Some folks spend their evenings and weekends at the ballgame or catching up on their favorite shows or spending time in the garden. Me? I’ve spent the last 20 years attending protest rallies taking photographs.

I’ve captured images of activists fighting for and against every kind of cause: women’s rights, Black lives, gay rights, war, the arts and more. Just about anything people might rally to voice an opinion about, I’ve been there with my camera.

They wave flags, carry signs, shout slogans, give speeches, sing and chant.

Dallas protests

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Do protests work? According to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, the answer is maybe. Peaceful protests can work in a democracy. They can offer people a sense of community around a cause and of empowerment against feelings of isolation and helplessness.

In 1963, 250,000 people participated in the Civil Rights march on Washington. They were successful in pressuring the Kennedy administration to initiate a strong federal Civil Rights bill in Congress.

College students’ protests helped bring about the end of the Vietnam War. They burned the American flag. “Make love not war” and “Hell no, we won’t go,” were signs of their times. The ’60s might feel like the height of protests but, in fact, protests have only grown in number around the world.

The largest protests in American history were those after the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer in 2020. By some estimates, 26 million people demonstrated against police brutality and racism, carrying signs with messages like “Silence is violence” and “I can’t breathe.” They instigated change to federal, state and local laws. Dallas police instituted their own policy changes after the protests.

I know people have strong points of view around these issues. I have my own strong points of view. But I want these photographs to speak for themselves. I want the images to have their own influence. That’s what’s most important to me.

Why have I done this for so many years? I want to believe that protesting works. I do believe that people exercising their rights peacefully is one of the greatest means of expression we have. And I love the crowds. I love the people speaking out. I feed off their energy. I want protests to live on. I want history to understand why people spoke out. It matters to democracy. It matters to the conversations we need to have. It matters to the change we need.

Dallas photographer Danny Hurley’s exhibit “Signs of Our Times” opens Jan. 6 in the Lillian Bradshaw Gallery at the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library in downtown Dallas.

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Esteemed photographer Betsy Wilson is set to deliver a riveting presentation titled ‘Capturing Motion’ at the upcoming Sandhills Photography Club meeting. The event is scheduled for Monday, January 8, at 7 p.m. and will be hosted at the Sandhills Horticultural Gardens Ball Visitors Center, located in the picturesque Southern Pines.

Exploring the Dynamics of Motion

In her presentation, Wilson plans to unravel the mystery surrounding the capture of motion in photography. She intends to break down traditional techniques that revolve around the control of shutter speed, a fundamental aspect of photography that dictates how motion is captured and portrayed.

Diving into Unconventional Approaches

Yet, Wilson’s discussion won’t be limited to conventional photography techniques. She’s also set to introduce participants to some unconventional approaches in capturing dynamic images. Among these are the use of camera motion and light-painting, techniques that encourage photographers to step outside the confines of traditional photography rules and explore their creativity.

Transcending Normal Perception

By mastering the art of capturing motion, photographers can transcend the normal perception of movement and open up a realm of creative possibilities. Betsy Wilson’s session is anticipated to be a treasure trove of insights for photographers interested in expanding their skills and experimenting with new ways of capturing dynamic images. With her expertise and passion for sharing knowledge, attendees can expect an enlightening expedition into the world of motion photography.

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Blue Mountain Lake, NY- Those at Adirondack Experience, the Museum on Blue Mountain Lake (ADKX) have a series of online and in-person events on the docket for 2024, including an Adirondack Photographers, 1850 – 1950 program led by author Sally Svenson via Zoom webinar on the evening of Monday, January 8. ADKX will also be celebrating the total solar eclipse on campus in April and will offer fun and educational members-only programs throughout the year as well as popular flagship events such as FallFest, Mushroom Mania, and more. ADKX intends to reopen its doors for the regular season on May 24, 2024.

Please see below for a sample of what is in store for the next couple months.

Adirondack Photographers, 1850 – 1950 by Sally Svenson

Photos provided by ADKX.

Monday, January 8, from 7 to 8 p.m.
This series takes place on Zoom

Join us on January 8 when we will be speaking with Sally Svenson, author of Adirondack Photographers, 1850 – 1950.

