Cleveland Ballerina | Project Two Roll

You guys, dreams do come true. I've been wanting to photograph a ballerina on location, a la the Ballerina Project, for quite some time, and the lovely Kerry of Cleveland Ballet Conservatory made it happen with Leah, one of her alums. Kerry said it best when she described Leah as "ethereal." That description couldn't be more true. Leah is a vision—so light and graceful—and capturing her beauty on film was the perfect fit for this sunrise session at the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Leah is currently a student at the University of Cincinnati in the CCM Dance program, and she'll be dancing with a ballet company in Florida this year. To say this lady is talented is a huge understatement. She's talented x 100.

To learn more about my Project Two Roll, check out this blog post. If you're interested in collaborating, please e-mail lane@lanebaldwinphotography.com.

(Shot on Portra 400 | Developed/Scanned by Richard Photo Lab)

Something White Celebrates Five Years | Project Two Roll

After my first experience with Project Two Roll, I was so hungry for more! I loved shooting for myself and having the freedom to play around with things that I don't necessarily have time for on a wedding day. I so enjoyed hanging out with a fun, creative, inspiring person and learning more about how she excels at her craft. And I especially swooned over the film scans when they showed up in my Inbox!

I was immediately on the hunt for a new project, so you can imagine my excitement when Karin and Rebecca of Something White agreed to be my next models! After throwing around a couple ideas, Karin suggested that I document them getting ready for their big 5-year anniversary. Yes, please!

These talented ladies run the coolest bridal boutique, located in the heart of Independence. It is so creatively inspiring--the dresses, the charming shop, all the different textures and the natural light. It's really a photographer's dream, and Karin and Rebecca are so charming themselves. If you're looking for a unique wedding gown, you must check them out! And if you go THIS month, there may be a couple surprises in store for you. ;)

Here's the result of an afternoon of decorating and celebrating. Cheers to five years, you two!

(Shot on Portra 800 | Developed/Scanned by Richard Photo Lab)

Fair Rarity Flowers | Project Two Roll

A few months ago, I realized a couple things:

• I didn't shoot enough (or ANY) personal projects
• I wanted to get out of film photography what I love about digital: the storytelling aspect

After being inspired by my friend Anna Zajac's 20 Images project (she's awesome; go follow her!), I realized I needed to do something similar with film. I love film … the light, the colors, the way that it makes me slow down. BUT I haven't totally given up my security blanket of digital because, well, because digital photography seems safer to me for some reason. It seems much easier to take a ton of photos, look back and make sure you have enough good ones than to give yourself 16 chances (or one roll) to nail each frame. I'm not sure that "easier" is entirely true but it's what I've been telling myself.

I knew that to get over this and learn to use film the way it's meant to be used I needed to truly challenge myself. I love pretty pictures but I also love storytelling. I want to make sure I can tell a story in 32 frames … or 16 … or however many rolls of film I have. Two rolls of film seemed like a good place to start, thus Project Two Roll was born. I want to photograph passionate people creating, performing, living in front of my camera. I want to tell their story in 32 frames, with no security blanket to be seen!

I asked the lovely Heather of Fair Rarity Flowers to be my first subject and to create a floral arrangement (she chose a gorgeous, Valentine's Day-inspired bridal bouquet!) in front of my camera. I photographed her as she worked--and let me tell you, she is talented!--and attempted to get it all. Here's my first try at Project Two Roll ...

(Shot on Fuji 400h | Developed/Scanned by Richard Photo Lab)

Don't you wish you could carry that bouquet around all day?? I love the reds and pinks and all the draping. It's seriously gorgeous.

*Many thanks to Suzanne of Suzuran Photography for letting us use her bright, cheery studio for our shoot.

**I'm looking for new subjects for this little personal project of mine. If you'd like to collaborate on a creative, film, storytelling shoot, please e-mail me at lane@lanebaldwinphotography.com.