The first time I encountered one of these spectacular costumes was at Burning Man 2008.
In the harsh environment that is the Black Rock Desert, I was completely in awe, struck speechless by the arrival of three little birds who landed in the dust in front of the woman as she danced. All around me I heard people gasping, equally surprised and moved by what we all were witnessing. It was a moment I'll never forget.
I've since become friends with the 3 women who regularly dance in these elaborate costumes – always at sunrise – and I make every effort to find them when they do.
Though the costumes are handmade by an incredible artist known as SerpentFeathers, the exceptionally beautiful, always graceful dancer pictured here is Ildiko.
There is much misunderstanding about the acceptability of feathers at Burning Man. Contrary to widespread belief – they are not banned. While there are many feathers that should never find their way onto 'the playa' (artificially dyed, cheaply constructed, factory-made boas and totally inappropriate, dollar store headdresses, for example) the costume pictured above was painstakingly created by hand – each and every natural feather securely glued in place with care.
In all the years I've been photographing these magnificent works of art, not once have I seen them shed even the tiniest downy feather. Everyone involved – artist, dancers & myself – are all veteran Burners who deeply respect the ten principles, especially 'leave no trace.'
lens: 135mmf2.0 Prime
specs: ISO 100/200 - f2.0 - 1/80sec/1/500sec
date / location: 2 September 2017 / Black Rock City, Nevada, USA