Monthly Archives: October 2025

🌿 Dance Meets Stone: Outdoor Portraits at Columcille Megalith Park 🩰📸

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New Jersey Dance Photographer

🌿 Dance Meets Stone: Outdoor Portraits at Columcille Megalith Park 🩰📸

Dance ambassadors visit Columcille Megalith Park on Oct. 16, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

There’s something magical about blending movement with nature—and our recent outdoor dance portrait session at Columcille Megalith Park was the perfect canvas for that magic. With ancient stones, winding paths, and a forested backdrop, the setting offered a timeless stage for three of my incredible dance ambassadors: Vivi, Lily, and Elijah.

The morning started off chilly, but spirits were high and layers came off as the dancers warmed up—both physically and creatively. Each ambassador brought their own energy to the session:

Dance ambassadors visit Columcille Megalith Park on Oct. 16, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

✨ Vivi danced with quiet grace and strength, her lines echoing the natural curves of the landscape.

Dance ambassadors visit Columcille Megalith Park on Oct. 16, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography


🌬️ Lily embraced the wind and the wild, moving with fluidity and fierce emotion that made every frame feel alive.

Dance ambassadors visit Columcille Megalith Park on Oct. 16, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography


🪨 Elijah grounded the session with bold shapes and confident presence, creating contrast against the ancient stones and soft moss.

Together, we created portraits that feel like they belong to another era—timeless, earthy, and full of soul. Columcille’s mystical energy paired beautifully with the dancers’ artistry, and the results speak for themselves.

Stay tuned for more ambassador spotlights and behind-the-scenes stories as we continue to explore new locations and push creative boundaries.

Best of Spooky Dance Portraits 2025

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🎃 Spooky Dance Portraits 2025: A Hauntingly Beautiful Showcase 🩰🕸️

This year’s Spooky Dance series was a thrilling blend of eerie elegance, bold creativity, and unforgettable performances. From seasoned ambassadors to rising stars, every dancer brought their own brand of magic to the lens—and the results were nothing short of spellbinding.

Spooky dance portraits for Makenley. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography on Oct 18, 2025

👻 Makenley may be one of our younger participants, but don’t let her age fool you—she delivered with poise and presence beyond her years. Her portraits radiated quiet strength and a touch of mystery that fit the theme perfectly.

Spooky dance portraits. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography on Oct 19, 2025
Spooky dance portraits. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography on Oct 19, 2025

🕷️ Sisters Olivia and Brielle returned with their signature flair, proving once again why they’re fan favorites. Their chemistry, confidence, and commitment to character made every frame a visual treat.

Spooky dance portraits. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography on Oct 19, 2025

🦇 Adrianna was absolutely spooktacular—her expressions, movement, and costume choices created a cinematic vibe that felt straight out of a Halloween fantasy.

🩸 Welcoming new dance ambassadors Sydney, Molly, and Elijah was a highlight of the season. Each brought their scary best, embracing the theme with bold poses, dramatic lighting, and a fearless attitude that elevated the entire shoot.

🕯️ Kayley’s passion was scarily present—her intensity and emotion lit up the frame, while Annabella’s makeup was a masterpiece in itself, adding layers of drama and depth to her haunting look.

Spooky dance portraits. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography on Oct 19, 2025

🌒 And finally, newcomer Iris stunned us all. She took direction like a seasoned pro and moved through each setup with grace and confidence. Her portraits are proof that talent and heart shine through, no matter how new you are to the spotlight.

This year’s Spooky Dance portraits weren’t just photos—they were stories, moods, and moments frozen in time. Thank you to every dancer who stepped into the shadows and made them shine.

Stay tuned for more themed sessions and ambassador spotlights as we head into the holiday season!

New Studio Artwork: Celebrating Movement, Light, and Grit

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New artwork on display at Dabour Photography

I’m thrilled to unveil new artwork now on display in the studio—each piece a tribute to the incredible dancers who brought these recent sessions to life. From powder bursts frozen mid-leap to serene outdoor portraits framed by nature’s textures, these images capture more than motion—they reflect strength, artistry, and the spirit of our ambassador community.

These sessions pushed creative boundaries and celebrated individuality. Whether set against dramatic skies or illuminated by airborne powder, each portrait tells a story of passion and presence.

