A breathtaking shoot

This post features a performer you can find out there in the world! Follow Flowlaiyee on instagram or check out their website to see where they'll be next.

As I build my album of Fringe performers there have definitely been some roadblocks. One time early on, I forced myself out late in the day (without much particular excitement) as it was just getting dark (not ideal photography conditions). Performers were pretty sparse on the mile and though I found a couple of pictures - I was ready to turn in, a little defeated. As a last effort, I committed to this one performer. Decided to sit and wait for his show to appear - and I had no regrets. Since then... Well I haven't wanted to release the photos - they'll never quite be good enough. This softly-spoken performer graced my lens with beautiful images and put on a great show too.

Some contact ball was first up. I have no idea how to photograph this! I'm not sure I captured the meditative nature of the movements in my stills but it does present some interesting opportunities to highlight unconventional features.

In both, I like to think I'm emulating the performance - drawing the focus away from the performer and towards the prop. Your attention belongs there.

What came next is I'm sure the main event for most spectators - the fire. Wielding dragon staff and poi, he sparkled. He definitely made it easy for me here - so much of the performance was tailor-made to be photographed. Lots of posing with the fire - before taking off to whirl the props to amaze and entertain the crowd.

Finally, he danced for us. I had photographed Cyr wheel briefly in days before and found it chaotic. The performer is upside-down half the time and the rest they're zooming past you as your camera focuses on a nearby tourist. Somehow this time it worked. As a photographer, you're often looking for frames to highlight your subject. You've got to feel pretty blessed when your subject goes and stands in a big circle without prompting.

I'm still reeling from this one, grateful to have had that experience - so I made a full album. Find more photos there.