A day at the BALLET

Don Quixote was originally published as a two-part novel in 1605 and 1615, by the Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes. Titled The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha, its themes cover romance, chivalry and adventures aplenty. The vivid story of Don Quixote was then later composed for the opera in 1896, and first performed in Berlin in 1898.

While you might be here for photographic insights, not a history lesson, some context helps to set the scene of this month’s pro shoot – a shoot that features two leading roles.

Digital Photographer has been fortunate enough to receive an invitation from Birmingham Royal Ballet (BRB) to witness our guest editor Clive Booth in action. He has been given a generous two-hour slot with Carlos Acosta CBE, the retired dancer and now director responsible for creating a sparkling new production of Don Quixote for the BRB.

Clive, who already has a strong working relationship with the ballet company from past shoots, will be photographing Acosta as never seen before. He’ll be applying his distinctive visual style of soft-focus and soulful poses, and doing so with a whole load of professional Canon kit (Clive is an active member of the Ambassador Programme).

I’ve interviewed Clive before (see issue 239), so I knew his love of Canon kit and a tendency for perfectionism, but what I didn’t know was the visual outcome he had in mind this time. Clive, who is a true professional in more than just name, knows that preparation is key for a successful outcome. He always puts together a mood