Emma (@extendandelevate) is one of my dance ambassadors, and I’ve photographed her in more sessions than I can count — but this was her very first time at the Powder Experience. As always, she showed up and made it look easy, bringing the flexibility and control she’s known for into every burst of color.
Emma catches air and color in the same frame.
Emma trains at A.C.I. (@a.c.i.dance_), and it shows — every shape she hit tonight, from the mid-air leaps to the inverted holds, had that trained precision that makes powder photography actually work. The color doesn’t do the work; the dancer does.
Powder dance portrait session with four of my dance ambassadors on July 8, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
If you’re a dancer curious about trying a Powder Experience session of your own, reach out — I’d love to create something like this with you.
Today we’re celebrating one of the most confident, expressive, and naturally charismatic dancers on our ambassador team — Sydney (@squidneykdancer). Even in her first year as an ambassador, she’s brought bold energy, creativity, and a spark that makes every session unforgettable.
From West Jersey Youth Ballet to specialty sessions like rain, powder, spooky portraits, and outdoor fabric work, Sydney steps into every concept with enthusiasm and fearlessness. Watching her grow as both a dancer and an artist has been such a joy.
Happy Birthday, Sydney! Here’s to another year of creativity, confidence, and standout moments in front of the camera.
Applications for the 2026–2027 Dabour Photography Dance Ambassador Program close on August 1. This program is designed for dancers who demonstrate strong technique, performance experience, and a commitment to creative collaboration. If you intend to apply, please review the information below and submit your application before the deadline.
Program Overview
The Dance Ambassador Program highlights dancers throughout the season through creative portrait sessions, specialty shoots, and featured content. Ambassadors represent Dabour Photography in a professional and positive manner and participate in collaborative projects that showcase artistry, confidence, and performance skill.
Who Should Apply
This program is best suited for dancers who:
Demonstrate solid technique and training
Have performance or competition experience
Communicate professionally and respond reliably
Are comfortable in front of the camera
Are interested in creative collaboration throughout the season
If you have questions about eligibility, expectations, or scheduling, please refer to the links provided on the application page.
What Ambassadors Receive
Ambassadors may participate in:
Creative portrait sessions
Seasonal specialty shoots
Priority scheduling
Featured ambassador spotlights
Collaborative projects and promotional opportunities
Details about session types, scheduling, and expectations are available through the information links on the application form.
If you have questions about the program, requirements, or scheduling, please refer to the resources linked on the application page.
Closing Note
Thank you for your interest in the Dabour Photography Dance Ambassador Program. Applications will be reviewed after the deadline, and selected dancers will be notified directly.
When you have a dancer who is as passionate about the creative process as she is about the movement, magic is bound to happen. That is exactly what went down when one of my amazing dance ambassadors, Ellery (@its_ellevalentine), stepped back in front of my camera for her second go-round with the powder experience!
If Ellery looks familiar, it’s because she is no stranger to this setup. Last year, she braved the powder alongside some of her talented friends from the West Jersey Youth Ballet. But this year? Ellery wanted to up the ante, push her creative boundaries, and take her imagery to a whole new artistic level.
Preparation Meets Performance
To create truly breathtaking, high-fashion powdery art, we didn’t just wing it. Before the session, Ellery and I sat down to review potential poses, discuss angles, and plan out how to get the absolute most dynamic movement out of every cloud of powder.
That preparation paid off in a massive way.
[INSERT GALLERY OF ELLERY’S INDIVIDUAL SHOTS HERE]
Because we had a game plan, Ellery was able to focus entirely on her execution. She did her usual fantastic job—combining her technical ballet precision with dramatic, expressive shapes that made the powder look like an extension of her own body.
A Triple Threat: Dance, Theater, and Modeling
Watching Ellery work, it’s easy to see why her photos look like they belong in a high-fashion editorial. She is a truly versatile artist. Beyond being a gifted dancer, Ellery has a deep appreciation for modeling and is actively looking to pursue opportunities in the industry.
Her secret weapon? She is also no stranger to the theater stage!
That theatrical background shines through in her ability to project emotion, hold tension in a pose, and understand how to tell a story without saying a word. It makes her an absolute dream to collaborate with behind the camera.
The Masterpiece in Motion
Ellery, thank you for always bringing your “A-game,” your incredible work ethic, and your artistic vision to our sessions. You represent Dabour Photography so beautifully as an ambassador, and I am so proud of the art we created together during this session!
Ready to see Ellery’s jaw-dropping gallery?
Scroll down to see the results of our planning and passion in these highlights from her second powder experience!
[INSERT REMAINING FAVORITE GALLERY IMAGES OF ELLERY HERE]
Dance ambassador Sydney captured in an artistic, balanced pose during our 2026 Powder Experience. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
There’s an old saying: “Speak softly but carry a big stick.” If I were to adapt that for the photography world, I’d say: Speak softly, but let your posing take center stage.
