In her blog Relish, Myra Klarman, of Myra Klarman Photography in Ann Arbor, Michigan, writes about her experience working with Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir, the 2008 Canadian national champions and World silver medalists in ice dancing. Myra recounts how she was initially reluctant to photograph them because her specialty is individuals, mostly headshot and publicity photos. (My guess is that if Myra couldn't guarantee that the end product would be superlative, she wasn't going to risk it on both sides. That's been my experience working with and observing artist professionals.)
Myra said the following about working with two or more people for group shots:
...it is a lot more work to compose the shots, and get all involved on the same page and coordinated -- it can take more than double the time and effort, and I simply run out of energy! My voice doesn't project well, etc. These days, when I'm trying to balance a business and a family (I have a 5-year-old son who is quite energetic), it tends to be stressful for me to take on such consuming projects. And you're absolutely right, I cannot guarantee the kind of results I achieve with individuals.
After some persistence, Tessa's mother convinced Myra that there was no question in everyone's mind that Myra was the one to capture the duo's spirit and energy. I totally agree -- Now Myra's an ice dancing fan and will be following Tessa and Scott's progress in the upcoming season!
She also noted that:
It helped knowing, that as champion ice skaters, Tessa and Scott are used to working closely, and have years of taking coaching and feedback in their work together. I had a hunch it could go smoothly. Although I did fret for the first few minutes when I was attempting to coordinate their looks. Fortunately, they were very prepared and brought great clothes!
Myra advised that the photos are for general personal use and publicity. Is it just me, or are you also thinking the casting director for Abercrombie & Fitch needs to be knocking on their doors?
Click here for more fabulous photos of Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir, including the bubblegum shot.
These are awesome! They really should be models for catalogues or something.
Posted by: Deana | Jul 18, 2008 at 08:24 AM
These are lovely, I like the bubblegum moment as well, especially with Tessa's ballet shoes.
Posted by: Leah | Jul 18, 2008 at 10:51 AM
this ia very cute picture im haveing alot of fun studieing them for my lawson project
Posted by: dd | Jan 19, 2009 at 08:49 PM