Working my entire career as a ballet choreographer, it became interesting to me how, not only the ways that cities have become closely identified with their home dance companies, but how particular dancers are informed by the environments they reside in. 

DANCER + PLACE PROJECT was a photo series of collaborations with professional dancers framed in environments particular to their geography. It was an exploration of natural forms and how they collaborate with the shapes of people. 

ATHLETE + PLACE PROJECT is the next evolution of the original project. Every athlete has some connection to the place they train. Whether working indoors our outdoors, the climate, the terrain, the weather, the culture all have an effect on how an athlete develops.

I’m currently traveling around the country, collaborating with individuals to create a photo series that explores the relationship between athlete and place. 

Athletes spend their discipline creating the most perfect version of themselves. Part of my mission is to liberate the human body from the stigma and judgment that sexualizes bodies by default. 

I think of the images I make mostly as portraiture. Even though they are usually nudes, they are an expression of the metaphor of exposing your true self. To be an athlete is to be bold…to be brave. Having the confidence to stand naked both in ones being and in one’s body is a reflection of the power that comes with pushing yourself to compete and to be your best. 

I try to make an environment where you feel like yourself so that the photos communicate something about you. The shoots are very collaborative as we work together to make something that feels authentic to you. 

We will find a location that makes sense for your “story” and set aside some time to experiment and make beautiful images. I don’t work with a team so there won’t be other people around unless you prefer to have a guest.

I also give control to the people I shoot with over which images are used and how they are used. It’s a big deal to endeavor something like this and it is important to me that you feel confident. 

The final outcome is planned to be a digital book and gallery show that chronicles both the images and the process.