This free virtual program offers a comprehensive look at the first one hundred years of photography through the lives of those who captured this unique rural region of New York State. Svenson’s fascinating biographical dictionary is enriched with over seventy illustrations.

Soundbath Experience with Andrea Lisette Villiere

Soundbath setup. Photo provided by ADKX.

Rest, relax, and recharge before the holidays as you join Andrea Lisette Villiere, certified sound healing practitioner, for a Soundbath at the ADKX on Saturday, January 27 at 2 p.m. (Exhibits will be closed.)

Immerse yourself in the healing vibrations of gongs, Tibetan, quartz crystal, alchemy singing bowls, the hypnotic drone of the Shruti, chimes, the drum, rattle and much more! Let the sounds transport you on a magical journey.

Sound baths create the space for self-healing and transformation. The resonance of the instruments is not just an auditory experience—it’s like receiving a full body sound massage. The healing harmonics work to realign your entire system ~ a restorative bath of sound.

Cost: $60 per person

To register, contact Andrea Lisette Villiere at (518) 304-3763
 or andreavilliere@icloud.com

ADKX Winter Fun Day

Photo provided by ADKX.

The ADKX is opening its campus for a special Winter Fun Day on Monday, February 19, 2024 from 1 to 4 p.m. Bring your family for a day of winter fun on the museum’s grounds and explore the museum’s newest interactive exhibition, Artists & Inspiration in the Wild.

Indoor and outdoor activities will be available including:

• Self-guided tours of Artists & Inspiration in the Wild
• Curator’s corner featuring new acquisitions to the collection
• Guided Snowshoe Hike* with Ed Kanze**
• Campfire and s’mores on campus
• Board games in the Visitors Center
• Hot chocolate, coffee, tea, and light snacks
• Shopping in the ADKX store—20% discount for members

*Extra Registration fee, space is limited to 20 people. Visitors who register for the hike will need to bring gear and clothing appropriate for a 1.5-mile roundtrip hike in winter conditions. The ADKX will not be providing snowshoes, micro spikes, or other equipment.

**Ed Kanze is a licensed guide and a seventh generation Adirondacker with decades of experience as a wilderness leader and interpretive naturalist. He brings a deep knowledge of the region’s history and an expert’s firsthand knowledge of its wild things.

Cancellation Policy: If the Adirondack Experience is required to cancel the event due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, customers will receive a full refund. There will be no refunds for no-shows. 

Get tickets here.

Adirondack Avian Walk (This is an offsite event taking place in Long Lake, NY)

Photo courtesy of Brisbane Young. Photo provided by ADKX.

Saturday, February 24
5:45 AM – 1:30 PM

(Bird) Calling all wildlife photographers, professional and amateur. Join NYS Guide and President of Adirondack Avian Expeditions Joan Collins and wildlife photographer Brisbane Young on a half-day excursion around the central Adirondack hamlet of Long Lake. Participants will spend their morning at various hot spots around town, spotting, listening to, and capturing images of the local bird population. That afternoon, participants will head over to the Adirondack Hotel to warm up, relax, and enjoy lunch.

– Please note this experience requires traveling to and from various locations around Long Lake. ADKX will NOT be providing transportation. Participants are required to have access to a vehicle. Carpooling is encouraged.

– This event is great for wildlife photographers of all levels.

– Participants are required to provide their own camera(s) and camera equipment.

– We highly recommend winter hiking boots, hats, gloves, plenty of layers, and avoiding cotton.

– Participants may wish to bring micro-spikes and/or trekking poles based on personal preference.

This experience requires participants to spend several hours outdoors in cold temperatures, and will require walking and hiking through wooded areas.

Cost: $50/member, $75/non-member

Registration closes February 16.

Get tickets here.

