Sheryl Bashore, a seasoned photographer, educator and speaker, has carved a niche in the dynamic world of action dance portraits. With a background that intertwines artistic lineage and a longstanding dedication to photography, her journey is both inspiring and technically rich. Her choice of equipment plays a pivotal role in her work, with the Sony Alpha 9 III emerging as a standout tool in her arsenal and custom gridlines as a silent teacher.
Photo by Sheryl Bashore.
The Artistic Journey
Bashore’s photographic journey began with a photography class in high school. "I had an amazing teacher and was hooked," she says. So hooked, that she ended up going to college for it. She started with family portraits and weddings, and then soon ventured into team sports, capturing the intensity of baseball and football. However, it was the world of cheer, dance and gymnastics that truly resonated with her creative spirit. This genre allowed her to indulge in the artistic imagery and creativity she craved, offering a perfect blend of passion and profitability.
Sony Alpha 9 III: A Revolutionary Tool
Transitioning from Nikon to Sony was a pivotal moment in Bashore’s career. She’s used several Sony Alpha cameras, with her most recent being the Sony Alpha 9 III. The camera, referred to affectionately as her "new favorite baby," has revolutionized her approach to photography. Bashore is particularly enamored with its superior capabilities, including exceptional eye-tracking and detail capture. These features enable her to produce stunning, crisp images that require minimal post-processing, allowing her to focus on capturing the essence of each subject.
Custom Gridlines: The Silent Teacher
One of the standout features of the Sony Alpha 9 III that Bashore highlights is the custom gridlines. Described as her "silent teacher," these gridlines offer an innovative way to perfect compositions effortlessly. They serve as a guide, ensuring consistent framing and reducing the margin for error, especially under the pressure of live shoots with multiple subjects. The customization options, such as altering the gridline color to match her brand's pink theme, further personalize the shooting experience, turning each session into a seamless, artistic endeavor.
“My husband was the first to call the custom gridlines the silent teacher," she says. "I thought was so cool and has become the coin phrase because it’s true. Using these, I can teach my shooters in two seconds. No more arms cut off or hair cut off in the frame. It’s just perfect every single time. My gridlines are pink, which is so me. It’s fantastic.”
Beyond her own work, Bashore is passionate about teaching others. At conferences, she emphasizes the importance of making every child feel special, transcending traditional beauty norms. Her advocacy for using the Sony Alpha series, particularly the Alpha 9 III, is rooted in its ability to produce high-quality images that empower and uplift her subjects. She believes in evolving with technology, ensuring that her work remains relevant and impactful.
Photo by Sheryl Bashore.
The Future Of Action Dance Portraits
Looking ahead, Bashore is eager to continue exploring the capabilities of the Sony Alpha series. With plans to incorporate more dynamic elements into her shoots, such as flowing dresses and advanced light manipulation, she is set to further push the boundaries of action dance photography. Her work with the Sony Alpha 9 III demonstrates the profound impact that the right equipment can have on creative expression.
Photo by Sheryl Bashore.
Photo by Sheryl Bashore.
See more of Sheryl Bashore’s work in Instagram @sherylzphoto and sherylzeducation.com.
Learn more about our Custom Gridline solutions HERE.
Learn more about the Sony Alpha 9 III HERE.
