Camilla Greenwell

Top tip

My main bit of advice would be to try and see whatever you are photographing, before doing so. Just watching something before picking up your camera can be really helpful. It’s not always possible of course, lots of my images are taken in dress runs where I get one shot, but if the chance is there, take it.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

When I was starting out in dance photography, I kept trying to get everything pin sharp, because I thought that was professional and indicated skill. The best advice, or request, that taught me a lot, was when a client asked to see some ‘blurred’ shots. It made me realise that I was imposing all these rules on the images that made them lack any feeling or sense of movement.

Photo: Camilla Greenwell

What’s your favourite dance image you have taken and why?

That is so tough! I’ve worked with too many incredible companies and artists to be able to pick one shot. What I can say though is that the images which I love always tend to be those I’ve taken in rehearsals, as opposed to production shots. You get this access that very few people do, seeing artists in a creation period, and that can lead to these wonderfully intimate images that show a dance element but are ultimately about people.