01 – La Fotografía de Danza según Carlos Quezada

Summary

Carlos Quesada, a former classical dancer turned photographer, shares his journey into the world of dance photography. After transitioning from dance to photography due to knee injuries, he learned the craft by working with different dance companies. Specializing in studio photography, Quesada emphasizes the importance of understanding dance techniques to capture the perfect image. He explores the difference between 'dance photography' and 'photography with dance' while highlighting the necessity of respecting the dancer's form and body. His work is deeply influenced by years of experience in both fields, striving for perfection in every shot.

Takeaways

• 😀 Carlos Quesada, a former classical dancer turned photographer, specializes in dance photography.
• 😀 His background in dance (studied at the Escuela Superior de Música y Danza in Monterrey and Miami City Ballet) gives him a unique understanding of dance that informs his photography.
• 😀 Carlos transitioned from being a dancer to a photographer, starting by donating his work to learn and improve.
• 😀 His work stands out due to its technical knowledge of dance and an aesthetic influenced by his classical ballet training.
• 😀 He has worked with major dance companies worldwide, including in Mexico, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and the UK.
• 😀 Carlos focuses on both studio and on-stage dance photography, developing a personal style based on lighting, shadows, and contrasts.
• 😀 He emphasizes the importance of understanding dance, especially classical ballet, to create truly effective dance photography.
• 😀 Dance photography requires knowledge of the specific dance style being photographed, as it ensures the images are appreciated by professionals and dancers.
• 😀 He differentiates between 'dance photography' (which requires in-depth knowledge of dance techniques) and 'photography with dance' (which can be more aesthetic and less technical).
• 😀 Successful dance photography involves understanding the perfectionism that dancers pursue, and having a good relationship with them is crucial to capturing authentic images.
• 😀 The art of dance photography encompasses different styles, including stage photography, documentary photography, and studio photography, each requiring different techniques and approaches.

Q & A

Who is Carlos Quesada and what is his background in dance and photography?

Carlos Quesada is originally from Mexico and studied classical dance at the Escuela Superior de Música y Danza de Monterrey and Miami City Ballet School. After becoming a professional classical dancer, he faced knee problems that led him to stop dancing. However, he had already developed an interest in dance photography, which he later pursued as a career.

What motivated Carlos Quesada to transition from being a dancer to a dance photographer?

Carlos Quesada's transition from dancer to photographer was driven by his passion for dance photography, which he had already been interested in while still dancing. He was aware that having knowledge of dance was essential for capturing dance images effectively, which motivated him to pursue photography professionally.

How did Carlos Quesada begin his career as a dance photographer?

Carlos began his career by donating his photography work to various groups and companies to learn and gain experience. Over time, people noticed the unique qualities in his photography, particularly the connection to dance and his technical understanding of it, which led to paid work with prestigious organizations like the National Dance Company of Mexico.

What led Carlos Quesada to move to Europe and expand his photography career?

Carlos was encouraged by Mexican dancer Elisa Carrillo Cabrera to move to Europe. Once in Germany, his unique photography style caught the attention of directors, choreographers, and dancers, which led to more work with major companies across Europe. This success eventually prompted him to relocate permanently to Europe and further develop his personal photography style.

What are the key elements of Carlos Quesada's photography style?

Carlos Quesada’s photography style is characterized by precision and a clean aesthetic, influenced by his background in ballet. He focuses on details like lighting, shadows, and contrast to create visually striking and technically perfect images, which reflect the discipline and movement of dance.

What is the difference between 'dance photography' and 'photography with dance' according to Carlos Quesada?

According to Carlos Quesada, 'dance photography' requires specialized knowledge of dance techniques and the ability to capture the essence of a dancer's performance accurately. In contrast, 'photography with dance' doesn't necessarily require in-depth dance knowledge, and often focuses more on aesthetic elements rather than capturing dance techniques perfectly.

Why is it important to have knowledge of dance when creating dance photography?

Knowledge of dance is crucial in dance photography because it ensures the photographer understands the technical aspects of movement, the body, and positioning, allowing them to create images that are accurate, respectful to the discipline, and appreciated by dancers and companies. This knowledge is especially important for professional dancers seeking to use the images for promotional purposes.

Can someone without a deep understanding of dance still produce good dance photography?

While it is possible to create aesthetically pleasing images without deep dance knowledge, producing true 'dance photography' requires technical understanding. One can still achieve great results in 'photography with dance' by learning about dance through observation, collaborating with dancers, and studying the art form.

What makes ballet photography particularly challenging?

Ballet photography is particularly challenging because ballet, as a classical art form, demands perfection in movement, positioning, and body alignment. The photographer must capture these elements while also ensuring technical aspects like lighting and composition are in perfect harmony. This level of precision requires a deep understanding of the art form.

How do dancers and photographers communicate during a photo shoot, according to Carlos Quesada?

Carlos Quesada emphasizes the importance of communication between dancers and photographers. Dancers are highly trained to focus on perfection, and it’s essential for photographers to respect and understand the dancer’s body and movements. Feedback from the dancers, such as comments on lighting or positioning, is crucial for creating images that align with the dancer’s artistic vision.