That perfectly describes Sydney, one of my returning dance ambassadors. While she might be quiet and soft-spoken in conversation, the moment she steps into the frame, her presence is absolutely commanding. She doesn’t just strike a pose; she owns it.
A Collaborative Creative Spirit
One of my favorite parts about working with Sydney is how collaborative she is. She is always incredibly open to any pose suggestions I throw her way, but she never arrives empty-handed. She always has a notebook’s worth of creative ideas of her own!
During our recent session with the color powder, we traded ideas back and forth, resulting in some truly breathtaking, dynamic action shots.
Powder dance portrait session with four of my dance ambassadors on July 8, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
One specific pose Sydney was determined to capture was a close-up focusing entirely on her legs and feet en pointe, surrounded by the exploding powder.
As I was looking through the viewfinder, adjusting the lights, and creating the image, a massive wave of familiarity washed over me. I knew I had seen this exact composition before.
Whether she is curled up in a quiet, intense moment of focus or exploding through the air, Sydney continues to be an absolute joy to photograph.
What do you think of Sydney’s latest session? Let me know your favorite shot in the comments below!
Dance ambassador Sydney captured in an artistic, balanced pose during our 2026 Powder Experience. Photo by DAVE DABOUR PhotographyPowder dance portrait session with four of my dance ambassadors on July 8, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
There is nothing quite like the chaotic, exhilarating magic of a powder dance portrait session. It is high-stakes, incredibly messy, and requires split-second timing from both the photographer and the dancer.
Wednesday evening, I stepped into the outdoor studio with four of our incredible dance ambassadors—Sydney, Emma, Molly S, and our newest (and youngest!) ambassador, Claire. We had a game plan, a mountain of powder, and a lot of creative energy.
My wife managed to capture some incredible behind-the-scenes (BTS) photos that show exactly what goes into making these jaw-dropping images. Let’s take a look behind the curtain at how the magic happened!
Before a single grain of powder flew, we huddled up. Powder sessions are high-energy and fast-paced, so communication is everything. I love this shot my wife caught of Sydney, Emma, Molly, and Claire locked in and ready for the game plan. Total professionals from minute one!
Every dancer moves differently, which means the powder reacts differently. Here’s a peek behind the curtain of me and Sydney (@squidneykdancer_2012) brainstorming how to launch the powder to perfectly accentuate her lines. And wait until you see how the final shot turned out below…
Powder dance portrait session with four of my dance ambassadors on July 8, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
Next up was Emma (@extendandelevate), who truly lived up to her social media handle. She brought an incredible mix of flexibility and power to the set, pushing through the dust clouds to deliver pure elegance.
Powder dance portrait session with four of my dance ambassadors on July 8, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
Welcoming Our Newest Ambassador: Claire
A special shout-out has to go to Claire. As our newest and youngest ambassador on set, stepping into a high-intensity powder session could have been intimidating. Instead, she completely crushed it! She took direction beautifully, showed amazing maturity, and delivered some of my favorite images of the night.
Powder dance portrait session with four of my dance ambassadors on July 8, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
The Split-Second: Capturing Molly S
Timing a powder explosion requires split-second precision. My wife snapped this awesome perspective from right behind my shoulder just as Molly (@mollystinson7) launched into the air. Swipe down to see exactly what my sensor saw at this exact millisecond!
Powder dance portrait session with four of my dance ambassadors on July 8, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
Want to Create Your Own Magic?
A massive thank you to my wife for capturing the behind-the-scenes gold, and to Sydney, Emma, Molly, and Claire for leaving everything out on the dance floor (literally!).
Today we’re celebrating one of the brightest, most expressive artists on our ambassador team — Ellery (@its_ellevalentine). Even though this is her first year as an ambassador, she stepped in front of my camera with confidence from day one. Every session with her feels effortless, creative, and full of personality.
From West Jersey Youth Ballet to SKIT, from studio portraits to outdoor adventures, Ellery brings a spark that makes every image stand out. Watching her grow as both a dancer and a performer has been a joy.
Happy Birthday, Ellery! Here’s to another year of artistry, confidence, and unforgettable creative moments.
Spring 2026 has officially come to a close, and I’m incredibly proud to share just how busy, productive, and rewarding this season has been. As a full‑time professional photographer and videographer, I take great pride in delivering high‑quality work quickly, consistently, and with the level of care my clients deserve. This spring pushed me harder than ever — and I’m thrilled to say I delivered across the board.
A Season Defined by Speed, Reliability, and Professionalism
One of the biggest advantages of working with a full‑time photographer is turnaround time. When families, studios, and directors trust me with their memories, I make it a priority to get those images and videos back to them quickly.
This spring, I delivered:
37,402 edited images
32 fully produced videos
15 dance recitals
17 theater productions
Photo galleries were delivered within 24–48 hours, and videos were completed within 7–10 days — even during weeks when I was double or triple booked. Fast, reliable delivery isn’t a luxury here; it’s the standard.
