Photographing Rafael Bonachela

Rafael Bonachela
Rafael Bonachela

The other week i photographed Rafael Bonachela, the new Artistic Director of the Sydney Dance Company for a story in Time Out.

I met him at the dance studios not really knowing how i was going to shoot it. Since he’s in the diretors role, it’s not really the done thing to get him dancing.

Rafael Bonachela

After having a wander through the studios looking for a good backdrop i asked what his office looks like, at first he said it was rather dull, then he remarked “oh but there is this chalk board in there…”

Like the movie cliche’s of mad scientists scrawling formulas on chalk boards, Rafael had covered his entire wall with notes and inspirations for his new work in progress called we unfold.

Rafael BonachelaRafael Bonachela

It provided the perfect backdrop for some rather simple portraits. I did some with a snooted light and some with natural light.

Rafael Bonachela

Afterwards i sat in on a rehearsal which was very impressive, especially for a dance ignoramus such as myself.

Time Out Sydney

Read the Rafael Bonachela interview in Time Out Sydney. We unfold opens March 31st.

4 Comments

  1. Good acquisition for the arts in Sydney.
    He´s Catalan, naturalment!
    FD

  2. That blackboard was a great pick for background. They should have gone for the first photo – definitely the best. Not only is the pose more natural, but also the points of light – his foot, his hands, his face – contrasting with the rest (interesting shadows…) really focuses your attention in on him rather than on the writing behind him.

  3. Wow, I really love the Rafael Bonachela pics Dan. The light is fantastic.

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