About the Presenters: 

Joan Collins is a birding enthusiast and leads year-round birding walks in the Adirondacks. She is President of Adirondack Avian Expeditions & Workshops, LLC, a New York State licensed guide, and an Adirondack 46er. She is a past President of the New York State Ornithological Association and Editor of New York Birders. She served for many years as a Board of Directors member of the Audubon Council of New York State, and is a current Board of Director’s member of Northern New York Audubon Society and past President. Joan writes the Birdwatch column for the Adirondack Explorer She has published several journal, magazine, and newspaper articles on wildlife and conservation topics in various publications including Audubon, New York Birders, Conservationist, Adirondack Life Magazine, Adirondack Explorer, LOCALadk Magazine, and The Kingbird.

Brisbane Young’s journey into photography began over 30 years ago with a Bellows Medium Format camera. His portfolio includes landscapes, wildlife, portraiture, and wedding photography. More recently, Brisbane has found a passion in birding and loves photographing raptors. Brisbane continues to utilize manual settings on his cameras to capture his images and enjoys teaching and sharing his techniques and images with fellow photographers.

Click here to view more upcoming ADKX events. 

Photo at top: Adirondack Experience (ADKX) museum in winter. Photo provided by ADKX.

As the smartphone industry continues to evolve, manufacturers keep pushing the boundaries of what these devices can do, particularly in the realm of photography. One such innovator, Samsung, is gearing up for its next major release: the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Expected to feature a 5x optical telephoto lens with a 50-megapixel resolution, this device promises to significantly advance smartphone photography.

A Glimpse at the S24 Ultra’s Camera

The Galaxy S24 Ultra is rumored to up the ante on smartphone photography with its impressive camera setup. Leaks suggest this device will feature four rear cameras: a 200MP primary, a 12MP ultrawide, a 10MP telephoto with a 3x optical zoom, and a 50MP periscope telephoto with a 5x optical zoom. Insider information and camera samples hint at significant improvements in the device’s zoom capabilities, with photos taken at 10x zoom reportedly outshining those of the current S23 Ultra. This substantial upgrade in zoom and image quality could set a new standard for smartphone cameras.

Innovative AI-Powered Camera Features

Another development that’s got tech enthusiasts buzzing is Samsung’s introduction of new AI-powered camera features. Named ‘Zoom with Galaxy AI’, these features are expected to include ‘Nightography Zoom’ and ‘Generative Edit’ functions. This new AI software, dubbed Eureka, is believed to power the innovative 10x zoom range and ‘object zoom’ effect showcased in Samsung’s latest teaser videos. However, users may need a Samsung account and internet connection for cloud-based processing of these AI-based features.

Video Capabilities

Beyond still photography, Samsung is also making significant strides in video technology. The S24 Ultra is expected to offer exceptional video zoom capabilities, with the ability to switch seamlessly between all cameras when recording 4K 60 fps video. This feature, coupled with the rumored 4K video recording at 120fps, hints at a great leap forward in video quality for smartphone devices.

Anticipation for the Unpacked 2024 Event

According to several sources, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra will be unveiled at the ‘Unpacked 2024’ event on January 17. The device is rumored to support an S-Pen stylus and will be the first to ship with 12 GB RAM. With a speculated starting price of $1,449, pre-order promotions might include a $50 credit on your purchase and potential double storage and discount vouchers for accessories. The device is expected to showcase a sleek design with titanium sides, a row of vertical camera lenses, and squared-off edges, available in a range of vibrant colors.

The Future of Smartphone Photography

The rumored features of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra underscore the ongoing evolution of smartphone photography. From the improved zoom to the innovative AI features and advanced video capabilities, this device seems poised to redefine what we can capture with our smartphones. As we await the official unveiling at the Unpacked 2024 event, it’s safe to say that the Galaxy S24 Ultra could mark a significant milestone in the journey of smartphone photography.

Two photographers, unknown to each other, traveled across the United States searching for myth-challenging realities at the mid-century. Both lensmen received a Guggenheim Foundation fellowship. Each photographer’s objective was the same: to document the American landscape, people and culture. The year was 1955.

The joint survey “Robert Frank and Todd Webb: Across America, 1955,” at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, is a groundbreaking show uniting both photographers for the first time. Curated by Lisa Volpe, the exhibit metaphorically transports viewers cross country into a time travel reality seven decades earlier.

