Wife: - Honey, Szabi (the ZG Dance Family head coach) told me that they are making their website and they need photos.
Me: -?????
Wife: - I told him, you'll definitely take good photos for them!
Me: - But... Of course! We need to buy the following equipment:... :)
Wife: - That's fine, let's buy it!
Thus began the photo session to take the pictures for the ZG Dance Family website.
Capturing the Heart of a Passionate Dance Team
When you’re asked to take photos for a project, you might expect a straightforward assignment. But when the task involves capturing the essence of a group as vibrant and passionate as the ZG Dance Family, it quickly becomes something much more profound. This isn’t just about taking pictures - it’s about freezing moments of dedication, joy, and the art of dance in time. That’s exactly what happened when my wife casually informed me that I was going to be the photographer for the ZG Dance Family’s new website.
The Unexpected Assignment
It all started innocently enough. My wife, who’s always a step ahead in understanding what I’m capable of (even when I don’t), came to me one evening with news that would set off a chain of events culminating in one of the most rewarding photo sessions I’ve ever done.
"Honey," she began, "Szabi, the head coach of the ZG Dance Family, mentioned they’re working on their website and need some professional photos." I looked at her, somewhat puzzled. Before I could ask why she was telling me this, she added, "I told him you’d definitely take great photos for them!"
There it was - my wife’s faith in my abilities, pushing me into a new adventure. Of course, I agreed, but not without a bit of humor to mask the slight nervousness I felt. "Well, we’ll need to buy some equipment!" I replied, half-jokingly. To my surprise, she was fully on board. "That’s fine," she said, "let’s get what you need!" And just like that, the journey began.
Who Are ZG Dance Family?
Before we delve into the photo session itself, it’s essential to understand who the ZG Dance Family are. Founded two years ago by Szabolcs Zilahi and Andrea Gede, this team is far more than just a group of dancers. Szabi and Andrea, the head coaches, are not only dedicated to their art but also deeply invested in nurturing the potential of every dancer under their wing. They are passionate competitors themselves, having grown up in the world of dance. They know firsthand the challenges, the triumphs, and the transformative power that dance holds.
The ZG Dance Family was formed to create a space where dancers could not only hone their technical skills but also grow as individuals. Their mission is to produce competitors who shine on the dance floor and embody the human values of discipline, respect, and perseverance. For them, dance is a language - a way to express the soul and see the world through a different lens.
Preparing for the ZG Dance Family Photo Session
As someone who loves photography, the idea of capturing such a dynamic group was exciting, but I knew I needed the right tools to do it justice. Imagining the lighting setup was the first step. I envisioned a three-flash system that would highlight the dancers’ movements and the emotion behind every pose.
We decided on a Godox AD400 flash for the main light, ensuring that the dancers were well-lit and their expressions were clear. For the hair light, I chose a smaller Godox flash, which added depth and separation from the background. The backlighting was handled by a system flash mounted on a stand, adding that extra bit of drama that dance photography often requires.
For the lens, I opted for a Canon EF 24-70mm F2.8 L II USM at 70mm. This lens is a workhorse in situations where you need versatility and clarity, making it perfect for the varied poses and movements of the ZG Dance Family. We also chose a slightly greenish batik canvas for the background, though we brought a black backdrop just in case. Ultimately, the greenish canvas provided a subtle contrast that enhanced the overall feel of the images.
Choosing the Right Space
Finding the perfect room for the photo session wasn’t as straightforward as we’d hoped. We needed ample space to allow the dancers to move freely while also accommodating the camera setup. The first room offered to us was simply too small; I couldn’t get far enough from the dancers to capture them properly without distorting the images. Ideally, I wanted to use an 85mm focal length for the shoot, which requires a certain distance from the subject.
After a bit of negotiation, we managed to secure a larger room. However, this new space had its own challenges. The walls were painted a pale yellow, which complicated achieving the right white balance. Additionally, there was a massive mirror on one side of the room, reflecting light and potentially disrupting the shots. Fortunately, the mirror didn’t interfere as much as I feared, and we found ways to manage the light balance.
The ZG Dance Family: Poses or just Dance?
One of the key decisions during the shoot was whether to pose the dancers or capture them in motion. Initially, we tried setting up different poses, with Szabi’s guidance ensuring that the images were both visually striking and technically correct from a dance perspective. However, when it came time to photograph Szabi and Andrea - the heart and soul of the ZG Dance Family - the poses felt forced.
That’s when I remembered something I’d read in Scott Kelby’s photography book: to capture the true essence of dancers, play their favorite music and let them move naturally. We decided to try it. As soon as the music started, something magical happened. Szabi and Andrea’s bodies began to move with the rhythm, each step a natural expression of their connection to the music and to each other. It was in these moments that the true spirit of the ZG Dance Family came alive on camera.
Capturing the ZG Dance Family Spirit
The day of the ZG Dance Family photo session was filled with excitement and anticipation. As a photographer, you’re always striving to do more than just take a picture. You want to capture a story, a feeling, something that transcends the image itself. With the ZG Dance Family, this was especially true. These were not just dancers; they were artists, athletes, and dreamers all rolled into one. Their energy was palpable, and I felt a deep responsibility to capture that.
As the shoot progressed, I realized that Szabi and Andrea had created something unique with the ZG Dance Family. It wasn’t just about dance - it was about a shared vision of excellence, passion, and personal growth. The photos had to reflect that ethos, and with every click of the shutter, I focused on capturing not just the dancers’ physical movements but also the emotion and intent behind them.
Post-Session Reflections
Looking back on the ZG Dance Family photo session, I’m struck by how much more it was than just a job. It was an opportunity to witness firsthand the dedication and love that Szabi, Andrea, and their dancers pour into their craft. It’s not every day that you get to work with such passionate individuals, and I’m grateful for the experience.
As we reviewed the photos, it was clear that we had succeeded in our mission. The images didn’t just show dancers in motion; they told a story of a family bound by a shared love of dance, striving for greatness while remaining grounded in their values. The ZG Dance Family had a vision, and I’m honored to have been a part of bringing that vision to life through photography.
Conclusion: The Power of Dance and Photography
The ZG Dance Family photo session was a reminder of the power of both dance and photography. Dance, as embodied by Szabi, Andrea, and their team, is an art form that transcends mere movement. It’s a way of communicating, of expressing emotions that words sometimes can’t capture. Photography, on the other hand, is about freezing those moments in time, creating a visual record that can be revisited and relived.
Working with the ZG Dance Family taught me that the best photos aren’t always the ones that are meticulously planned. Sometimes, the most powerful images come from letting go and allowing the subjects to express themselves naturally. In the end, the ZG Dance Family’s photos weren’t just images - they were a celebration of what makes this group so special: their passion, their dedication, and their love for the art of dance.
Special Thanks
Special thanks go to my wife who organized and made this session possible, and for the coaches to trust me. Thanks to all ZG Dance Family members for their cooperation.
If you’re as captivated by this topic as I am, don’t miss out on exploring more insights in my other topics and contents in my Portfolio!