Happy Birthday, Olivia!

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Today we’re celebrating one of my original ambassadors — Olivia (@oliviaklovesballet). Every time she steps in front of the camera, she brings more strength, artistry, and quiet determination than the time before. Her steady growth and dedication to her craft are a joy to witness.

Whether she’s dancing with West Jersey Youth Ballet, teaming up with Vivi for portraits, or joining specialty sessions with her sister Brielle, Olivia always shows up ready to work, ready to grow, and ready to create something beautiful.

Happy Birthday, Olivia! Here’s to another year of artistry, confidence, and new creative moments ahead.

250 in Motion: An American Spirit Dance Portrait Series

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This is a once-in-a-generation patriotic portrait series for dancers, built around movement, strength, joy, and American spirit.

In honor of America’s 250th birthday, I’m excited to introduce a new limited dance portrait series: 250 in Motion: An American Spirit Dance Portrait Series.

This concept was created especially for dancers. It combines a large American flag backdrop, red, white, and blue styling, and expressive movement to create portraits that feel bold, celebratory, and timeless.

The goal of this series is simple: to celebrate the spirit of the moment through dance.

Option 1 (Descriptive): Dance ambassador Olivia performing a graceful pose during the 250 in Motion portrait series, set against a large American flag backdrop.
An American Spirit Dance Portrait Series. Three of my dance ambassadors model for the concept photo session! Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
Dance ambassador Elijah performing a strong, athletic pose in front of a large American flag backdrop for the 250 in Motion dance portrait series.
An American Spirit Dance Portrait Series. Three of my dance ambassadors model for the concept photo session! Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

These sessions are not about costumes, props, or novelty. They are about movement, strength, personality, and creating something memorable during a once-in-a-generation milestone year. Dancers can keep the look clean and classic with a simple red, white, or blue leotard, or add more movement with a skirt, fabric, or other dancewear that fits the patriotic theme.

A limited dance portrait experience celebrating America’s 250th birthday through movement, strength, and patriotic style.

The first test session brought this idea to life beautifully. We created everything from strong standing portraits to dramatic leaps, flowing fabric images, ballet-inspired poses, and fun Americana-inspired moments. The result is a series that feels energetic, proud, artistic, and very much centered on the dancer.

250 in Motion is a great fit for dancers who want something different from a traditional recital or studio portrait. It can work for ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, musical theater, or any dancer who wants a patriotic portrait with personality.

Session availability will be limited due to my spring and early summer schedule. If you are interested in creating your own 250 in Motion portraits, please reach out for details and available dates.

More of my favorite images from the initial session:

Dance ambassador Elijah performing a powerful leap in front of a large American flag backdrop for the 250 in Motion dance portrait series.
Dance ambassador Olivia performing a graceful pose during the 250 in Motion portrait series, set against a large American flag backdrop.
Dance ambassador Olivia performing a graceful pose during the 250 in Motion portrait series, set against a large American flag backdrop.
Dance ambassador Rylea performing a graceful pose during the 250 in Motion portrait series, set against a large American flag backdrop.
Dance ambassador Rylea performing a graceful pose during the 250 in Motion portrait series, set against a large American flag backdrop.
Dance ambassador Olivia performing a graceful ballet-inspired pose in front of a large American flag backdrop for the 250 in Motion dance portrait series.
Dance ambassador Rylea performing a graceful pose during the 250 in Motion portrait series, set against a large American flag backdrop.
Dance ambassador Elijah performing a graceful pose during the 250 in Motion portrait series, set against a large American flag backdrop.
Dance ambassador Elijah performing a C jump during the 250 in Motion portrait series, set against a large American flag backdrop.
Dance ambassador Olivia performing a graceful pose during the 250 in Motion portrait series, set against a large American flag backdrop.

Happy Birthday, Lily!

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Today we’re celebrating one of the most dedicated and artistic dancers on our ambassador team — Lily (@lilyana.en_pointe). From studio portraits to sunflower fields, the Silk Mill, and Columcille, she brings intention, grace, and a beautiful work ethic to every session.

Her flexibility (thank you, homeschooling!) and her passion for dance make creating with her such a joy. I’m grateful she’s part of this ambassador family and excited for everything she’ll continue to grow into this year.

