As I mentioned in a previous post, I love ballet. There's just something about it that gets me every time. The elegance, the tutus, the athleticism, I love it all. It's not a surprise that when I came across the Beauty Within Project, I was blown away. I loved how they combined the elegance and beauty of ballet with life in Alberta and definitely wanted to find out more about this endeavour. I hope you enjoy getting to know these incredibly talented photographers and what their vision behind the project is. Enjoy!
1) Tell us a little about yourselves.
Hi, my name is Kendal Dyer and my fiance is Kevin Nakonechny. We both own our own photography companies here in Calgary - Kevin works as NAKA Photography and my company is Midnightea Art and Photography. We are both born and raised Albertans although we have both had the pleasure of living in other spots as well (Wollongong (Australia) and Victoria (BC) myself, while Kevin lived in Bournemouth (UK)). Eventually we both found ourselves back in Calgary.
Feel free to use any information from our bios as well:
We're pretty typical Albertans for the most part - we both love getting out into the outdoors, hiking and camping and yes, we do enjoy our Big Rock Beers!
2) What is the Beauty Within project?
The Beauty Within Project is a photo-series that Kevin and I put together, hoping to showcase Alberta's somewhat unknown, yet very impressive art scene. We shot at a number or iconic settings throughout southern Alberta with ballerinas acting as visual symbols, representing the arts.
3) What was the inspiration behind it?
We were inspired to do this project because I think we both see a divide between the way Alberta is often perceived and the present day reality of our province. The ‘wild west’ mantra doesn't really hold true anymore. There is so much variety within the province and I don’t think that gets communicated as well as it maybe could.
Ballerina’s were part of an earlier concept that I had. I thought it would be interesting to do a shoot with a ballerina in an old warehouse, playing on the contrast between something conventionally beautiful and something unattractive. We decided that ballerinas could be used in the Beauty Within Project, to act as a visual symbol for the arts. The photos needed to convey a message but at the same time be interesting and attention grabbing. I think the ballerinas pull that off.
4) What is the main goal of the project and where do you see it going?
4) What is the main goal of the project and where do you see it going?
The aim of the project was to highlight Alberta’s art scene, and showcase Alberta’s landscapes in a slightly different light. In doing so, redefining people’s perceptions of Alberta.
This photo-series was specifically about the arts, since that resonates with Kevin and I, but really there are so many themes that could be highlighted. We all value things differently and ultimately I just hope that this project spurs a conversation. What are your perceptions of Alberta? How would you define being an Albertan? I know what my thoughts are but it would be interesting to see what others are thinking.
5) Can people purchase these photos?
5) Can people purchase these photos?
Definitely! If people are interested in prints they can contact us through our websites midnightea.com and nakaphotography.com.
6) Where can we find out more?
We have been posting photos from the series via my Midnightea Facebook page (facebook.com/midnightea) and over at Kevin's blog "Photo and a Song" (wordpress.nakaphotography.com). We were also recently featured in the Huffington Post Alberta, which you can read here -http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/12/23/alberta-beauty-within-photography_n_4494693.html?utm_hp_ref=canada-alberta.
If people have specific questions they can contact us through email - kendal.dyer@gmail.com or kevnak19@gmail.com
NAKA Photography
Instagram @nakaphotography
Midnightea Art & Photography
Instagram: @kendaleigh
Love this!! Such beautiful photos. The first black and white one is incredible.
ReplyDeleteI know!! I was blown away! Glad you like them :)
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