You know how sometimes you have a crazy idea, so far out there that you don’t even take it seriously, but then somehow all the stars align and your dream not only comes true, but it’s actually *better* than you could have imagined…?

Yeah, this is one of those stories.

portait paris ballerina pink gown eiffel tower

I had a Parisian photoshoot on my visionboard for some time now, so when my favourite photography mentor announced her workshop in France and I instantly decided I’d be there, my mind just went into overdrive and all kinds of ideas were born on how I could make the most of my time over there.

portait paris ballerina pink gown eiffel tower reflection

I knew I wanted the Eiffel Tower. Because… Eiffel Tower.
I knew I wanted a girl.
In a beautiful gown.
Let’s make it a pink gown. (spring. blossoms. cherry blossoms)
Wouldn’t if be great to have some movement? Maybe I can get her to dance.
Okay, I want a ballerina.

portait paris ballerina pink gown eiffel tower reflection

So I started an extensive internet stalking research to find my ballerina and at the same time I got in touch with local designer extraordinaire Lisa Keating.
Lisa creates fabulous, bespoke corsets and wedding gowns in her studio and I was hoping she would have something amongst her showpieces which she would be happy to lend for me for the shoot.
She not only did have a pale pink corset for me to borrow, but she got so excited about the idea that she decided to customise/refresh the corset with some details AND make an amazing blossom pink circle skirt to go with it! It was more than I could have ever asked for.

portait paris ballerina pink gown eiffel tower reflection

In the meantime I also found Camille – beautiful, talented and a dancer at the Opera Garnier in Paris.
And she didn’t mind getting up ridiculously early on a Sunday morning to make sure we avoid the crowds at the Trocadero – which also turned out to be a great decision because the light..!  The light was just divine… and we were gifted with the most beautiful pastel skies.

portait paris ballerina pink gown eiffel tower reflection

portait paris ballerina pink gown eiffel tower reflection

portait paris ballerina pink gown eiffel tower

portait paris ballerina pink gown eiffel tower reflection

And I was in heaven.

 

So this is the story of my Paris ballerina.