Happy Birthday, Lily! Here’s to another year of artistry, confidence, and unforgettable moments.

Curtains Up! 2026 Freddy Awards Official Photos Are Now Available

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The energy, the raw talent, the tears of joy, and the jaw-dropping choreography—the 2026 Freddy Awards completely blew us away this year! As the official photographer capturing the magic on stage, I am absolutely thrilled to announce that the complete, high-resolution photo gallery is **officially live and open for viewing and purchasing**.

Whether you were a nominee under the bright lights, part of an ensemble that brought the house down, a proud director, or a family member cheering from the audience, these images were captured to help you preserve these memories forever.

🎨 **View the Official Gallery Here:** https://www.dabourphotography.com/event/Freddy-Awards-2026
🌐 **Explore More Theater Work:** Visit our main theatrical portfolio at https://dabourphoto.com/theatre

The Freddy Awards celebrate the absolute best in high school musical theatre, and this year’s production values reached spectacular new heights. From gravity-defying athletic leaps to dramatic, emotionally charged vocal performances, every single school brought unparalleled dedication to the stage.

Through the lens, my goal is always to freeze those split-second moments—the perfect mid-air split, the subtle interactions between lead characters, and the explosive color of the ensemble numbers.

Why Purchase Your Professional Action Prints & Digitals?

Unmatched Quality: Moving stages, dramatic theatrical lighting, and fast action are notoriously hard to capture. These images are shot on professional-grade gear specifically optimized for low-light, high-speed stage performances.

Keep the Memory Alive: High school theatre builds lifelong bonds. Having high-quality digital downloads or physical prints ensures you can look back on your performance decades from now with pride.


Perfect for Portfolios: If you are planning to pursue musical theatre, acting, or technical stage production in college or professionally, these images serve as flawless portfolio additions.

How to Find, View, and Purchase Your Photos

Navigating a massive event gallery can feel overwhelming, so we’ve streamlined the process to make finding your specific school or performance a breeze:

1. Click the Gallery Link: Go directly to the hosted platform at (https://www.dabourphotography.com/event/Freddy-Awards-2026).


2. Browse by Category or School: Images are organized chronologically and by section to help you jump right to your school’s performance, the award presentations, or the red carpet.


3. Select Your Favorites: You can select digital downloads for instant social media sharing or order professional-grade physical prints, canvases, and keepsakes delivered straight to your door.

*Note: For general inquiries about our performance schedules or booking for upcoming local theatre productions, head to our main site at https://dabourphoto.com/theatre.

Share Your Success!

When you post your purchased photos on Instagram or Facebook, don’t forget to tag us @davedabour_photography or @DabourPhotography and use the hashtag #FreddyAwards2026 so we can celebrate your talent all over again!

Congratulations to all the schools, directors, cast, and crew members who made this year an unforgettable milestone in local theatre history.

Leaps, Bounds, and Lifelong Skills: Highlighting the MHC 2026 Dance Showcase

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Every year, there are a few events on my photography calendar that I genuinely look forward to, and the Mary Help of Christians Dance Showcase is always right at the top of the list. Capturing the energy, movement, and sheer talent of these students never fails to inspire me.

The Magic of Great Instruction

A massive part of what makes this program so incredible is their dance instructor, Hannah Battista. Because Hannah is a talented dancer herself, she brings a level of authentic expertise, empathy, and passion to the floor that completely transforms her students. You can see the trust they have in her reflected in every routine—whether they are holding a flawless ballet pose or executing a high-energy contemporary piece.

A Unique Approach to Fitness

One of the most amazing things about the MHC Dance program is how the school integrates it into the curriculum. Instead of traditional gym classes, the girls are actually allowed to take dance class in lieu of physical education! It’s a brilliant way to keep students active, engaged, and passionate about physical fitness. They aren’t just running laps; they are learning choreography, spatial awareness, teamwork, and artistic expression.

Showcase Highlights

This year’s showcase was nothing short of spectacular. I’ve put together a collage of some of my absolute favorite moments from the performance, capturing a mix of clean studio portraits and the vibrant, dramatic energy of the live stage production.

