How we got this photo of the Trinity Irish Dancers

This week’s top photo comes from Visual Journalist and Assistant Photo Editor Pat Nabong. Follow her on Instagram.

What makes this photo great?

Peripheral moments can offer a fresh look at a yearly event. We photograph the Trinity Irish Dancers almost annually, and each year, I know what the most emblematic photo would be: a photo of a line of dancers in mid-air with their toes pointed to the ground. This year, I was on the lookout for that moment, but also for something different. While the oldest dancers of the group performed, I noticed Maddie McGrath, one of the youngest performers, peek out of the backstage door and smile. It was a brief but cute moment that spoke to the mentoring that dancers said often happens in the group.

How did you get the shot?

I positioned myself on the right side of the stage. While I was initially focusing on the four main dancers, I noticed McGrath in the background. I zoomed in to create a composition that focused on McGrath, but still retained the shoes to give context to what she was looking at.

Technical details: