Casey, left, and Kayci Treu practice during a dance lesson Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016 at Strictly Ballroom in Orem. The duo met out of a mutual need for a dance partner, and eventually became romantically involved after many practices together and a first date. They married on March 26, 2014, about a year after their first date. “Essentially a ballroom partnership is like a marriage in every form except the romance: you have money, scheduling, you have to learn how to communicate, work through conflict, pursue a common goal,” said Kayci. “It’s a great preparation for marriage actually.”
November was much like October, except a bit colder in spots.
Other than a stabbing that involved a sixteen-year-old boy and five other students at a high school (which was a bit of a rush and brought all three of us photographers to the school early in the morning straight out of our beds), Utah County remained pretty quiet through the second-to-last month of 2016. This month I got to work on a quick story about two ballroom dancers at Brigham Young University for a Monday Close Up. I've pulled out a few pictures from that story to kick off this blog post (the one above, and four following below).
Though I shot the story in just two days, it was refreshing to hang around people for extended periods of time again and think through all the things that come with a photo story. Monday Close Ups take me back (not far at all) to my days in college searching for projects to work on, except now I have daily assignments between each story instead of just a story every few weeks. It's been a challenge finding new stories every month to work on, but I'm glad I have the opportunity to spend more time on Monday Close Ups and get a healthy mix of shorter and longer assignments at work. Though making a good photo story is obviously dependent on finding a unique story in the first place and planning ahead, having subjects that understand what it is you're trying to do is just as crucial. In the case of Kayci and Casey Treu (the ballroom dancers), they were the epitome of wonderful subjects - happy to let me into their lives whenever, accustomed to a quick turnaround, and knew how to forget I was there photographing. For more from their story, take a look here: http://provodh.com/7feg2.
One thing I've begun to notice in my work is my tendency to "shoot at" people when photographing. I gravitate towards always having a face in a photo, and usually hangout in front of my subjects. Though that's commonplace in most newspaper images, I want to use body language and non-facial/pictures of backs more effectively. When I shot the picture of the rock climber (eighth picture in this blog post) it felt solid, but something outside what I'd typically shoot (and admittedly inspired by my homie Dominic Valente). I feel the picture expresses what needs to be communicated about climbing, and it doesn't need a person's face to help relate that feeling. I'm in the process of how to actively work on that style of shooting, but like most things, it'll take some time to get used to.
Kayci Treu grimaces with laughter as Brenda Crutchfield, Director of the Dance Medicine and Wellness Facility, performs muscle adjustments on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016 at the Stephen L. Richards Building on the campus of Brigham Young University in Provo. Kayci and her dance partner juggle completing their senior year at BYU, part-time jobs, a full practice and performance schedule for the BYU ballroom touring company, their own personal practices, lessons, and competitions. Between it all, they constantly try to hone their dancing skills when they get a free moment. “Whether it’s 15 minutes in a hallway or an hour early in the morning, we take what we can get,” said Kayci.
Casey Treu leaves a changing room to begin a dance lesson Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016 at Strictly Ballroom in Orem. Casey began dancing when he was 7-years old and his dance partner began she was 7.
Casey and Kayci Treu dance the Waltz in the Amateur Ballroom finals of the BYU Dancesport Championships on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016 in the Wilkinson Student Center in Provo. Casey and Kayci Treu have won several dance championships around Utah and far beyond while they've been dance partners. “When you walk into the ballroom, there’s a palpable energy,” explained Kayci. “Ballroom is like football in a way — there’s lots of cheering. You give them energy and they give you energy back, and it’s this really neat reciprocal process." In December they will be representing the U.S. at the Paris Worlds Dance Championships in France.
Kayci and Casey Treu share a kiss backstage as another couple is announced and takes the dance floor just before the final round of the Amateur Ballroom finals of the BYU Dancesport Championships on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016 in the Wilkinson Student Center in Provo. The Treus also plan to pursue a professional life in dancing upon graduation from BYU in the Spring of 2017. “The most beautiful thing about ballroom to me is the fact that it takes two people working together for a common goal,” described Kayci. “It takes a man and a woman in ballroom to together make something more whole and complete. It’s not that I’m doing 50 percent of the work or he’s doing 50 percent. We’re each doing 100 percent of our own role, and together it makes something even more beautiful."
Thomas Weiler, 3, relaxes in a pile of leaves his mother raked Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016 in the backyard of his home in Pleasant Grove. The first snowfall in Utah Valley on Thursday was light, but the wintry temperatures kept people bundled up as they enjoyed the tail-end of Fall.
Dave Sheen, former Utah County Sheriffs Deputy, poses for a portrait during his retirement party Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016 at the Utah County Health Department in Provo. Sheen spent 45 years in law enforcement.
Sean Faulkner, 15, of Park City, nears the finish of his route during the Prolo bouldering competition Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016 at Momentum Indoor Climbing in Lehi. Prolo, short for pros and locals, is an unique climbing competition that allows both groups to compete together.
Alicia Ransom wipes tears away after her son Paxton exited the school after a stabbing occurred Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2016 inside Mountain View High School in Orem. A sixteen-year-old male was taken into custody, and six people, including the suspect, were injured. Paxton was in the locker room where the stabbing occurred when it happened.
Michelle Allred, left, waves an American flag as she talks with Tim Heaton during an election-night rally for independent presidential candidate Evan McMullin on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2016 at The Depot in Salt Lake City.
Ethan Taylor poses for a portrait Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2016 at Mini Moustachery located at University Mall in Orem. People will submit pictures of their mustaches by November 27 to be judged November 28-30.
Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Mitchell Juergens (87) can't complete the catch as he's pulled down by Southern Utah Thunderbirds linebacker Mike Needham (34) during a game between the Brigham Young University Cougars and the Southern Utah University Thunderbirds on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016 at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo.
Seth Hannemann grills burgers during pregame festivities before a football game between BYU and SUU on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016 at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo. Hannemann has a brother on both BYU and SUU, both #7, so he and his family made custom shirts honoring the two players.
Lone Peak cheerleader Jenna Copeland reacts as Bingham scores a touchdown during the division 5A championship game between the Lone Peak Knights and the Bingham Miners on Friday, Nov. 18, 2016 at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City.
Lone Peak wide receiver Jaxson Harward (13) holds back tears as he waits to shake hands with Bingham players after they were defeated by Bingham in the division 5A championship game between the Lone Peak Knights and the Bingham Miners on Friday, Nov. 18, 2016 at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City.
Springville quarterback Jantsen Thorpe (16) holds the second place trophy while he stands around other team captains after being defeated by East 48-20 in the division 4A championship game between the Springville Red Devils and the East Leopards on Friday, Nov. 18, 2016 at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City.
Timpview midfielder junior Ashton Brockbank juggles the ball as she poses for a portrait Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2016 at Timpview High School in Provo. Brockbank was named the Daily Herald's high school soccer player of the year.
Pleasant Grove setter Baylie Bishop (14) bumps the ball back over the net during a 5A state volleyball quarterfinal match Friday, Nov. 4, 2016 at Utah Valley University's UCCU Center in Orem.
Kate Doxey, 2, of Salem, passively watches the the volleyball match between the UVU Wolverines and the Weber State Wildcats on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2016 in the PE Building at Utah Valley University in Orem. The PE Building gym was recently renovated.
Brigham Young Cougars forward Eric Mika (12) dunks the ball during a game between the Brigham Young University Cougars and the Utah State University Aggies on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016 at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt lake City.