Strike a Pose: Dance Photoshoot Dos and Don’ts

Dance Photoshoot Dos and Don'ts

All work and no play?

Make room for creativity and enjoyment in your dance practice!

Dance photoshoots are a great way of shaking up your artistry, and they can be a ton of fun too! Before snapping away, be sure to check out these dance photoshoot dos and don’ts.

DO GET ‘SPINSPIRED’!

Even if it isn’t your first dance photoshoot, it’s always good to get some inspiration! Check out dance photos on Pinterest boards, or take a look at the websites of dance photographers, or instagram profiles of some of your favourite professional dancers. Some of our personal dance photographer favourites are Lee Gumbs, Little Shao, Lee Wai Leung, and Lois Greenfield.

DON’T COPY & PASTE!

It’s great to get inspiration from other artists, but as an artist yourself, it’s important to create your own image and voice. So make your mark by telling your own story or maybe even remix an image that inspires you!

DO BRING THE ESSENTIALS

Though dance photoshoots differ from one to the next, there are some essentials that every dancer should bring, such as:

Makeup: Setting spray is a must, as it helps your makeup stay in place.

Hair Supplies: A little gel goes a long way.

A Water Bottle: Water bottles with a straw are great for keeping your makeup flawless.

Your Costume and Shoes: Steam out those wrinkles! Undergarments: Best to invest in skin coloured undergarments for dance photoshoots, plus they come in handy for performances as well.

DON’T BE LAST MINUTE Make sure to discuss with your photographer or photoshoot coordinator what you need to prepare.

Be clear about what type of hair, makeup, and costume you will need to have.

Bring up any ideas you would like to contribute well before your photo day! It also helps to know your photoshoot venue and setting, because that way you can figure out what poses you’ll be able to strike!

Don’t be late on the day, because every frame and second counts!

DO PRACTICE POSING

Practice both stationary dance poses as well as moving ones (jumps, repertoire or improvisation). It can even help to hit record on your phone and film your movements or poses, so that you can find out which angles work and how to adjust your pace. Go slow (though this isn’t always possible for jumps) to avoid blurry images. It’s also important to consider your facial expressions which you can practice in front of the mirror or with friends. Be an Emoji Chameleon!

DON’T IGNORE THE PHOTOGRAPHER

This doesn’t require you to have a staring contest with the photographer, but rather it’s about listening. Listen to the photographer’s directions and suggestions, as they have an eye for imagery. Photography is a visual art, so trust their instincts. If you are not sure where to look, a general tip is to look out and over the camera, because staring into the lens can cause you to look crosseyed.

There’s a world full of possibilities when it comes to dance photography, so test your limits and smile (or smoulder) for the camera!