The Swiss-born Frank became a quintessential chronicler of the American zeitgeist. Driving roads armed with his Leica camera, Frank also constructed his own version of gritty, unapologetic neorealism. Frank’s well-known book The Americans resulted from this project. Originally published by Robert Delpire in 1958, Paris as Les Americains is undoubtedly a classic.

Parade, Hoboken, New Jersey, 1955–1956, printed 1972–1977, at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (Collection Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, the Target Collection of American Photography, museum purchase funded by Target Stores. © The June Leaf and Robert Frank Foundation.)” srcset=”https://www.mecreates.com/story/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/13_Frank-Parade-Hoboken-New-Jersey-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://www.papercitymag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/13_Frank-Parade-Hoboken-New-Jersey-300×194.jpg 300w, https://www.papercitymag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/13_Frank-Parade-Hoboken-New-Jersey-1024×663.jpg 1024w, https://www.papercitymag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/13_Frank-Parade-Hoboken-New-Jersey-768×497.jpg 768w, https://www.papercitymag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/13_Frank-Parade-Hoboken-New-Jersey-1536×994.jpg 1536w, https://www.papercitymag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/13_Frank-Parade-Hoboken-New-Jersey-2048×1325.jpg 2048w, https://www.papercitymag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/13_Frank-Parade-Hoboken-New-Jersey-600×388.jpg 600w” sizes=”(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px”>

The second photographer — Detroit native Todd Webb — vanished into obscurity for decades along with his negatives and photographs.

Todd Webb, taught by legendary landscape photographer Ansel Adams, captured 10,000 striking images while walking, biking and boating across America (versus Frank, who traveled by car). Prior to embarking on a career in photography, Webb worked as a stockbroker. He lost everything following the Stock Market Crash in 1929. His images of city scenes in Detroit, New York City, London and Paris are unforgettable. But as great as that part of Webb’s oeuvre is, nothing tops his celebrated series he took in eight African countries, which are featured in the book Todd Webb in Africa: Outside the Frame (2021).

Between Lovelock and Fernley, NV 1956, printed 2023, at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. The look back on America then, curated by the MFAH’s Lisa Volpe, resonates today. (Courtesy Todd Webb Archive. © Todd Webb Archive)” srcset=”https://www.mecreates.com/story/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/02_Webb-Between-Lovelock-and-Fernley-NV-1-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://www.papercitymag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/02_Webb-Between-Lovelock-and-Fernley-NV-1-300×233.jpg 300w, https://www.papercitymag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/02_Webb-Between-Lovelock-and-Fernley-NV-1-1024×794.jpg 1024w, https://www.papercitymag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/02_Webb-Between-Lovelock-and-Fernley-NV-1-768×596.jpg 768w, https://www.papercitymag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/02_Webb-Between-Lovelock-and-Fernley-NV-1-1536×1191.jpg 1536w, https://www.papercitymag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/02_Webb-Between-Lovelock-and-Fernley-NV-1-2048×1589.jpg 2048w, https://www.papercitymag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/02_Webb-Between-Lovelock-and-Fernley-NV-1-600×465.jpg 600w” sizes=”(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px”>

In the well-curated MFAH exhibit, Webb’s vision connects him to a lonesome road in Nevada and the working class of small-town America. One highlight of the exhibit is Webb’s photo of a 14-year-old riverboat captain named Clifton Ray Durham.

The Social Ills of 1955

Lisa Volpe — curator of photography at the MFAH whose recent coups have included exhibitions on Gordon Parks and Georgia O’Keeffe, the latter as the first ever show on the painter as photographer — notes the differences between the two photographers but also the similarities.

“It was interesting how much they kind of come together, really, into two threads,” Volpe says. “For both photographers, it’s rampant consumerism. It’s this idea that ‘As long as we’re buying things, we are practicing our freedoms and we’re keeping up with everybody else.’ Which is still the case today.

“And then, of course, racism and segregation (appear in both Frank and Webb’s images). They were both horrified at what they saw and saw, notably, in different parts of the country.”

Robert Frank’s The Americans still resonates today as an unflinching look into the real truth behind American society. Eventually Frank, who once referred to himself as Walker Evans’s chauffeur, turned his focus away from photography and towards cinema. Over the years, MFAH has screened numerous Frank films including Pull My Daisy (1959), Me and My Brother (1968), C’est Vrai (1990) and the Rolling Stones documentary Cocksucker Blues (1972).