Showtime! Live from the State Theatre for the 2026 Freddy Awards

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The wait is over. The red carpet is rolled out, the “on-air” lights are glowing, and the energy inside the State Theatre in Easton is absolutely off the charts. Tonight is the culmination of months of hard work, talent, and passion from high school theater departments across the Lehigh Valley and beyond.

It’s the 2026 Freddy Awards, and there is truly nothing like it.

The Electricity of Live TV

Walking into the theater on show night is a sensory experience. You have the roar of the student sections, the flash of the paparazzi on the red carpet, and the silent, focused intensity of the WFMZ-TV crew as they prepare for a three-hour live broadcast. For a photographer, this is the ultimate challenge and the ultimate reward.

From the second the opening number begins until the final trophy is handed out, my goal is to capture the raw, unscripted emotion of the night. Whether it’s the tearful embrace of a supporting actor winner, the sheer athleticism of an ensemble production number, or the quiet moment of a soloist taking their final bow—these are the memories that deserve to be preserved forever.

A Community United

What always amazes me about the Freddys is the community. While these schools are technically “competing,” the atmosphere backstage and in the house feels more like a massive family reunion. Rivalries are set aside for a shared love of the stage. Watching 31 schools come together to celebrate each other’s successes is what makes being the official photographer for this program such an honor year after year.

Relive the Night: The 2026 Galleries

The show may end tonight, but the memories don’t have to. I am working around the clock to process and upload the thousands of images captured throughout this week—from the early soloist rehearsals to tonight’s grand finale.

Parents, Cast, and Crew: You can view, share, and purchase your favorite moments from tonight’s historic show, as well as our complete archive from years past, at the link below:

👉 Dabour Photography Freddy Awards Hub

Keep refreshing the gallery throughout the weekend as new batches of 2026 photos drop!

Congratulations to every student, teacher, and volunteer who made the 2026 Freddy Awards a night to remember. Now, let’s get the show started!

Some of my favorite images from last year’s 2025 Freddy Awards

Artistic Dance Portraits: A Pre-Picture Day Session with Kylie

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There is something special about the quiet moments in the studio before the rush of a full production begins. Recently, I had the pleasure of working with Kylie, a talented member of the Senior Dance Team at ShowBiz Kidz Dance Center in Lopatcong, NJ, for a specialized artistic portrait session.

While “Picture Day” is always a highlight for the studio, these extra sessions allow us the time and creative freedom to move beyond the standard poses. We focused on highlighting Kylie’s incredible technical form, strength, and contemporary movement—qualities that make her a standout on the senior team.

Artistic dance portrait of Kylie in a cream-colored outfit and red socks, performing a contemporary floor pose with her back arched and one leg bent over her head.
An artistic floor-based dance portrait of Kylie in a cream-colored outfit and red socks, performing a dramatic, contemporary pose with one arm extended vertically and a focused expression.
A creative dance portrait of Kylie from ShowBiz Kidz in a white lace leotard and pointe shoes, performing a flexible backbend supported by a white studio block with one leg extended in a vertical split.
An artistic dance portrait of a female dancer in a white lace leotard performing a dramatic backbend over a white studio block; she is wearing pointe shoes with one leg extended vertically.
Artistic pre-performance dance portraits featuring Kylie from ShowBiz Kidz. Photo by Dave Dabour Photography.

The Power of a Dance Portfolio

Kylie’s dedication to her craft is evident in every frame. As she continues to grow with the ShowBiz Kidz family, I’m personally rooting for her to become a Dance Ambassador next season. She certainly has the poise and leadership for the role!

Custom portrait sessions like this are essential for dancers looking to build a professional portfolio. Whether you’re preparing for:

…having high-quality, artistic imagery is what sets you apart from the competition.

I love partnering with local dancers in Warren County and the surrounding area to capture their unique style. If you’re interested in a creative session that goes beyond the traditional recital photo, let’s connect!

Tech Week Day 3: Where the Magic Happens—Dress Rehearsal & TV Prep

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If you ask anyone involved in the Freddy Awards which day is the most pivotal, you might hear “Thursday.” But if you ask me the Freddy Awards photographer, the answer is always Wednesday.

