Photography is my life and passion, each chance I get I try to go out and photograph people, things and places.  Currently I have a book project in which I try to capture the beauty and spirit of the Polynesian dancers in their costumes and dance, it is hard for me to describe, but as a visual artist I know what I wanted to do and I wanted to capture the beauty of it all.

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Competitors going through their routine before going out on stage.  Some behind the scene at Heiva San Diego 2012

"It's not just the effortless motion of the dancers' hips as they sway in perfect unison with their hands, shoulders and feet, or the mesmerizing beat of the music, or the beautiful costumes. It's the way all those pieces fit together with an easy grace, making it hard to take your eyes off the dancers."- The beauty of Polynesian dance, by Dance Sprit Magazine

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Competitors on stage at Heiva 2012

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Competitor backstage at Heiva San Diego 2012 posing for the camera

As a photographer I was struck by how everyone was oblivious to my presence as they were getting ready to go out on to stage to compete.  To me, there was a contrast between and how serious this competition meant to them the beauty of it all and I consider this collection as one of my best.

To see more of my works please visit my website at www.michaellagman.com and if you are interested in being part of my book project, please contact me at [email protected]