The Perfect Shot – Our Dance Photo Shoot

As my girls are gearing up to attend the World Dance Pageant later this month, I knew from our previous experience that they would each need a headshot and action shot.  The last time I had professional photos of my girls taken for dance was over a year ago, so we needed updated photos right away.  Luckily, a fellow dance mom (Janine from Clearly Majestic) photographed our team and our most recent recital, so I made arrangements with her to meet in a park here at the Jersey Shore.  

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Headshots

In the world of performing arts, “headshots” are what you might expect:  pictures of the dancer’s face, and possibly neck and/or shoulders.  The background should not distract from the subject.  Most resources I’ve seen advise against wearing jewelry and “busy” clothing (patterns, stripes, etc.)   The dancer’s hair should be neat (many judges hate “wispies”). The dancer’s personality should “come through” in the photo, and they should generally be looking at the camera.  

Opinions vary pretty wildly on other aspects of the perfect headshot.  Some insist that the subject should smile with teeth showing, while others find a more somber, “haunted” look captivating.  I’ve read guidelines that emphatically stress that the camera should be on level with the subject’s face, but others have allowed for alternate angles (looking down on the dancer, for example).  Experimenting with different facial expressions, angles, and other variables ahead of time can help your dancer feel more comfortable when it’s time to snap the photos.

Clothing Considerations

My girls have very fair skin and freckles (sorry, girls; those are my genetics) and light blue eyes.  So when Jocelyn came to me with a pure white top, I exercised my seldom-used Mommy veto power.  I knew it would make her look washed out, so I went on a quick shopping excursion.  Swooping through H&M, I picked out a selection of tops that I thought would work.  Jayden settled on a soft, ice-blue sweater, and Jocelyn chose a crisp olive green, button-down top.  

Windy Day

As it turned out, the headshots were the most difficult to take.  Since the photo session was in the shore area, we fully expected some breezes.  I was not, however, prepared for the stiff, unrelenting winds that plagued us for the entire shoot.  But such is the gamble you take when your session is outside!  We knew the risks, so we coped as best as we could (with frequent combing and brushing).  

Jayden’s personality came through in many of the shots by simply tilting her head and flashing a joyful smile.  Jocelyn thought to turn over her shoulder to look back at the photographer, and her smile radiated pure happiness.  Everyone did the best they could, given the circumstances.  Aside from their hair being out of place, my girls looked absolutely gorgeous (I’m biased, I realize).

Action Shots

Days before the session was scheduled, I told my girls to think about and practice some movements they might use for action shots.  For years, they would automatically pop into a heel stretch when I asked them to pose.  This time, I made it clear that we would not be doing any “crotch shots” (sorry to be crass, but sometimes you’ve got to be with kids).  They ran a few by me, and I approved.  

We were beyond lucky to have one of the most gorgeous sunsets in recent memory as the backdrop for the photos.  The jeweled tones of the girls’ leotards perfectly accented the melting colors of the sunset, and the dancing waters warmly reflected the fading sunlight.  Jayden’s selected action shot is a gorgeous leap with her hair flying behind her (pictured below), and Jocelyn’s is her signature scorpion.

If you’re preparing your dancer for action shots, I would strongly recommend that you have her/him practice with the leaps, jumps, poses, etc., before the session.  You don’t want to waste everyone’s time while it all gets figured out.  Also, have your dancer wear the actual outfit while trying these moves out (including undergarments, if he/she plans to wear some) before the shoot.  You can avoid some potential wardrobe malfunctions just by doing a quick test run in advance.

Pointe Ballet Shots

Shortly before the pandemic, my girls were invited to go en pointe for the first time (for that experience, read A Good Pointe Part 1 and Part 2).  So really, this past year was their first full year receiving pointe instruction.  The photographer suggested that we bring their pointe shoes to take some shots just to have, and I am so glad she did!  We dug up some clean-ish pink tights, their ballet costume from this year’s recital, and their pointe shoes.  I am absolutely in love with so many of these pictures, and know they will always be among my most cherished memories of their time as young dancers.