Joe, Abiquiú, NM, 1955, printed 2023, at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (Courtesy Todd Webb Archive. © Todd Webb Archive.)” srcset=”https://www.mecreates.com/story/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/08_Webb-Cowboy-Lexington-NE-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://www.papercitymag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/08_Webb-Cowboy-Lexington-NE-300×195.jpg 300w, https://www.papercitymag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/08_Webb-Cowboy-Lexington-NE-1024×667.jpg 1024w, https://www.papercitymag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/08_Webb-Cowboy-Lexington-NE-768×500.jpg 768w, https://www.papercitymag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/08_Webb-Cowboy-Lexington-NE-1536×1000.jpg 1536w, https://www.papercitymag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/08_Webb-Cowboy-Lexington-NE-2048×1333.jpg 2048w, https://www.papercitymag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/08_Webb-Cowboy-Lexington-NE-600×391.jpg 600w” sizes=”(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px”>

But even with his later cinematic focus, it is Frank’s photos, in conversation with Webb’s in this powerful and illuminating exhibition which destroy the myth of a monoculture by embracing realism and avoiding tourist stops.

By photographing America’s roads, diners, bars, gas stations, cowboys and other interesting working-class characters, Robert Frank and Todd Webb peeled back layers of mythology to arrive at the truth. This incredible exhibit encourages us to view America from these photographers’ unerring, unique, yet often shared perspectives.

Tsherin Sherpa: Spirits at Asia Society

All Things Considered, 2014, at Asia Society Texas Center (Elaine W. Ng and Fabio Rossi Collection)” srcset=”https://www.mecreates.com/story/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/s3622.All-Things-Considered_2.Final_.jpg 2500w, https://www.papercitymag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/s3622.All-Things-Considered_2.Final_-300×174.jpg 300w, https://www.papercitymag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/s3622.All-Things-Considered_2.Final_-1024×593.jpg 1024w, https://www.papercitymag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/s3622.All-Things-Considered_2.Final_-768×445.jpg 768w, https://www.papercitymag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/s3622.All-Things-Considered_2.Final_-1536×890.jpg 1536w, https://www.papercitymag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/s3622.All-Things-Considered_2.Final_-2048×1186.jpg 2048w, https://www.papercitymag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/s3622.All-Things-Considered_2.Final_-600×348.jpg 600w” sizes=”(max-width: 2500px) 100vw, 2500px”>

Tsherin Sherpa, a contemporary artist from Nepal, explores the East-West cultural dichotomy while incorporating narratives not typically explored in traditional thangka paintings. Originally working as a Tibetan Buddhist thangka painter with his father Master Urgen Dorje, Sherpa has moved beyond deities to champion secular spirits.

Much like Japanese artist Taskashi Murakami, he also embraces various iterations of Pop art. Recently, Sherpa collaborated with Commes des Garçon designer Junya Watanabe for a dress based on a orange-blue-green grid pattern. Versatility and being open minded have become major aspects of his artistic practice.

At Houston’s Asia Society Texas Center, “Tsherin Sherpa: Spirits” explores the artist’s interest in narrative-driven storytelling, reimagining iconography and establishing new realities.

Dr. Owen Duffy, Asia Society Texas Center’s recent hire as the museum’s Nancy C. Allen curator and director of exhibitions, oversees the Houston presentation of this traveling exhibition organized by the organized by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond, where it debuted in 2022.

Tsherin Sherpa developed a deep interest in comic books while growing up, which is reflected in his colorful work. Although he recalls reading comics from India like Amar Chitra Katha, he spent more time engrossed in Western comic books like The Adventures of Tintin by Hergé, Asterix, Archie, Thor and Spider Man.

“There was a comic book called Tintin in Tibet,” Sherpa says. “So, actually, Tintin travels to Kathmandu, Nepal, and then from there, travels to Tibet, and comes across a Yeti creature.”

