Whether you are looking to get a dance portfolio ahead of an audition, or simply to get beautiful dance portraits of yourself to cherish forever, learn how to best prepare for your upcoming dance photoshoot.
1. Get inspired for your dance photoshoot
Like for any photoshoot, coming up with an idea of how you see yourself in the final images is very important!
Before your photo shoot, you will discuss with your dance photographer and hair and makeup artist to plan a look and session tailored to your vision.
All your need is a few general ideas to guide us – we take care of the rest!
Think about poses for your dance photoshoot
The first step is to think of your favourite steps or strengths, and what you want to show. Your photographer will then add the creativity part to it!
Gather inspiration online
When preparing for your dance photoshoot, you can look online for inspiration to find what mood you are hoping to capture.
From white background formal shots to more artistic shots, having an idea of what you want will ensure you will get a series of unique dance portraits that you’ll love.
You can then save all the images you find and bring them to your shoot to show your photographer.
Where to find inspiration online for dance portraits?
We recommend you check Pinterest, where you can even create your own mood board to bring to your shoot.
You can also explore #dancephotography on Instagram and/or Tiktok and save your favourite images for future reference.
2. Plan the right outfits for your dance photoshoot
Our dance photography sessions include 3 outfits changes – an occasion to play around with variety and have some fun!
The rule of thumb for any photoshoot outfit is to always wear something fitted, and in which you feel comfortable and beautiful.
Dance clothing vs street clothing for your dance photo shoot?
Planning for an outfit for a dance photoshoot can be a bit different. Your outfit choice will mostly depend on whether you are looking to get a dance portfolio ahead of an audition, or simply some dance portraits for yourself.
While we always recommend bringing your competition outfits for audition portfolios, you are also welcome to bring more casual outfits. This way, you can take a few more informal shots and get beautiful dance portraits of yourself, just for yourself.
Just remember that, whether it is your normal combination of leotard and tights or your favourite outfit for a casual day or a night out, it is important to bring something that enhances your inspiration, and that doesn’t take the focus away from you!
Which casual outfits can I bring?
For casual dance outfits, you can play with colours and fabric to add an extra creative effect to your portraits. Think flowing skirts and dresses to create movement – the result is always stunning!
And if you are in doubt or can’t narrow it down to 3 outfits, just bring lots of options to your session! Each photoshoot starts with a consultation during which you can discuss and plan your outfits with your photographer.
3. Get a warmup ready ahead of your dance photoshoot
Dance photo shoots are meant to show your best moves and strengths. For this reason, you need to be ready to jump around give your muscles a workout – it also makes them stand out in the final photos!
Do I need to stretch before coming to the studio?
Absolutely not. Your dance photoshoot includes a consultation and professional hair and makeup. This whole process can take up to an hour and a half, during which your body would most likely have time to cool down.
That’s why you will be given time to warm up and stretch before your session, so make sure you are coming knowing all your warmup moves.
Feeling stressed ahead your dance photoshoot? It’s perfectly normal
We know that having a photoshoot, no matter your age, your shape, or even your level of body confidence can be stressful.
So, if you are feeling nervous, even as a performer, please know it is perfectly normal!
It’s my first photoshoot ever
Did you know? Almost all the clients that come to us have no previous experience in front of the camera!
So, when looking at our Gallery or our Instagram page, remember that these people have never had a photoshoot done before either – and they were all feeling as nervous as you may be feeling right now!
Our dance photographers are here to direct you, make you feel confident and make you look beautiful. You don’t need to have experience to look good in front of the camera!
I’m not an experienced dancer
Whether it is behind the camera, or in dancing, you don’t need to have years of experience to capture stunning dance portraits of yourself! We always adapt to your level and poses you already know.
You don’t need to master elaborate poses to create amazing images! Think of simple steps such as a ballet fourth or fifth positions as an example. We can then create the rest of your shoot around more mainstream photoshoot poses of you in your dance outfit.
A dance photoshoot can be a tiring experience but seeing yourself on the final images is so rewarding!
Now that you know everything about your session, all is left for you to do is to get excited, get inspired, and be ready with your best jumps and arabesques!
Book your dance photoshoot session with us!
