Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Sobrino.
Hi Diana, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I have always been involved in the arts since a young age, particularly with Ballet. Born and raised in Germany, I tirelessly worked towards being a pro as a student of the John-Cranko school. Fast forward, we move to Florida and training here was different to say the least. So, I continued to carry my passion for ballet in my heart and dreams.
Years later, I am grateful to share this wonderful art with my daughter. Naturally, just as any proud parent I wanted to document every step of this journey in pictures. I participated in the usual recital pictures that often are very ‘posed’ and rushed. I was not getting what I wanted as a parent, or what I expected as a dancer! This was when it really hit me how important a photograph is and the immense value it can hold.
Through encouragement and support of a wonderful friend I got the opportunity to combine both my passions into Diana Sobrino Photography. While it might go without saying the support of my family was integral as well. While this area has many excellent photographers, an actively involved dance photographer is not something we have. In fact, many areas do not have that.
Being able to talk to and understand dancers is secondary to seeing how their faces light up when we get ‘the shot’ and it is just beyond description. Photographs tell stories, they pause the moment, and they amplify your feelings. In Dance Photography all those little details matter. They matter to them, and to me! I get it as a dancer, I expect it as a parent, and that is what I want to deliver with respect to the arts and its technicalities.
Special mention should be made for Jax City Ballet and their wonderful dancers and families!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The beginning is always easy because you are consumed by excitement. Then the reality of running a business set in along with the expenses. You need to make consistent adjustments to sustain your business without compromising quality. For me there was also a load of wonderful new technologies that come with a huge learning curve on the backend on how to schedule a session and share my work.
But I think there will always be some degree of struggle that you learn to adapt to. Adaptability is key, especially when you have a dancer expecting an arabesque shot at 120 degrees but really, they only have the range for 50 degrees. The expectations of fancy ‘trick’ shots, that work only when all the stars align. There is no mercy in dance photography. You don’t turn out, or do not point your toes; it shows. Yes, you can photoshop it, but we all know and expect better. because it is there!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My specialization is in dance photography. I’m most proud of being not just an observer to the art, but to breathe and live this art myself. Having the ability to communicate with dancers on their terms, sharing that extreme level of perfectionism and discipline; that is what sets me apart. That is what sets the pictures of the dancers apart from the many others. I want their pictures to show this! I will expect the best of you during our session, and your pictures will show your best lines.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up I was always in ballet, then I added piano, and picked up photography in High School. I was always consumed by the accuracy and technicalities of these creative arts and would practice for hours. I would read books, magazine, and online articles to expand my knowledge. I was just and still am passionate about that. What’s not to love about dressing up to tell a story or capturing a picture that tells a story!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dianasobrinophotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianasobrinophotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558046780590
