Dear all,
I've been quiet about my photography work for a few months, for two main reasons:
1) I've been focusing on getting adjusted to my new career as an "International Woman of Mystery" - a term newly coined by artsy friends in the developed world.
2) I've been a coward. You know, as much as I love photojournalism, the truth is that I've been terrified to bring my camera (investment of a lifetime) out to the streets of Caracas, Venezuela. Indeed, I'm not used to feeling distressed or unsafe when shooting outdoors.
But no more room for excuses. When there is a will, there is always a way my friends!
I met Hans Prado, classical dancer, through my lovely colleague Adriana Arreaza. We clicked instantly, and came up with ideas quickly. The truth is, I've never took pictures of dancers before. On the other hand, dancers usually practice indoors and/or within relatively safe areas.
It was a match made in heaven.
So earlier this summer I took my camera to one of Hans' classes and strived to capture both the mental and the physical effort involved in the practice of classical ballet. My models for the occasion were terrified (gotta adore first-timers!) but I really loved the group and quickly became at ease working together with them. From beginners to professionals, children to grown-up women, the dancing group practiced together for 60 intense minutes in a tiring morning that started at 6AM. But it all went by too quickly.
After the shooting, we went to grab a Guayoyo (equivalent to an Americano in Venezuela) and an Arepa (breakfast bread made out of corn) with Hans. I asked him about the youngest dancer in the group, whose curious smile, persistence and innocence melted my heart. "Her name is Andrea. She is the studio cleaner's daughter. I caught her spying on us couple of times, so decided to take her in for free, as her parents would never be able to afford my classes (...) within 3 months, she's gained discipline and physical condition. It's so wonderful to watch her growing to become a happy young girl, with hopes for the future (...) many of us have lost all our hopes by now".
Hopeful for Venezuela's future as I am, it was indeed wonderful to share a little moment of magic in times of desperation.
Thanks for stopping by.
Love,
Maite