Covid-19)

Please stay safe and all the best on your journey Don

DanielB Loc: San Diego, Ca

Yes - I like these very much. Punchy colors set against a black background, Light and movement all well done.

Uuglypher Loc: South Dakota (East River)

Breath-taking images, Thomas! ...and I may never view jeans the same way again!
Masterpieces!
Dave

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Thank you for your very kind words Daniel... They are greatly appreciated...
btw, loved your enchanting post "Victoria" last May... such a charismatic radiant smile... stellar use of vanishing point perspective... fabulous halo from back lighting...

Please stay safe and all the best on your wonderful journey Daniel.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Dave you are way too kind... it is this talent who is breathtaking and merits all credit here...
Though I truly appreciate your wonderful words... they are indeed to be cherished...
Especially coming from a Ph.D. Veterinary wildlife pathologist... I'm humbled...
You are a gift to society and most notably a blessing to wildlife...

We share this fragile planet with all living things thus it is incumbent that we protect biodiversity for our children's, children's children...

Please be safe and all the best on your epic journey Dave.

Uuglypher Loc: South Dakota (East River)

And thank you, Thomas, for encouraging awareness of the essential role of each of us to be conscientious stewards of the fragile biosphere of which we each are a part.
Stay safe and well.
With great admiration of your eye and incomparable skill, and best regards,

Dave

joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA

She and your shots are very impressive 💕

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Thank you so much for your very kind words joecichjr... they are truly appreciated...
And I'm loving the MG image you recently posted... brought back many wonderful times from days gone by...

Ultimately the "need for speed" finally took over my right-brain...
Migrated to sport bikes... Yes an 850 Norton Commando was one... seems that the British have a way with letting one manually crank them up... a.k.a. kickstart only... Kick Starting the 850 was it trip! An art unto it's self...

Again many thanks for the love on this ballerina's efforts...
Please stay safe and all the best on your journey...

imp by mike Loc: Minnesota/Wisconsin/North Carolina

Love this set Thomas, especially the first one! She looks like she just fell backwards & has caught her by surprise. (Hopefully, she’s falling into a pool.😁)
You are making look like it’s easy, but we know that as soon as you add a 2nd {3rd, 4th …} person, easy goes out the window.
Keep up the good fun (I just can’t call it work)! 😉
Cheers!