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

Posted on October 29, 2025 by dabourphoto

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:

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

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

🪨 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

Posted on October 28, 2025 by dabourphoto

🎃 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

🕷️ 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.

🦇 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.

🌒 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

Posted on October 14, 2025 by dabourphoto

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

Posted on October 7, 2025 by dabourphoto

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

Posted on October 3, 2025 by dabourphoto

By Dave Dabour, 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 Photoshoot	Best Outfit Style	Notes
Audition or Headshot Session	Simple, clean leotard	Avoid patterns or flashy colors — the focus should be on your dancer’s lines.
Artistic Studio Portraits	Tutus, skirts, or character costumes	Feel free to bring variety! Classic ballet looks or themed outfits both work beautifully.
Performance or On-Location Shoot	Full costume or rehearsal outfit	Capture 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

Dance Dads for a Cure: Why It Matters to Me

Posted on October 1, 2025 by dabourphoto

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

The Little Dancer Who Bravely Stepped Into the Spotlight

Posted on June 11, 2025 by dabourphoto

New Jersey and Lehigh Valley, PA Dance Photography

Worth the Wait – Young Dancer Gets Her Dance Portraits Done! — Recital dance portraits for 5,6,7,8 Dance Studio on June 8, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

Every dance recital photo day comes with its own set of challenges—lighting, movement, timing. But there’s always one challenge that’s far more delicate than adjusting a lens: a shy young dancer who hesitates in front of the camera.

I’ve seen it happen before, and my team has a proven track record of bringing out even the most hesitant performers. But this little one had me genuinely worried.

We started gently—bringing mom into the frame. That worked for about five seconds before she darted back into the safety of her own space. Next, we let her watch her classmates as they confidently took their turns, hoping their enthusiasm would spark something inside her. But 15 minutes passed, and she still wasn’t ready.

Then another 45 minutes went by. She continued to watch, absorbing the energy and courage of her fellow class mate dancers. And finally, the moment arrived. She stepped forward—alone, no mom, no classmates—just her, in front of my lens, ready to shine.

In that instant, the hesitation disappeared, replaced by quiet confidence. The transformation was incredible.

Capturing movement is what I do, but moments like this remind me that photography isn’t just about light and motion—it’s about trust. Sometimes, it takes patience. Sometimes, it takes encouragement. But when the moment finally comes, it’s always worth the wait. Mom and Dad were happy and proud!

Exciting New Sessions & Special Events!

Posted on May 29, 2025 by dabourphoto

New Jersey and Lehigh Valley, PA Dance, Theatre and Sports Photography

Hello dancers and dreamers,

Now that Memorial Day has past, Summer is here, and that means new creative possibilities at Dabour Photography! We’ve got three incredible updates for you this month—so get ready to make magic in front of the lens!

Powder dance portrait session now available at Dabour Photography

📸 Introducing Dance Powder Portrait Sessions
Step into a whole new realm of movement and visual artistry! Our brand-new Dance Powder Portrait Sessions create breathtaking imagery using color powder and flour to enhance every leap, turn, and pose. Whether you love the bold contrast of white against black or prefer vivid bursts of color, this unique offering will take your dance portraits to the next level. These sessions are exclusive to late spring and early fall—book your spot today!

Rain machine experience returns this Summer!

💦 The Rain Machine Experience Returns!
Back by popular demand, our Rain Machine Sessions will be making a splash again this summer. Nothing captures the raw power and emotion of dance like the combination of movement, water, and light. If you missed out last year, now’s your chance to embrace the storm! Let’s create some truly cinematic moments together. More info

🎗️ Dance Dads For A Cure – A Special Tribute
This early fall, we’re bringing a meaningful campaign to life in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month—Dance Dads For A Cure. Dance fathers from our community will take center stage, proudly wearing pink to support and raise awareness for breast cancer research. It’s more than just a photoshoot—it’s a statement of strength, unity, and love. Stay tuned for details on how to get involved!

We can’t wait to create with you all this season! Questions? Ready to book? Reach out anytime—let’s bring your vision to life.

See you on set!
Dave Dabour
Dabour Photography
dave@dabourphoto.com
908~995~7273
IG: davedabour_photography

Headshot for Rylea

Posted on January 31, 2025 by dabourphoto

New Jersey Headshot Photographer

Head Shot for Rylea C. January 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

Rylea, who’s a dancer at West Jersey Youth Ballet, needed an updated headshot for a summer dance intensive application.

I always like to create different looks for dancers and theater majors for their headshot. This not only gives them several to choose from, but helps to capture the true person.

It’s important to keep your headshot up to date, whether you’re preparing for a summer internship, an intensive program, an audition, or a professional business opportunity. Contact me for more information.

Show Photography for Hunterdon Hills production of the 2024 ‘Clinton Nutcracker’

Posted on January 14, 2025 by dabourphoto

New Jersey Dance Photography

Hunterdon Hills Ballet Nutcracker 2024 show photographs Thursday Dec. 19, 2024. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

I’ve had the pleasure of working with the Hunterdon Hills Ballet organization for the past several years. Each year they produce a special version of the Nutcracker called the ‘Clinton Nutcracker.’ This of course is very appropriate since they are located near Clinton, New Jersey

Hunterdon Hills Ballet Nutcracker 2024 show photographs Saturday Matinee Dec. 21, 2024. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

In 2024 I had the opportunity to create show photography for their production. I photographed one of their tech rehearsals and two of their productions. I always prefer photographing tech rehearsals as I can control where I photograph more than shows.

Even though I’ve been photographing theater, dance and productions for over 30 years, one thing I learned this year is the importance of not over shooting. I was a little nervous as this was the first time I was photographing a Nutcracker, so I wanted to make sure I captured the moments. I certainly did that but put a lot of stress on storage, my camera and the amount of time needed to cull and edit the photographs. Next year I will curtail.

Capturing dance through photography is important. A dancer works months to achieve a level of excellence that deserves to be captured and preserved. While video also does that, the impact of a still image is stunning.

If you ever get an opportunity to attend one of their performances, I highly encourage you do so.

Are you a dance studio, high school drama club or community theater in need of photography or videography? Please contact me for more information and services that are available.

Dabour Photography

Let us capture the moments so you can enjoy them…

Category Archives: Dance

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

Best of Spooky Dance Portraits 2025

New Studio Artwork: Celebrating Movement, Light, and Grit

💖 Thank You for Making Dance Dads for a Cure Unforgettable

New Jersey Dance Photographer

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