Choosing a Dance photographer for your portfolio photoshoot

After spending 9 years as a professional photographer, I thought I had tried my hand at most genres and styles of photography. It’s easy though to become focussed on a single area or 2 for client work. For me most of my photography is of families, weddings / events and corporate branding.

I love everything that I do, but I’m also always looking to improve my skills and experiences to see if there are other areas I would like to discover or explore.

Recently I let my inquisitive side take me to try out Dance Photography, and I immediately fell in love. I realise it is probably just as well I waited so long to move into this area because you really have to have some serious camera knowledge, shooting, and composition skills to do the dancers justice.

These are people who have spent years themselves honing their craft, hours every day stretching and practicing specific moves and dance routines, often until their muscles are weak and feet are blistered. So, they equally deserve having their photos taken by someone who has shown the same passion and dedication to their craft.

Dancer with reflection in the lake at sunset

Why is this so important? Well firstly, how you compose a dancer can make the difference between them looking like they’ve hopped off the ground or are flying through the air. Secondly, Dancers are FAST. While many wedding and event photographers may shoot in aperture priority mode and find they get perfectly adequate photos, if you do that with a dancer you are likely to get unintentional motion blur. You need to set a really high shutter speed to freeze the motion.

Sorry if this is all a bit technical. I do cover this in a lot of detail on my “beginner’s photography” and “getting off auto” photography courses. For now, all you need to know is, that while mobile phone cameras have come a long way in the last few years (I often use my Huawei Mate Pro 20 exclusively for holiday snaps) they really aren’t going to be up to the job of reflecting the brilliance of a dancer trying to show off their agility and skill. Mum’s – put the camera phone down – give me a call and I’ll happily organise a mini dance portfolio shoot or am happy to come and shoot for an entire dance company in Hertfordshire, Essex, Cambridge and possibly London of further afield.

When I saw these beautiful girls for a dance company shoot I did in the outdoor natural light on the edge of a beautiful lake and forest, I was blown away by how incredibly talented they are.

A few of the girls were a little timid and unsure to start with. I don’t come from a dance background myself, but I know enough about the various ballet positions, leaps and jumps names (and will try to demonstrate - poorly) to get the best out of the dancers I work with. In fact I think I gave some of them quite a giggle jumping in the air, holding my camera close, and almost knocking myself out with my unruly breasts ha ha.

Young female dancer pirouetting at edge of a lake in beautiful purple dress

I think the biggest lesson I’ve learnt about working with dancers, is you can take the most beautiful photo and edit it to rival any previous work. However, dancers aren’t after beautiful (well not just beauty). Dancers are looking at their technique, as perfect technique is the ultimate goal. I think this is why there was some uncertainty when I asked if the dancers could try some of the more complicated moves. The amazing thing was not just how much they surprised themselves with their ability, but how much they improved their technique and poses in a matter of minutes, by checking the back of my camera and adjusting. It’s like real life immediate feedback.

If you haven’t already seen, I have recently launched my mini dance shoots at an amazing introductory offer. These are 30-minute long outdoor dance shoots in a beautiful location. In 30-minutes you have the opportunity to show off some of your most impressive leaps, a quick costume change, and headshots if required.

Dance Photoshoot Vouchers make an amazing Christmas gift for a dancer you know (you could even go in with a few other mums and I'll do a small group of up to 3 best friends for a group photo session)

Current Offer Just £199 including 5 high resolution edited photos

(option to upgrade to extra digital images, prints or wall art).

So, what are you waiting for? Contact me now via my booking form. I can still get personalised vouchers out to you in time for Christmas.

Ballet dancer at the edge of a lake during sunset

I'll be writing some hints and tips for the Christmas period soon, but in the mean time, I love this post from Wirral Photographer about getting through Christmas.

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12 Day Christmas Giveaway - Day 4

by Joanne Lewis • 04 Dec, 2020

A picture of Santa and me...

12 Day Christmas Giveaway - Day 3

by Joanne Lewis • 03 Dec, 2020

... Buy one, Get one Free*

12 Day Christmas Giveaway - Day 2

by Joanne Lewis • 02 Dec, 2020

... a second print using the same photo for free*

12 Day Christmas Giveaway - Day 1

by Joanne Lewis • 01 Dec, 2020

... a mounted print of a photo she's created for me*

Unbelievable Photography deals Black Friday 2020

by Joanne Lewis • 26 Nov, 2020

I couldn't let Black Friday 2020 go by without some amazing deals for my wonderful and valued customers... I've missed you all so much this year, but have loved the few shoots I was able to squeeze in between lockdowns and Home Education. With all the optimism I can muster for next year (I am naturally a pretty positive person) I am offering some spectacular deals on vouchers for my Hertford Studio and outdoor or on-location sessions next year (packages may be given as gifts, but please confirm preferred locations around Hertfordshire and some parts of London, Cambridgeshire and Essex with me before booking).