For a photographer that specializes in Portrait and Wedding Photography, being asked to shoot a Country Western Ballroom Competition in Baltimore, MD this month was definitely one of those “contact” emails I had to read a few times. So its ballroom? But its country? And your competing? hehehe

For those of you that don’t know–my dad is a total cowboy. Im talking… real boot wearing, big belt rocking, stetson sporting, tight black jeans kind of guy. I love him to pieces, but goodness! His friends are probably the sweetest ever though. Troy, my dads close friend and his dance partner Heidi completely made my day when they asked ME to shoot this event for them. You will see some of their professional shots toward the end of this post.

I guess these kind of competitions are popular because there was quite a turn out. The dancers were dressed to the nine in all the glitters and sparkles (so we all know I was in heaven, : P ) The hall was adorned with balloons, vendors selling everything from dancing shoes, cowboy boots, colorful ties, sparkly belts, and so much more.

These dancers were so so professional and very talented. They floated and glided along the dance floor as if they were floating on clouds. With a few loud stomps of their boots during the faster songs, the crowd roared with cheers and shook their noise makers. Girls were running behind the curtains, all you could see were feet tripping into their next gown. The male dancers stood tall and regal with a bright smile on their face as they spun their Western Beauties/Dance partners around.

The Westin Hotel in Baltimore. MD put on a great event and the hotel was simply gorgeous!

 

Though this isn’t typically what I do, I must say I had fun stepping out of my comfort zone on this one and capturing some really beautiful moments from one heck of “ye-haw” kind of event. Thank you so much for inviting Kaitlin Noel Photography to capture such a fun and unique event. I had a blast! : P