Take a look at the video below for a closer view of the collection—and a glimpse into the energy behind the lens.

Ready to create your own unforgettable portraits?
Let’s bring your vision to life. Book your session here.

💖 Thank You for Making Dance Dads for a Cure Unforgettable

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New Jersey Dance Photographer

What an incredible day.

To everyone who participated in Dance Dads for a Cure—thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your energy, your smiles, and your support helped turn a creative idea into something truly meaningful.

Together, we raised over $500 toward breast cancer research. That’s not just a number—it’s a step forward in the fight, powered by dance, family, and community.

From the first pose to the final laugh, the joy was contagious. Dancers brought their artistry. Dads brought their spirit. And every single person brought heart. I saw so many smiles, shared stories, and moments of connection that reminded me why we do this.

Even the dads—some of whom were stepping in front of the camera for the first time—embraced the moment with humor and love. You showed up, you danced, and you made a difference.

📸 A full gallery of images has been sent to everyone who participated. I hope they bring back the magic of the day and remind you of the impact we created together.

This was more than a photo shoot. It was a celebration of resilience, family, and hope.

Let’s keep dancing. Let’s keep showing up. And let’s keep fighting—for a cure.

With gratitude,
Dave

What to Wear for a Dance Photoshoot — A Parent’s Guide

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By Dave Dabour, Dabour Photography

What to wear tips for a dance photo session with Dabour Photography
What to wear tips for a dance photo session with Dabour Photography

Booking a dance photoshoot is an exciting milestone — whether it’s for an audition, recital portraits, or just to capture your dancer’s passion and hard work. As a full-time professional dance photographer based in New Jersey, one of the most common questions I hear from parents is:

“What should my dancer wear?”

Don’t worry — I’ve got you covered! Here’s a simple guide to help you choose the perfect outfit so your dancer looks confident, polished, and photo-ready.

🎭 Start with the Purpose of the Shoot

Different types of sessions call for different outfits:

Type of PhotoshootBest Outfit StyleNotes
Audition or Headshot SessionSimple, clean leotardAvoid patterns or flashy colors — the focus should be on your dancer’s lines.
Artistic Studio PortraitsTutus, skirts, or character costumesFeel free to bring variety! Classic ballet looks or themed outfits both work beautifully.
Performance or On-Location ShootFull costume or rehearsal outfitCapture the energy of the role — accessories and props are welcome!

💡 Outfit Tips for the Best Results

✔ Solid Colors Photograph Best
Soft pastels, jewel tones, black, or white are timeless choices. Avoid busy prints unless they’re part of a themed character look.

✔ Make Sure Everything Fits Properly
Loose straps or baggy tights can distract from beautiful lines.

✔ Bring Backup Options
Even if we plan for one outfit, having a second choice gives us flexibility.

✔ Shoes Matter!

  • On pointe? Pointe shoes are always stunning — as long as your dancer is ready and trained.
  • Not on pointe yet? Ballet slippers, jazz shoes, or even barefoot can look amazing.

💁 Hair & Accessories

  • Hair should match the style of the outfit. A clean ballet bun for classic looks; soft curls or half-up styles for character shoots.
  • Avoid jewelry unless it fits the theme. Less is often more.

📸 Studio vs. On-Location — Dress Accordingly

I offer both studio portraits and on-location/performance-style shoots across NJ, PA, NYC, and the Lehigh Valley.

  • Studio: Clean backgrounds let the outfit shine — bring your most polished looks.
  • On Location: Think about movement — skirts, chiffon, capes, or tutus catch light beautifully outdoors or on stage.

Ready to Plan Your Dancer’s Session?

Choosing the right outfit sets the tone — but you don’t have to figure it out alone. I’m always happy to help parents pick the perfect look based on their dancer’s age, level, and goals.

👉 Contact me for more information or to schedule a session at:
https://dabourphoto.com/dance

Let’s create images your dancer will treasure for years to come!

— Dave Dabour
Dabour Photography

Behind the Curtain: A Dance Ambassador Session at the Historic State Theatre 🎭

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New Jersey and Lehigh Valley Dance Photography

Dabour Photography photographs his dance ambassadors at the State Theatre
Dabour Photography dance ambassadors at the State Theatre of the Arts on September 23, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

There are moments in photography when everything aligns — the setting, the energy, the people — and magic happens. This past week, I had the privilege of creating one of those moments with my incredible Dance Ambassadors inside the iconic State Theatre of the Arts in Easton, PA.

