How To Nail Your Dance Photoshoot Pt 3 | Los Angeles Dance Photographer
The Session
So, you've chosen your dance photographer (Part 1), prepared your wardrobe (Part 2), and arrived at the location ready to capture some stunning dance photos. Now, it's time to dive into the heart of the photoshoot and make every moment count. Here are some essential tips for making the most out of your dance session:
Arrive Early and Warm Up: Before the camera starts clicking, take some time to warm up your body. Just like during a dance class, warming up helps prevent injuries and ensures that your muscles are ready for movement. Arriving early gives you the opportunity to get your heart rate up, increase blood flow to your muscles, and mentally prepare for the session ahead. All of this will help you better execute all of the incredible movement that will be captured.
Know Your Strengths: As a dancer, you know your body and your movements better than anyone else. Come prepared with a repertoire of poses and movements that showcase your strengths and abilities. Having a few go-to poses in mind will save time during the session and ensure that you're always ready to strike a captivating pose.
A dance session with me is always collaborative. Typically we will start with some improv, so you can warm up and I can see the way your body wants to move. From there we will move into some more posed types of movement. Knowing what you are good at really helps us find a starting place. From there I use my dance educator hat to help find the most impressive use of that pose in a photo.
3. Communicate with Your Photographer: Your photographer is there to capture your vision, so don't hesitate to communicate your ideas, preferences, and concerns. Whether it's a specific pose you want to try or a particular angle you love, open communication will help ensure that you're both on the same page and working towards the same goal.
During my Dancer Sessions there is a lot of back and forth dialogue between the dancer as the subject of the photograph and me as the dance photographer. You can tell me about what movements feel best on your body and I can help make those movements look great in a photograph. It’s important to remember that we are taking something that is 3D and pressing it into something that is 2D. Placement of arms and legs may need to adjust a bit to make sure they don’t look short or get lost in the photograph.
4. Experiment with Movement: Don't be afraid to explore different movements and expressions during the session. Experiment with fluid movements, dynamic leaps, and powerful gestures to bring depth and emotion to your photos. Allow yourself to be fully present in the moment and let your creativity flow freely.
Think about how small adjustments to a pose or movement can create a unique feel to the same movement. Look at the images below to see an example.
5. Take Direction and Feedback: Your photographer is there to guide you and help you look your best on camera. Be open to taking direction and feedback from your photographer, whether it's adjusting your posture, refining your movements, or trying out new poses. ***Trust their expertise and let their guidance lead you to stunning results.
***Make sure that your dance photographer is keeping your body safe during your session. A photographer with less experience around dancers won’t always know what is safe for you. If you haven’t read Part One of this series, How To Pick Your Dance Photographer, CLICK HERE.
6. Be Flexible and Adapt: Outdoor photo sessions can be unpredictable, with changing weather conditions and unexpected obstacles. Stay flexible and be prepared to adapt to whatever challenges arise during the shoot. Whether it's adjusting your poses to accommodate uneven terrain or embracing a sudden gust of wind, flexibility is key to capturing the perfect shot.
7. Stay Present and Engaged: It's easy to get caught up in the technical aspects of a photoshoot, but don't forget to stay present and engaged in the moment. Focus on expressing yourself through your movements and connecting with the environment around you. The most captivating dance photos are often the ones that capture genuine emotion and passion.
Don’t forget to think about your face. While a body moving in space can be impressive, a dance photograph that makes more of an impact is one that is expressive both in body and face.
Pay attention while you are taking class (especially during your warm up), if you are holding tension in your face or body or make unflattering expressions (pursing your lips or crunching your eyebrows).
8. Have Fun and Be Yourself: Finally, remember to have fun and enjoy the experience! Let your personality shine through in your movements and expressions, and don't be afraid to show off your unique style and creativity. The best dance photoshoots are the ones where you feel confident, comfortable, and authentically yourself.
By following these tips and staying focused, flexible, and engaged during your dance session, you'll be sure to capture some truly breathtaking images that showcase your talent and passion for dance. Stay tuned for the final installment of our series, where we'll cover post-session tips for maximizing the impact of your dance photos.
Are you ready to book your Dance Session? CLICK HERE and Let’s Chat!
