Tips for a successful dance session

There are a few things to consider as you prepare for your dance photo session, below are some of my suggestions to make the most out of our time together.

  1. OUTFIT CHOICES: Select a variety of leotards, skirts, shirts, dresses, street clothes in which you feel comfortable dancing and/or other accessories you would like to wear on your photos. Keep in mind that using different skirts with the same leotard can create a different look in a few seconds. Pay special attention to the fit of your outfit, that it fits “just right”. For outdoor sessions and in-studio mini sessions, come dressed with your favorite one and bring the rest as options/backups.

    For Audition photos I recommend a Black leotard and no skirts. Brand new or clean ballet tights and neat ballet flats or pointe shoes.

  2. POINTE SHOES, FLAT SHOES OR NO SHOES - If you have been dancing on pointe for 2+ years, we can shoot some photos where you are dancing on pointe and some on flat or barefoot. If you are new to pointe shoes (less than 2 years of experience) be ready to be on flat shoes or barefoot. I will not have you do any work on pointe for photographs to avoid any injuries. However, we can create some special photos of you holding your pointe shoes, or sitting on the floor wearing your pointe shoes, or in first position, just know you will not be actually doing any pointe work during the photo session.
    Regardless of whether you choose to wear pointe shoes or flat shoes, please make sure they are clean and without holes. This applies to ballet tights as well.

  3. POSING - Take some time before your session to think about poses you’d like to do in front of the camera AND practice them in front of a mirror ahead of time. That way you can come to your session with ideas of your own. I’ll be happy to work with you to add on and create variety to any poses you have practiced ahead of time. Pinterest and instagram are great places to get ideas for unique and beautiful poses. Once you find photos of poses you like, save them to your phone (or your parent’s phone) and bring those images to your session so we can use them as a guide. To get you started, I have created a couple of Pinterest boards with dance posing ideas. To take a look, click on the links below.
    click for - POSES FOR YOUNGER DANCERS

    click for - POSES FOR MORE EXPERIENCED DANCERS

    click for - POSES FOR MALE DANCERS


    For Audition Photos - Most Summer Intensives require the same poses, however, make sure to come to your session with a list of the poses your specific summer intensive school requires, or send us a list of the poses ahead of time.

  4. WARMING UP - It is imperative that you spend some time stretching and warming up BEFORE your session. For studio sessions, arrive 10-15 mins earlier so you can take some time to warm up in preparation to dancing in front of the camera. For on location sessions, you can warm up at home or on location right before your session. However, if you need to stop at ANY TIME during your session to stretch, please let me know. The most important thing is that you listen to your body and stay safe.

  5. HAIR AND MAKE UP for creative sessions - While you may be required to wear your hair on a bun when you go to dance class, you can choose how you would like to wear your hair for your dance session. Whether you choose to have your hair down, on a pony tail or in a bun, please make sure your hair is ready to go when you arrive to your session. Light make up is optional for younger dancers. Teen and adult dancers should come ready with a lighter version of stage makeup. And don’t forget to bring extra hair ties, hairpins, make up etc, as well as, any hair products you may need in case you need a touch-up during your session. Male dancers can choose to wear stage makeup or not.


  6. HAIR AND MAKE UP for audition photos - Wear your hair on a neat bun and light makeup or no makeup.

  7. CREATIVE IDEAS AND LIGHTING - One of the things I enjoy about photographing dancers is that we can collaborate to create a set of images we both love, so if you have a particular vision or “look” you’d like to go for during our session, let me know! Here are some things you can think about: Do you like images that are bright and airy? Do you want your images to be dark and moody? Do you want a background with a pop of color? Would you like to work with color lights or light painting? If we talk about your expectations ahead of time, I may be able to accommodate your requests. My goal is for you to walk away with images you absolutely love and are proud of.

    Audition photos are shot on a neutral backdrop and with even lighting to beautifully feature your skills and lines.

  8. OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER - For both in-studio and outdoor sessions, make sure you bring water, snacks, wipes and a towel (to clean your feet if you’re barefoot) or to clean your flats if needed. For outdoor sessions, bring shoes or warm up booties to walk in between locations. This is especially important for sessions that last 45 mins or more.

And that’s all you need know to get ready for your session! I’m looking forward to working with you to create beautiful images that you will treasure for many years to come.