Thanks to a few well-placed favors and generous support from the Theatre team, we gained exclusive access to this stunning venue. For those unfamiliar, the State Theatre isn’t just a performance space — it’s a living piece of Easton’s history, with ornate architecture, dramatic lighting, and a palpable sense of legacy that elevates every frame.

From the moment we stepped inside, the energy was electric. My ambassadors brought their A-game — leaping, twirling, and posing with the kind of grace and power that makes this program so special. We explored the velvet-lined aisles, the grand stage, and even some tucked-away corners that offered unexpected visual gems.

Dabour Photography photographs his dance ambassadors at the State Theatre
Dabour Photography photographs his dance ambassadors at the State Theatre
Dabour Photography photographs his dance ambassadors at the State Theatre
Dave Dabour Photography discusses a pose with one of his dance ambassadors at the State Theatre
Dabour Photography photographs his dance ambassadors at the State Theatre
Dave Dabour Photography discusses a pose with one of his dance ambassadors at the State Theatre
Dabour Photography photographing one of his dance ambassadors at the State Theatre

📸 Behind-the-Scenes Moments
Here are a few candid shots from setup and rehearsal — the laughter, the prep, and those spontaneous moments that remind me why I love what I do. These dancers aren’t just performers; they’re collaborators, storytellers, and community builders. Special thanks to Jordyn at the State Theatre for capturing these.

Dabour Photography photographing his dance ambassadors at the State Theatre
Dabour Photography photographing his dance ambassadors at the State Theatre
Dabour Photography photographing his dance ambassadors at the State Theatre
Dabour Photography photographing his dance ambassadors at the State Theatre
Dabour Photography photographing his dance ambassadors at the State Theatre
Dabour Photography photographing his dance ambassadors at the State Theatre
Dabour Photography photographing his dance ambassadors at the State Theatre
Dabour Photography photographing his dance ambassadors at the State Theatre
Dabour Photography photographing his dance ambassadors at the State Theatre
Dabour Photography photographing his dance ambassadors at the State Theatre
Dabour Photography photographing his dance ambassadors at the State Theatre
Dabour Photography photographing his dance ambassadors at the State Theatre
Dabour Photography photographing his dance ambassadors at the State Theatre
Dabour Photography photographing his dance ambassadors at the State Theatre
Dabour Photography photographing his dance ambassadors at the State Theatre
Dabour Photography photographing his dance ambassadors at the State Theatre
Dabour Photography photographing his dance ambassadors at the State Theatre
Dabour Photography photographing his dance ambassadors at the State Theatre
Dabour Photography photographing his dance ambassadors at the State Theatre
Dabour Photography photographing his dance ambassadors at the State Theatre
Dabour Photography photographing his dance ambassadors at the State Theatre
Dabour Photography photographing his dance ambassadors at the State Theatre
Dabour Photography photographing his dance ambassadors at the State Theatre
Dabour Photography photographing his dance ambassadors at the State Theatre
Dabour Photography photographing his dance ambassadors at the State Theatre
Dabour Photography dance ambassadors at the State Theatre of the Arts on Sepember 23, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

✨ Final Images
The final portraits are something else. Think dramatic spotlighting, sweeping motion, and the kind of theatrical flair that only a venue like the State Theatre can provide.

To my ambassadors: thank you for your trust, your talent, and your spirit. This session was a celebration of everything we’ve built together — and a reminder that when art meets opportunity, incredible things happen.

— Dave

Dance Dads for a Cure: Why It Matters to Me

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Breast cancer struck pretty close in my family. My mom was a survivor. I always wanted to do something in support of that and my love of dance photography. Enter: Dance Dads for a Cure!

This will be a mini portrait session (15 minutes) for a dancer, and their dad. The session is complimentary as long as you make a donation to a charity that supports cancer. Any images with the dad wearing pink, would be included! If a dancer wants images of herself, I will donate my profit to cancer charity.

While I realize every dancer has a dad, not all of them are available or willing to do this. But cost isn’t a factor (other than the donation)

Dancers probably have many portraits of themselves captured on smartphones or by non-professional photographers, but probably very little or none with their dads while dancing!

One. Day. Only. Sunday October 5th dancedads.dabourphoto.com