Convo with a Dance Pro: Keda Sharber, Photographer and Filmmaker
In our recent series, Convo with a Dance Pro, we are interviewing professionals who have careers in the dance industry that are not focused on performing. We want to remind you that there are many routes you can follow using your passion or love for dance.
In the interview below, we chatted with Keda Sharber, a Houston-based photographer, filmmaker, and storyteller. Keda runs her own photography company, Images by Papillon, where she captures stunning portraits of dancers and other subjects.
Related: Convo with a Dance Pro: Josephine Lee, Pointe Shoe Fitter & Keynote Speaker
Keda is a lover of the arts and a dance mom both at heart and literally (her daughter, Nessaja, is a dancer and BGDB Ambassador!). Read on to learn more about her experience as a photographer, challenges she faced, and advice for someone who may want to follow a similar career path.
Photo: Keda Sharber; shot by Ronnie Bliss Photography
Tell us about your path to becoming a photographer. Did you stumble upon the career, or have you always known what you wanted to be?
Photography was never my plan. My degrees are in French, Education (BA) and Business (MBA). I purchased a camera as a graduation present to myself and as with most moms with cameras, my first subjects were my kids. When my daughter developed an interest in dance, my camera turned towards dancers and I've been in love ever since.
What do you love most about your career?
Artists of every genre are such interesting beings. The way their minds work, the way they hone their talents into gifts to be shared with the world speaks so deeply to my soul. I love that I get to peek into their process and immortalize a single moment of that beauty. I love that I get to do my part to flood our communities with imagery and stories that change the narrative of who we really are and the excellence that lives in us.
Have you ever had a moment when you were given a clear sign that this is where you’re meant to be? If so, tell us about it.
There have been so many moments, especially when filming dance, that I've been completely overwhelmed and almost brought to tears with the sheer beauty that I was witnessing. I feel so privileged to say that this is my career and I don't take a single day for granted. The connections that I have made in the dance world, with community-based organizations, with artists and entrepreneurs all over are so valuable to me and have enriched my life in ways I could never fully express.
Photo: Keda’s daughter Nessaja; shot by Images by Papillon
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced along the way? How did you overcome them?
As a creative running my own business, ensuring the business stays viable is always a concern. Balancing my creative side that wants to be a free spirit with the business needs, which are much more structured, always presents a challenge. I've learned to surround myself with people who are as dedicated to both creativity and business success as I am. We hold each other accountable, encourage each other, and challenge each other to reach new heights.
Do you have any advice for someone who may want to follow a similar career path?
If your heart is telling you to shoot, to film, to tell stories then you've got to do it. Don't get caught up in perfection. Give yourself grace to make mistakes, to make work that is below your standard. Because with every image you make, every story you tell, no matter how it turns out, you are learning. Put in your 10,000 hours of practice. And as you do, you'll be making art that is touching more people than you could have imagined.
Related: Tips for Capturing Quality Dance Photos with photographer Shoccara Marcus
Photo: Keda Sharber; shot by C'na Roberts Photography
What is the impact you’d like to make through your career?
I'd like for my work to open our eyes to possibility. When people see something that I've created, I'd like for them to look inward and feel confident that they can do amazing things. I want viewers to be assured in their power to write their own narratives. I want them to look at my work and see themselves and feel represented in the best ways.
Is there anything you’d like to add for anyone reading this?
"I never lose. I either win or learn." - Nelson Mandela
Keda’s first solo fine art photography exhibit opens on December 10th, 2022. She’s also completed a short documentary, which will be released next February. Be sure to connect with her on Facebook or Instagram for the details and official announcements for each! In the meantime, check out Keda’s work on her website - www.imagesbypapillon.com.