Things that I do not suggest doing: deciding the DAY BEFORE a shoot that you’re going to “just make” your own 12 foot x 16 foot backdrop. The last time I photographing Christa in studio (remember that pas de deux session?), I did so without any backdrop- just the white cyc wall of the studio itself. This time, I wanted a more “polished” feel to the session, so I got a bit ambitious and decided to paint my own backdrop.

I headed to Home Depot (twice), then Lowes, and then Lowes again. And then for good measure, I headed back to Home Depot at 9pm to pick up another can of paint, because canvas soaks that stuff up like you wouldn’t believe. And then the morning of the shoot, I was outside on our deck as soon as the sun had risen to touch up any spots that needed more color.

In the end, it was definitely worth it! I loved having the neutral background to make Christa’s skirt really jump off the page. The next time I attempt something like this, I’ll do a bit more research beforehand, but for a last-minute hack job with a canvas dropcloth and two buckets of paint? I’d say this was a win.

Christa- you, my dear, are wonderful. Your heart and personality alone would be enough to make me want to photograph you, and adding on top of that how exquisite you are? You’re one of my favorite muses! Thank you for giving me your time- this first might be my all-time favorite from my ballerina series!