I met Katja (TJ) dancing at The Sanctuary. Misty, Mike and I were standing outside after dancing on a Friday at 2am. TJ was walking by saying a good night. Something made her turn back and come to us. The four of us stood there talking till 4am in the morning. TJ was a German engineer, dancer, traveller, photographer. She wanted to take a few dancing pictures of hers. So we went out one cold late November afternoon in the cold where TJ went on to put a very good performance of modelling in the cold in skimpy clothes in a water fountain. Just after this shot was taken, TJ took 6 months off of work and spent two months in Africa and 4 months in South America. With a single backpack.
Inna is the quintessential Russian woman in her 30s. She is beautiful, talented and one hell of a person. She manages to run 5 branches of her chiropractic business while taking care of her kids, travelling back and forth between Florida and Atlanta. She knows what she wants and how to get it, and smile while doing it all. this was during a Tuesday social. This is one of my favorite shots, just for her eyes (which are green btw) and her smile.
Lucy is a my salsa coach and a pro-salsa dancer. Somehow this is how I remember Lucy all the time now. Talk about the power of images. And talking of power, never even try to take a kick from Lucy! Olympic athletes would be envious of her quads.
Stephanie flies everywhere, but she is not an angel. We met at tango, and went to Baltimore for the tango festival. She is a strong woman who takes care of her two grown up kids. She is ready for anything and always has class.
Arun Vishnu is a genius. Under utilized, yet happy. He could be designing rocket components for Indian Space mission, yet he chooses to do audio systems for cars. He is the ultimate steady character, and is never too worried. He has saved and supported me on several occasions. He can fix anything you break. This was shot in Kerala on one of my visits back home. He humored me by going over this shot a few times and not looking too puzzled. I like the calm expression on his face.
Alissa's smile combined with her big, beautiful eyes would make any man's heart skip a beat. She is young and very smart. Even if she hasn't decided up on what to do with her International business and politics degree, I have a feeling that he is going to fit right in Washington. I can easily she her as working in United Nations.
Denisa is beautiful and knows it. She could wriggle her finger at the club and three guys would come to her just in case. And don't get me wrong, she's smart. I am sure her Engineering degree from Georgia Tech, which is one of the hardest schools to get into, will take her places. This was shot at Pensacola Beach, FL. Denisa had no problems modeling for me in the cold sea that day, when none of the others did not even want to touch the cold waters. She is my mambo dance partner.
Damaris was a puzzling character. She somehow always managed to effuse a certain sense of a strong intelligence hidden behind her relaxed, easy going facade. It took some effort to get her to pose for these pictures, but once she did I got some very pretty shots. I had been telling her that I needed pictures of her tattoos and I got them just before she left the team.
Rosa is one of my oldest friends in Atlanta, as she was the one of the first friends I made through dance. I had just got my new flash when we were hanging out, and she humored me and posed for a few shots!
