Dancing in the Cold: An Adventure with Further Movement Collective
When Further Movement Collective, a dance company based in beautiful Bend, Oregon, asked me to photograph them, I was thrilled. Dance photography combines grace, strength, and emotion—a trifecta for a photographer’s dream. Add to that the brisk embrace of an Oregon evening, and you’ve got the perfect storm for creativity (and frozen fingers).
We planned the shoot for late afternoon, knowing it would get colder as time went on. Let me tell you, nothing says “commitment” like dancers leaping into the air in tank tops while I’m bundled up in layers like a walking marshmallow.
The Choreography of Chaos
The session started with some warm-ups—not just for the dancers but for my camera, which seemed to be shivering in sympathy. Despite the cold, the dancers radiated energy and joy, their movements effortlessly synchronized. There was laughter, the occasional stumble, and a lot of "Wait, can we do that one more time?"
They jumped, spun, and posed with the mountains silhouetted behind them, their breath visible in the crisp air like tiny clouds of determination.
Behind the Scenes Shenanigans
One of my favorite moments was when we paused for a group huddle to strategize the next set of shots. Someone’s toes were frozen, another’s hair kept getting in their face mid-spin, and I was desperately trying to keep my fingers from going numb while adjusting the camera settings. Despite all that, spirits remained high.
Creating Memories (and Maybe a Cold?)
As the evening progressed and the cold became even more noticeable, I couldn’t help but admire the dancers’ resilience. Watching these talented artists perform with such passion reminded me why I love what I do. Capturing these fleeting moments of connection, creativity, and yes, sheer stubbornness in the face of Mother Nature is a privilege I don’t take lightly.
By the end of the session, we were cold but elated. The dancers thanked me for my patience; I thanked them for their trust. We laughed about how none of us would feel our toes for the next few hours and parted ways, knowing we had created something special.
A Grateful Heart
Every photoshoot leaves its mark, but this one was a reminder of how lucky I am to do this work. People invite me into their worlds, their art, their passion, and trust me to tell their stories through my lens. It’s a humbling and joyous responsibility, and moments like these—even the cold, finger-freezing ones—fill me with gratitude.
So, here’s to Further Movement Collective and to everyone who lets me freeze (literally) time with them. Thank you for choosing me to be part of your journey. Let’s do it again… maybe in the summer next time?
