Richard Calmes

Richard Calmes discovered photography in Vietnam in the 1970’s even though he was lead away from photography by other business opportunities. He began to get back into photography after getting inspired by taking his daughter to her dance classes. Now, in the United States, he is considered one of the most prominent dance photographers. Calmes take a journalistic approach when trying to capture the essence of the studio environment. He received attention for his dance photographs almost immediately after it was shown in the Carisma Gallery in Atlanta in 2006. Calmes is no the Official Photographer for the Southeastern Ballet Association.



Having taken his daughter to dance classes over the years Richard was exposed to all of the work and energy that is poured into being a dancer. Calmes tends to focus on the beginner little students as well as the more advanced dancers. It shows that work is never over. The goal of his performance photography is to get “Bursts of Beauty.” Within the flow of choreography the movements go so fast so that the individual that is watching has no change to take in the beauty of a particular moment. Calmes enjoys taking dancers off their stage and out into environments that wouldn’t normally be in.



Richard Calmes captures the most elegant movements. Ballerinas are the epitome of beauty to me. They are so graceful and talented. Dancers are able to move their bodies in ways I could never imagine. I want to capture their fluid movements and he does this beautifully.


Resources

http://www.richardcalmes.com/