When I first laid eyes on Met Member Lily Dong’s action photos, I was instantly captivated by the athleticism and artistry involved. A breakdancing crew contorts their bodies while acrobatically jumping in mid-air. They use all their muscles in their bodies to hold those poses! “This photoshoot represents the physical talents of the breakdance crew, ‘A1,’” Lily tells us. “A1 consists of up to 7 performers, and we all came together for a photoshoot at Seacliff Beach in Santa Cruz back in September 2010. The lead in the group, Teck, is also my son’s breakdancing teacher. By observing the class, I was able to see the talent Teck, and then all of his crewmates, possessed. My goal in the photoshoot was to show who they are, what they can do with their bodies and create an emotional art with them. “I am a full-time mom and a photographer, focusing on action and family portraits in Cupertino California. I also work as a portrait photographer at the local JCPenny portrait studio, with studio lighting and completely posed situations. What I do there is the exact opposite of what I do outside on my own, natural lighting and spontaneous movements! “My life’s purpose? To show you the beauty I see in you through my lens. There’s beauty in everything and everyone, you just have to be open to receive it.” Thanks for sharing your story with us, Lily!
