Scopo Photography
SCOPO PHOTOGRAPHY
Circus Aerials Photography
Capturing Circus Magic: A Tale of Two Shoots with Nicole Fedoruk
Specializing in circus photography and aerial arts, Scopo Photography delves into the mesmerizing world of performers ranging from silks to sculptural apparatuses. This segment highlights our collaboration with the brilliant Nicole Fedoruk, a circus instructor, aerialist, and RMT from Vancouver, B.C.
This project was an adventure in creativity and adaptability, featuring two contrasting sets that offered unique challenges and rewards.
Circus Aerialists Photography at the Underground Circus
Our first set took place indoors at the Underground Circus, a space perfectly suited for a formal and controlled environment. The 2.5 hour shoot involved two different apparatuses under stage lighting and a backdrop, creating a dramatic and polished look for portfolio shots.
We were able to plan out four outfit changes, each adding a new dimension to the visuals. One of the highlights on the set was experimenting with light crystals and refraction. As a photographer, I appreciate how many elements of the chaos can be controlled so adapting can be easier as it was a thrilling experience seeing the aerial sculptures for the first time. The challenges of these types of shoots include the unique rotation of each aerial apparatus, we ended up using a prop cane to spin and slow down poses to align shots with ideal lighting.
Nicole maneuvered expertly around these art pieces, and the interplay of light and shadows brought her movement to life, capturing her grace and strength.
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Nicole Fedoruk Circus Aerialist : A Performer Like No Other
Nicole Fedoruk's background as a circus instructor, aerialist, and RMT brings a unique dynamic to her performances. Her endurance ability to adapt and excel in varying environments showcases her incredible talent and dedication to her craft. Each shoot with her is not just a photography session but an exploration of art and movement, capturing moments that resonate with both grace and strength.
Circus Aerialist Photography at Trout Lake Park
The second set was at Trout Lake Park during sunset, providing a stark contrast to the controlled indoor environment. Safety was paramount, so we took our time finding the perfect tree to support Nicole on a spinning and swinging lyra. With hoops weighing approximately 50 lbs, the setup was a feat.
We settled on a sturdy willow tree by the lake, but the setup was complicated as the ideal spot for lighting was set against the serene backdrop of a sunset, aiming to capture Nicole’s dynamic movements on the lyra. Fortunately, there is always space for a little humour in photoshoots with Scopo. This magical spot was a five-star establishment on Yelp for dogs seeking a "business" location. It seemed like every pooch in the neighborhood had claimed the area under the willow tree as their preferred pooping station.
Navigating through this canine obstacle course was an adventure, as we carefully sidestepped any unexpected "presents" while setting up for the circus aerials photography shoot. An assistant skillfully maneuvered two flashes on height extensions, perfectly illuminating the whimsical setting.
Despite the challenges, the session was a success, with Nicole’s artistry shining even brighter than the occasional waft from the ground below. This circus aerials photoshoot beautifully captured a dreamlike atmosphere, with Nicole's movements seamlessly blending with the natural beauty of the sunset and lake. The magical setting was enhanced by the gentle sway of the willow trees in the breeze, adding to the enchanting vibe as the sun set over the water.
These two shoots exemplify the diverse environments and creative processes involved in photographing a versatile performer like Nicole. Each setting brought out different aspects of her talent, making the experience both challenging and immensely rewarding.
Aerial Hoops | Lyra