[NoHo Arts District, CA] – Meet Sidney Paiva, a photographer and videographer specializing in dance. He recently brought a group of dancers from L.A. Cultural Exchange to do a shoot in the NoHo Arts District.
Get to know Sidney Paiva!
How did you begin your career as a photographer?
I started my career in photography in 2014 when I discovered the work of a photographer from New York who only worked with dance photography. At the time I was taking ballroom dancing classes, and I was looking for something to study for my future. Randomly I went to a very famous school in Brazil called Senac. I went there one morning to ask about the photography course to find out how much the monthly fee was. Then this very kind girl mentioned the scholarship for the photography course. And that I would only have to go to Senac on a specific day, and that the scholarship would be on a first-come, first-served basis. So I woke up at 6 am that day, because I knew I wanted to be there before the gate opened. So when I got there I had a not-so-pleasant surprise. I would have to register on the site first. And then go there in person. So I came home in a hurry, registered and then went back to school. Luckily, no one had gone to register in person yet. So I got the job to start my journey in photography.
Why do you focus on dancing?
Since I was a teenager I have always loved dancing. The dance culture in Brazil is very strong. And when I was looking for a career it was right at the time when I was taking ballroom dancing classes. And the first photographer I saw was a photographer who specialized in dance photography. So naturally the world directed me to dance photography. In Brazil, I met so many incredible dancers. And as a result, I ended up focusing only on dance photographs in Brazil.
How did you get involved with L.A. Cultural Exchange?
In Brazil, I focused my efforts 100% on photography, so much so that my final work at school was on dance photography. And the name of my project was “Art in Motion.” This project became known throughout Brazil among dancers. And one of these dancers happened to be in the program the same year I traveled here to California. So she recommended me as a photographer for the L.A. Cultural Exchange Summer Dance in L.A. program. Since then we have always worked together. They take really good care of their dancers and I appreciate that because we’re here on this earth to help one another.
Why did you choose the NoHo Arts District for your last dance shoot?
We all wanted to support the arts community in NoHo. There are so many interesting spots, like nooks and crannies that make for some interesting shots. We will be back in the NoHo Arts District for another shoot to explore more public art, theatres, side streets and anything with rich textures and fun composition.
Do you have a favorite photo shoot, image or video?
What tips do you have for dancers on their first photo shoot?
One of the things I most want to convey in my photographs is the dance of the person I am photographing. So some of the tips I give to dancers is to bring some of their favorite moves, some of their choreography in mind, and of course some references to poses that they have seen on the internet and that make them excited to have a similar photo. And normally during the session process, I add my photography language combined with the dancer’s idea and reference. So come with an open mind to new possibilities and most importantly, to have fun.
Do you want to schedule a shoot with Sidney?
Find him at all the places here: https://bio.site/sidneypaiva