Welcoming Two New Dance Studios
I’m honored to have added Vibe Dance Academy and Cressman Dance Studio to my growing list of studio partners this season. Both studios brought incredible dancers, beautiful choreography, and supportive communities. I’m grateful for their trust and excited for everything we’ll create together in the future.
Video Performance: A Record Year Already
Year-to-date, my recital and production videos have seen:
2,500+ total views
1,000+ unique viewers
500+ hours watched
Nearly 4,000 total loads
And unsurprisingly, mobile devices continue to dominate how families watch their performances.
The 2026 Freddy Awards: A Milestone Moment
This year’s Freddy Awards were a highlight of the season. Interest in the photos was incredibly strong, and the gallery saw over a quarter of a million visitors — a staggering number that speaks to the passion and pride of the Lehigh Valley theater community.
As the official Freddy Awards photographer since 2013, it’s always an honor to capture the energy, emotion, and artistry of this event. This year was truly special.
Gratitude for the People Who Make This Possible
None of this happens alone.
To the studios, directors, dancers, parents, and performers — thank you for trusting me with your memories. Your support fuels everything I do.
To my photo assistants — your help during the busiest weeks keeps everything running smoothly, and I’m grateful for your dedication.
And a special shout-out to Stephanie, my assistant videographer, who steps in whenever I’m double or triple booked. Her reliability and talent make it possible for me to take on the volume of work that defines seasons like this one.
Dabour Photography dance ambassadors at the State Theatre of the Arts on Sepember 23, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
Looking Ahead: Summer & Fall 2026
The momentum doesn’t stop here.
This summer will feature:
Powder Experience photo sessions
Rain Machine Experience sessions
Special destination photo opportunities
And this fall, I’ll be kicking off Year Three of my Dance Ambassador Program — the largest ambassador team yet. I can’t wait to showcase their artistry, creativity, and passion.
My calendar for the second half of 2026 is already filling up, and bookings for early 2027 have begun as well.
Interested in Working Together?
If you’d like to:
Book a Powder Experience session
Apply to become one of my Dance Ambassadors
Schedule photography or videography services for your studio, school, or event
Now is the perfect time to reach out. I’d love to create something unforgettable with you.
Introducing the Mini Rain Experience — a fresh, cinematic splash of movement and mood. A simple sprinkler setup, dramatic lighting, and your dancer’s artistry come together to create bold, water‑driven portraits without the full Rain Machine build. Perfect for dancers who want the magic of rain photography in a shorter, more accessible session. Let’s make a little rain… and a lot of impact.
There’s something magical about photographing dancers in the rain — the way droplets catch the light, the way movement becomes amplified, the way a simple step or turn suddenly feels cinematic. My full Rain Machine Experience has always been one of the most dramatic sessions I offer, but this year I wanted to create something more accessible, more flexible, and perfect for quick bursts of creativity.
That’s how the Mini Rain Experience was born.
Instead of building the full rain rig, this new setup uses a controlled lawn sprinkler paired with dramatic flash lighting to create a beautiful, moody rain effect. It’s smaller, simpler, and faster to set up — but still delivers the same sense of motion, atmosphere, and artistry dancers love.
And to bring this idea to life, I had the perfect collaborator: Dance Ambassador Molly H. @mollyy.in.motion
Molly has been in front of my camera for many years, and she’s always up for trying something new. When I told her I wanted to test a “mini rain” concept, she didn’t hesitate. She showed up ready to move, ready to experiment, and ready to help shape this new offering.
The water caught her jumps and turns in mid‑air. The droplets became part of the choreography. Even in a smaller setup, the results were bold, expressive, and full of energy — exactly what I hoped this experience could be.
Below are a few of my favorite images from Molly’s session. They capture everything I love about dance photography: movement, emotion, and the thrill of creating something unexpected.
Whether you’re a dance ambassador looking for a unique creative session or a dancer who simply wants to try something different, the Mini Rain Experience is now officially available. It’s quick, fun, and perfect for anyone who wants a splash of drama without committing to the full rain build.
Thank you, Molly, for helping bring this new concept to life. I can’t wait to see what other dancers create with it.
Today we’re celebrating one of the most flexible, expressive, and effortlessly dynamic dancers on our ambassador team — Emma (@extendandelevate). Even though this is her first year as an ambassador, she’s been in front of my camera for years, and every session with her is a mix of artistry, personality, and pure creative fun.
From her incredible flexibility to her ability to switch from elegant to sassy in a heartbeat, Emma brings something special to every portrait. Her Clara portraits from The Nutcracker were a standout this year, and I’m excited for all the creative moments still ahead.
Happy Birthday, Emma! Here’s to another year of growth, expression, and beautiful dance portraits together.