Wednesday is where the magic truly happens. It is the bridge between the raw rehearsals of early tech week and the high-octane live broadcast of the awards ceremony. It is the day the State Theatre transforms into a full-scale television studio, and for me, it is the most rewarding day of the year to be behind the lens.

The Professional Shift: TV Prep

Walking into the theater on Wednesday evening feels different. The WFMZ-TV crew is all set up, their cameras positioned, and the production team is in “watching and learning” mode. They are mapping out every camera angle and every lighting cue, following a nearly identical tech rehearsal of the entire three-hour show. Watching the synergy between the theatrical performers and the television professionals is a masterclass in production.

The Visual Explosion: Full Costumes

This is the moment everyone has been waiting for. Wednesday is the first time all the actors, soloists, and ensembles are in full costume performing together on the State Theatre stage.

The transition from rehearsal hoodies and sneakers to vibrant, theatrical costumes is an explosion of color and character. It changes the way the students carry themselves—they aren’t just rehearsing anymore; they are the characters.

Why It’s My Favorite Day

As a photographer, Wednesday is my “gold mine” day. Because it is a dress rehearsal and not a live broadcast with a seated audience, I have the flexibility to capture the best possible action shots without the constraints of a live crowd or the strict sightlines of the actual ceremony. I get to document the sweat, the smiles, the intricate details of the costumes, and the peak energy of the routines. This is where I capture the “hero shots” that end up being favorites for years to come.

Dress rehearsal photo of the 2025 Freddy Awards. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
Dress rehearsal photo of the 2025 Freddy Awards. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

The countdown to the red carpet is almost over! If you’re a cast member or a parent, make sure you have the link ready to go. You can view all the magic from this week and our entire history of the Freddy Awards right here:

Dabour Photography Freddy Awards Gallery

Keep checking back—as soon as the magic from today is processed, it will be landing in the 2026 gallery!

Happy Birthday, Elijah!

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Today we’re celebrating one of the most creative and multi‑talented artists on our ambassador team — Elijah (@elijahinthearts). Whether he’s dancing, acting, modeling, or teaming up for one of his signature duets, he brings energy, imagination, and heart into every session.

It’s been amazing watching him grow across so many art forms, and I’m grateful for every moment we’ve created together.

Happy Birthday, Elijah! Here’s to another year of creativity, confidence, and big artistic adventures ahead.

Tech Week Day 2: First Steps on the Main Stage for Nominated Schools

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If Monday night at the State Theatre is about quiet focus, Tuesday is all about pure, electric excitement. Today is the day the tech week energy really starts to amplify as the nominated schools arrive for their very first stage run-throughs.

For a high school theater student, there is nothing quite like the moment you walk through those backstage doors and look out into the beautiful, historic auditorium of the State Theatre. For many, it’s a dream they’ve been working toward all year—or all four years of high school.

The Grand Transition

The logistics of Tuesday are a masterclass in theatrical coordination. The students from the nominated schools arrive at different scheduled and gets acclimated to the massive stage, and runs through their blocking. They are transitioning from their hometown high school auditoriums to a massive professional house, and you can see the sheer awe on their faces the second they hit the stage.

They work through their spacing, get a feel for the acoustics, and get a taste of what the live broadcast night is going to feel like. Alongside the individual school numbers, the opening and closing ensembles are right back at it, seamlessly fitting their massive choreography into the space.

Capturing the Awe

From behind the lens, Tuesday is a goldmine for genuine emotion. I love capturing the wide-eyed looks of the students looking up at the balcony, the backstage high-fives, the nervous giggles, and the sudden realization of “Wow, we are really here.” Even in their rehearsal clothes, the performances have an incredible spark of energy.

Nazareth Area HS ‘Seussical’ rehearse for the 2025 Freddy Awards on Tuesday, May 12 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

As we head toward the mid-week dress rehearsals, the excitement is only going up from here! Parents, cast members, and fans—don’t miss a single memory from this week or years past.

You can find all of our extensive event archives, and eventually all of this year’s fresh 2026 action, over at the Dabour Photography Freddy Awards Gallery. Head over now to grab your keepsakes and bookmark the page for this weekend’s upcoming galleries!