Pop Art and Pop Culture References

The irreverent aspect of Tsherin Sherpa’s work is undoubtedly part of its charm. For example, the showstopper fiberglass sculpture Skippers (Kneedeep) (2019 to 2020) features a pink bubble gum-blowing spirit figure.

And although inspired by the concept of Tibetan protest against the Chinese government, the painting 8 Spirits (2012) also references Andy Warhol’s Eight Elvises (1963) in its seriality.

The painting Oh My God-Ness (2009) features a figure wearing a Tibetan protection amulet and polka-dotted underwear inspired by Damien Hirst’s spot paintings. Similarly, Staying Alive (To Sexy to Die) (2011) references John Travolta’s character in Saturday Night Fever (1977).

Although hailing from Nepal, Sherpa has also spent time in California. He envisions Westerners getting past the idea of associating the term Sherpa with climbing Mount Everest or trekking along the Annapurna Circuit.

Born Jangchub Tshering, Sherpa recalls that the time he was “interrogated by a U.S. immigration officer at the airport and the official asked, ‘How many mountains have you climbed?’ ” Sherpa laughs.

Himalayan Spirits, 2021, at Asia Society Texas Center (Collection Virginia Museum of Fine Arts)” srcset=”https://www.mecreates.com/story/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2022_74a-d_v1_TW_202207.jpg 2500w, https://www.papercitymag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/2022_74a-d_v1_TW_202207-300×142.jpg 300w, https://www.papercitymag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/2022_74a-d_v1_TW_202207-1024×483.jpg 1024w, https://www.papercitymag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/2022_74a-d_v1_TW_202207-768×362.jpg 768w, https://www.papercitymag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/2022_74a-d_v1_TW_202207-1536×725.jpg 1536w, https://www.papercitymag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/2022_74a-d_v1_TW_202207-2048×967.jpg 2048w, https://www.papercitymag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/2022_74a-d_v1_TW_202207-600×283.jpg 600w” sizes=”(max-width: 2500px) 100vw, 2500px”>

Sherpa describes his stunning Himalayan Spirits (2021) painting by discussing the neighborhood his studio is situated in. “Around my studio, there are people looking after their goats and cows, children playing on the street. People just taking normal walks,” he tells PaperCity. “In the background, their faces are not drawn, but they are blank faces with all of these people in the background.

“And the idea was as if all these people’s aspirations are bringing forth these Himalayan spirits.”

“Robert Frank and Todd Webb: Across America, 1955” is on view through this Sunday, January 7 at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. You can get the exhibition catalogue through the MFAH Shop here. Find more exhibition details here. The exhibition organized by the MFAH appropriately will hit the road, traveling to the Addison Gallery of American Art at Phillips Academy, Andover, Massachusetts and the Brandywine Museum of Art, Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. 

“Tsherin Sherpa: Spirits” is on view through this Sunday, January 7 at Asia Society Texas Center. Find more exhibition details here.

Michelle Z Simmons met up with ballet dancer Lucas Labrador in downtown Roswell, a suburb of Atlanta. Simmons had been a photographer for only a few years, but had developed a love of shooting dancers. “I had photographed my niece, who is now with Virginia’s Richmond Ballet, and wanted to get more experience,” she explains. “Dancers have been photographed many, many times, so I wanted something different from the classic ballet shot.”

With that in mind, she asked Labrador to wear casual clothes instead of traditional ballet attire and arranged to meet in an area filled with restaurants and shops. “Unfortunately, as the sun went down and the lights were coming on, the traffic and crowds increased, making the location feel messy,” Simmons says. “We walked around to a back alley and it was perfect. I grabbed some sunglasses and a hat out of my car, and we just played ideas off each other until we got some shots we loved.”

Labrador had final approval of the image: “Ballet dancers are finicky about their photographs,” Simmons says. “What I think looks good is not always proper form for them.

“The shadow and the opposing diagonals created by Lucas’s body and the staircase in relation to his extended arm and thigh are the other important parts of the image. It creates a composition that keeps your eye moving around the image,” she adds.

She hopes the photo will encourage others to “pick up their phone and head out to someplace unexpected with someone unexpected. I also hope it makes everyone want to jump!”