If you're not familiar with Richard Calmes you should be. This award-winning photographer, who is based in Atlanta, GA, specializes in dancers and produces exquisite work. What makes Richard unique is his ability to bring out his subjects' most beautiful qualities by helping them feel comfortable, at ease and willing to try anything no matter how outlandish it seems.

I had the pleasure of working with him last year when we shot Michael Trusnovec and Annmaria Mazzini(dancers with Paul Taylor Dance Company) for the cover of the March 2009 issue of Dancer Magazine. The dancers were running a little late, and Richard suggested we save time by doing the test shots on me. I agreed, though somewhat apprehensively, because I hadn't danced in years. Somehow, Richard managed to reconnect me with my talent, which I thought was gone for good. The images he took exceeded all my expectations and one in particular inspired me to take a stab at dancing professionally again. You know which photo that was? The one you see next to my name on this blog.

For years people have been telling Richard he should publish a book of his photography, and he finally has. DANCE MAGIC, which contains work from the past three years, is now available online to preview and purchase here:blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1141310

Paul Taylor instructing Michael Trusnovec and Annmaria Mazzini, Photo by Richard Calmes

A word from Richard about DANCE MAGIC:

I call it DANCE MAGIC because that is the only way I can explain the incredible feats of physical strength and beauty that dancers perform in front of my lenses on a regular basis.

Every image in this book has a story...and I share some of these entertaining tales for about half the photos in the book. For the most part, Dance Magic is a picture book, not a "how-to" manual, and therefore hopefully more fun to read.

The pictures are from my studio and outdoor creative sessions from the last three years. You will find magic in all kinds of settings from the streets of New York City to the waves of the Pacific Ocean. Most of the dancers are professionals, and some are pre-professionals. But they all have one thing in common: They all love dance.

I love dance too, and I love dancers. And I appreciate dancers. And I think I have grown to understand dancers. It is this love, appreciation, and understanding I hope to convey in my work.

If you find any of these images beautiful, it is because I was lucky enough to capture the beauty created by these special and spectacular artists.

Richard

Congratulations, Richard, and thank you for your continued inspiration!