What are THE most important things when photographing dancers?

A couple of months ago I had the amazing opportunity to present my dance photography work to the Main Line Camera Club. I love taking about dance photography and I love talking with photographers, so this was definitely my ideas of a great night!

I was given the guidelines that I could talk about anything I wanted pertaining to my dance photography, and that I had 15 minutes. 15 minutes seemed really short to me, so I really had to focus on a specific part of my work. I decided that since dance photography is such a micro niche, one that most of the club members had never tried, that I should use the 15 minutes to talk about what I feel are the very most important things to consider when photographing dancers. And since may of you are dancers, dance parents or teachers, I thought I’d share my main points with you, in case it helps you the next time you are working on some dance portraits.

The most important thing!

Working with a dancer is a true collaboration. They are not just the photographer’s model. Us photographers must make sure the dancer looks good and feel safe. We need to respect that even if our photo is technically perfect, the photo isn’t good unless the dancer loves how they look. And the photo isn’t worth creating unless the dancer is in a safe environment,

The second most important thing!

As photographers we need to use a camera angle and perspective that is flattering and a good representation of the dancer’s form. Usually this means shooting with the camera at about waist height, with their arms and legs equidistant to the camera and keeping the dancers’ hands, feet and head away from the edges and corners of the photo.

The third most important thing!

Lighting is everything to photographers. It’s what our photos are made of. This is one way were we can bring our expertise and creativity! We want to make sure that our lighting flatters the dancer and shows off their strengths. By controlling the direction, distance, power and size of the light we can purposefully show muscle definition or create a mood.

There are a lot of other important things to be mindful of when working with a dancer on creating photos and if you’re ever at all interested in talking about them, you know who to call!

I'm so grateful that you are taking the time to read my monthly newsletter. If you'd like to get in touch with me about photo sessions or photography feel free to send me a note or give me a call anytime. I’m always happy to talk!