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« Dear New York Times Photo Desk | Main | The Day Before »
Monday
Mar092009

Go Where You've Never Been

I’ll admit, I didn’t know what to expect, but I was extremely excited. Last Friday I was invited with a handful of bloggers (by my friend and previous business partner James Harris) to go behind the scenes and shoot a live, sold-out performance of a circus in Atlanta, but not a typical circus. This was the UniverSoul Circus, a sixteen-year-old circus comprised of 60 performers from all over the world including Ethiopia, China, Russia, Gabon, Guinea, South Africa, Trinidad, Colombia, Brazil, and Dominican Republic. A circus primarily marketed to African American audiences in thirty cities throughout the United States.

Simply put… it’s a circus with serious soul. And despite the fact that I technically don’t fit the target market, I was blown away by the performers, laughed out loud throughout the show, danced in my seat, sang with the audience, and left with some of the most interesting images I’ve ever shot. The energy under that tent was electric and the whole experience reminded me that it's good to go where you've never been.

* * *

Cross-posted with another image at Shutter Sisters.

Reader Comments (7)

This is absolutely beautiful!!! I would LOVE to see more of your photos from the UniverSoul Circus!

March 9, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterWhenToyzAttack

i needed this little gentle shove. thank you... i'm expecting the unexpected as i set out to places that i have never been.

March 9, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterClaire

What a wonderful reminder that there are entire worlds of beauty and awe, just waiting to be documented, if only we have the courage to step out of our daily path. Your photos are amazing!

March 9, 2009 | Unregistered Commentermary

Looks like a really awesome show. I live in Atlanta and wish I had known about it. I don't fit in to their target audience either but wouldn't let that get in the way. Your shot is awesome. Did you have to use a tripod or monopod with that lighting? Off to search for the rest of your photos.

March 9, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterLaurel

wow. you are right, sometimes we need to push ourselves past our normal boundaries. i am guilty of not doing it nearly enough. amazing shot!

March 9, 2009 | Unregistered Commentertracey

you have such a gift! i wish my photography blog had such amazing photos =)

March 9, 2009 | Unregistered Commenterkaytee

Thanks so much. I appreciate you being here.

March 9, 2009 | Unregistered Commenterlittlepurplecow

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