Courtney Bowlden
Courtney Bowlden Photography
Bellingham, Washington
Geliza is what you would call a closeted dancer. I have known her for 3 years and had no idea she danced, besides the fact that she taught Zumba at local gyms. When she asked me to take some head shots for her, I wasn’t quite sure what it was for. When she told me that she would be moving to California to become a professional dancer or choreographer, I was shocked! She said most people don’t know that she dances because she never thought she was really that good, until a dance scout noticed her at one of her Zumba classes she was teaching.
When we started the session, I wanted to keep it simple. I wanted to feature her beautiful sculpted legs and arms, and still show off her dance moves. We started behind my house on a trail where I walk my daughter to school in the morning. As much as I love the images, I felt she needed something more raw and rugged. We headed to down town Bellingham. I love the contrast of the old buildings and alley ways next to her beautiful form, soft skin and beauty. It just seemed like just the right fit. And speaking of fit! I saw this little tiny crevice, which looked like a closed off window made with bricks. I thought to myself that it would look so cool if she could fit in there, but then I laughed at the thought since it would be impossible for her to fit. She must have seen me laugh as I looked at it, because she asked if I wanted her to fit in there. I told her I didn’t think it was possible, but she did it anyway, and she totally fit!!!
If you are from Bellingham, you will know someone who knows this bubbly happy woman. She is everyone’s favorite Zumba instructor, that is, until she moved to California. I know she will make it far with her sunny personality and her mad dance skills.
In these photos I used my 5d mark2 and 70-200 2.8 lens. I love using my 70-200 because I love the bokeh I get in my image. I did use my wide angle 24-70 2.8 lens to capture some of the images in front of the window.
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Wendy Adams - Lovely images!!
Jennifer - Absolutly stunning, a dancer sure does know how to rock the poses. They looks so effortless.
Christina Mossaad - Just amazing!!
geliza - Courtney oh my word oh my word :) thank you so much for such amazing words and such an amazing shoot… I have never felt so beautiful in my life! I’m so greatful you were able to squeeze in time for me. I’m so lucky to have shot with one of the beat photographers!