The sun was just creeping behind the trees and it was cold, very cold. It was the kind of cold that seeped from the concrete and reverberated on the metal siding surrounding us, trying to reach our bones. None-the-less, we persisted. Our excited energy crackled through the crisp air like static, chasing along the grooves and rust of the old mill structures surrounding us. We knew this would be worth it.

“On the count of three,” I said. We’d run through this multiple times, each laying out our tasks and patterning them into rhythms. Once we hit zero, we had to act together, synchronized like a well oiled machine.

“THREE!” My call rang out.

There was a flash, billowing colors and fluttering material and it was magnificent.

Okay, it almost went like that. Truly, on that third count, there were about ten odd seconds of anticipation and laughter as our grenade pin decided it wanted to stay right where it was and not listen to Bre’s insistent pulling. When it finally released, however, it was magnificent.

Kay, owner of local Winston-Salem dance studio Juxtaposition, directed her dancer seamlessly. Amber, Kay’s dancer and our subject, moved gracefully while managing to listen to the alternating advice of Kay and myself. Meanwhile, Bre was on smoke and light patrol keeping each element directed as much as they could be.

Juxtaposition Studios dancer dancing for a branding photograph to promote the studio’s upcoming showcase. | Photography by Jasper & Fern |

We’ve worked with Juxtaposition before, photographing their dancers and helping them create marketing material. This time we wanted to capture the essence of “Beauty Within,” the theme of their showcase.

We love collaborations like this that help businesses and brands cultivate an authentic brand experience with scroll stopping imagery. Our clients are people who value relationships. We desire for you to be successful and for your current and potential clients into your brand story through photographs.

The air was thick with anticipation. I kept sweeping the studio floorboards to keep my mind and body focused. The soft rhythmic rustling of the stiff straw strands of my broom against the floor’s grooves has always soothed my thoughts. I’d never met my client or her daughter - the one being photographed - in person before. We’d talked over the phone and through emails but we’d be meeting face to face for the first time. It’s always exciting to meet someone new for the first time. A streak of light flashed across the floor where I was sweeping. I looked up, out through the sheer curtains to see a car pulling up.

April entered first, Sophia slightly behind her. Their soft presence was lined with their own anticipation. As we sat to talk, Sophia’s meekness became apparent. She was quieter than a mouse - not even figuratively. In fact, I barely heard her speak two sentences the whole time I spent together. Her intent, listening eyes were left to tell her story. April was great about asking Sophia questions, relaying information and reassuring her. I considered the best ways to bring a level of comfort to Sophia’s nerves.

We walked through her leotards and decided on the best one to start with first. Sophia chose a simple black leotard to wear and went to change. April suggested she stay out of sight while Sophia danced and I agreed that if she wanted, she could make herself comfortable in our salon. Then Sophia came out, ready to start.

Within seconds, Sophia’s reserved, meek disposition melted away and the bold, strong girl she is revealed herself. The moment she began to dance, she was a thriving, lively spirit. She threw herself into every dip and twirl with grace and strength. It was mesmerizing. A few times I just took in the movement of her dance to truly appreciate the heart with which she danced and watch to capture it the next round we did. Her strength, boldness and confidence shown in every move. It was beautiful to see such riveting contrast in one human - spectacular in all forms.

By the end of her session, Sophia returned to her meek demeanor, though the confidence she’d connected with could be clearly seen. She stood shoulders squared, intently watching. As they left, not an inkling of anxiety was left, nor a need to be soothed. I did, however, return to sweeping the floor - because great sessions always create messes!