One of the things I love most about what I do is meeting new people and going through the process of getting to know one another. But it’s an equally wonderful thing working with people I’ve worked with before. It’s like having coffee with an old friend – you pick up right where you left off, with old laughs, new stories, and a warm sense of comfort. So when Gabi contacted me to do another photoshoot, I was super excited to work with her again. This time she had a wonderful vision of creating shots with movement, images that really showcased her killer dance moves. We brainstormed locations and ended up shooting at UCLA, our joint alma mater, since it provided lots of opportunities for jumping, spinning, climbing (you know, all the normal things we Bruins used to do in between classes). I loved seeing locations on campus in a new light; little corners that I never gave a second thought to as I walked to finals with my head buried in my notes (I was one of those “cram-everything-in-30-seconds-before-the-test” type of “studiers.” Not necessarily always “effective.”)

Thanks Gabi for a wonderful session! I’m continuously amazed by your talents and wish you success in everything you do! :)

I admire people with skillZ. With a capital Z. The amazing cook, the genius programmer, the perfect athlete – I have the utmost respect for people who are masters at what they do. And while I totally believe that if you practice at something enough, you can join the ranks of those with skillZ, I also believe you have to have that initial passion, that fire that makes your face light up whenever someone mentions what you love to do. And as much as I would like to learn how to whip up a mean Daube de Porc aux Chataignes en cocotte lutee (which my amazing friend Joyce can actually make), my fire tells me to put this little black device up to my face and click away. (And to become the master of all online typing tests. That too.)

And as much as I love dancing (particularly in front of the mirror with a toothbrush-mic), my right foot often ends up masquerading as a left. Which means I am especially in awe of good dancers. How do you MOVE? Like THAT? Which is some of what was going through my head as I did a headshot session with Gabi recently in downtown LA. Gabi is an amazing dancer and was looking for some new photos – she does hula, salsa, ballet, hip hop, and whacking (which I was unfamiliar with but is totally awesome and looks like a combination of all of the above). I had such a good time shooting her because she had such a great attitude, was full of ideas, and down to try anything. (“How about I try to climb up on that?” LOVE IT!) I loved all the bright walls and fun little nooks we found to shoot in as well!

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Just a reminder that Cans for Comments is still going on until December 12th! Any comments left on this entry or any entry will be magically transformed into cans to be donated! And be sure to visit some of these other awesome photographers’ blogs who are on the can-wagon as well!
Chris+Lynn Photographers, Justin & Mary Marantz, Ohana Photography, Bebb Studios, Fun Day Photography, Lisette Price Photography, J Castro Photography, Every Little Moment Photography, John Heil Photography, Heather Garland… there’s more and more people who are getting into it every day! It’s awesome!
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Showing her moves:

A quick change of clothes and a few more shots: