Up in the air with aerial silks

Today we’re up in the air photographing aerial silks.

Usually I’m studio based for my photography but sometimes I feel the need to get out of the studio. Today we’re photographing aerialists from Christchurch’s Aerial3.

Anouk, Yulia, and Lydia from Aerial3

I first photographed the three owners of Aerial3 just after they opened, some four years ago and have been back several times. They specialise in aerial silks - something you may not have seen before - and are true athletes, displaying strength, flexibility and pure art.

I had an idea for a quick photo shoot and got in touch. They loved the idea and were at the studio ready on a Saturday afternoon.

You may have noticed that the video and photos look quite different. That’s down to camera settings and the lighting used. There’s no point in providing photos similar to what these athletes can already do on their phones, so let’s do something more stylised, more dramatic, that deserves to be framed and hung on a wall.

Every time I’ve had a photo shoot with aerialists or pole dancers I’ve been delighted at the friendly and supportive attitude shown to all participants in these women-led pursuits.

If you’ve ever wondered about trying this, then go for it - you won’t be disappointed. Aerial3 are based off Tuam Street in Christchurch.