If your child has a genre that is near and dear to their heart (or represents a milestone), it is definitely worth the extra time and effort to get at least a few shots of it.  Thinking outside of my “must-haves” led my photographer to suggest the pointe shots, so take a moment to brainstorm with your dancer.  Better to have too many pictures than not enough!

Some Tips for Your Pics

This is by no means a complete, exhaustive list of everything you should know before your dancer’s photo shoot.  I’m simply sharing some little tidbits that I’ve learned along the way, and I’m always open to hearing new suggestions!

Photographer

I cannot overstate the importance of having a photographer that you and your dancer are comfortable with.  My girls were perfectly at ease with Janine.  Even if they did not know her from dance, her easy going manner and friendly interactions would have relaxed them immediately. 

Ask fellow dance families who they have used and recommend, and be sure to look at their previous work.  Make sure that he or she has experience with DANCE photography.  Otherwise, you run the risk of having your child’s headshots look similar to school pictures.  Make sure to discuss all payment and delivery arrangements before the session, so everyone’s expectations are clear.

Location

Really think about what you want the final product to look like.  Previously, we had done indoor shots in front of a backdrop, but that arrangement did not put my girls at ease (they looked stiff in the final shots).  We opted for outdoor shots this time, but that presents its own challenges (humidity, wind, precipitation, etc.).  A good photographer should be able to help you with this, if you have no ideas of your own (or need feedback on the ones you do have).  The park we used had a variety of places to shoot (gazebo, beach, flagpole, flower beds, etc.); scout places you’ve never visited before to see what they have to offer.

Wardrobe

Consider your dancer’s coloring, and what background they’ll be using.  For each of my girls, I also packed a backup shirt (for the headshot) and leotard (for the action shot).  If you have kids, then you know that the unexpected can happen!  Make sure you pack all of the clothing in a garment bag for protection.  Double-check that you’ve got all the necessary shoes as well.

Hair

Of course, you’ll want to have an idea of the hairstyle your dancer will have for the pics.  If it’s a newer ‘do, then make sure you practice it before the day of the shoot.  Bring all the necessary supplies with you that day (comb, brush, pins, hairspray, gel, elastics, etc.). For some ideas on what you might be missing check Competition Day Essentials: Hair Supplies.

Makeup

Most judges want to see a clean, natural look in a dancer’s photos.  Neutral eyeshadow, light mascara, a dusting of face powder, and a neutral lip gloss were all we used.  Avoid heavy “showtime” makeup – save that for the stage.  Again, bring all your supplies with you for touch-ups.  

Privacy

If you’re shooting outdoors (or in a public place) and need to execute some wardrobe changes, consider bringing something to shield your dancer from view.  I held up black garment bags and used my body to do the trick.  In hindsight, I wish I would have brought a pop up tent (like this one).  

Other Supplies

I brought our foldable stool, and it came in really handy (we have the Dream Duffel brand, but this one is similar).  I also brought a pop-up hamper to throw the discarded outfits into; again, it was really indispensable (time was a factor, as the setting sun waits for no one)!  I did forget our portable makeup mirror (similar to this one), which would have helped my girls touch up their own makeup (they used the camera on their phones instead).

All in All…

At the end of the day, keep in mind that this should be a fun, enjoyable experience.  Even if you’re frustrated yourself, do your best to appear at ease in front of your dancer (you don’t want to see worry in his/her face).  When we were finished, my girls gave me a big squeeze and thanked me for setting the shoot up for them.  Seeing their smiles, I knew it was worth it!

A huge thanks to Janine from Clearly Majestic for an amazing experience!  If you’re in the tri-state area, you should definitely contact her for your dancer’s photos (and more).  Tell her Danielle sent you!

Work hard, have fun! – Danielle

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