Category Archives: Headshots

Mia’s Dance Audition Portrait Session | Dance Audition Photos & Senior Dance Portraits

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I’ve had the pleasure of photographing Mia for several years now, and it’s honestly hard to believe she’s already a senior in high school. Watching dancers grow over time is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do, and Mia’s journey has been especially meaningful to witness.

This session was all about preparing for the next big chapter in Mia’s dance education and career. Mia came to me in need of a dance audition portrait session, designed specifically for dancers applying to college dance programs, university dance departments, and competitive dance intensives. Every audition session includes a clean, professional dance headshot along with dance audition photos that schools and programs require — images that clearly show technique, lines, strength, flexibility, and artistry.

Mia's dance audition headshot for college dance program applications, photographed by Dave Dabour Photography.
Action shot from Mia's dance audition portrait session with Dave Dabour Photography, showing strength and flexibility.
Professional dance audition portrait of Mia by Dave Dabour Photography, showcasing technical lines and artistic expression.
Dance audition portrait of Mia by Dave Dabour Photography, showcasing professional technique for university dance program applications.
Dance audition portraits for Mia with some artistic and senior portraits mixed in too. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
Dance audition portrait of Mia by Dave Dabour Photography, captured for university dance program applications.
Dance audition portraits for Mia with some artistic and senior portraits mixed in too. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

Artistic Dance Portraits

If time allows during a dance audition photoshoot, I always love when dancers stay a little longer to create more artistic dance portraits — and Mia truly shines in this space. She has an incredible ability to push past the obvious or “safe” pose and create images that feel expressive and intentional.

That creativity instantly reminded me of her Rain Machine dance photoshoot experience from a couple of years ago. Even then, Mia never went for the easy option. She explored shapes, movement, and emotion in a way that elevated every frame. That same mindset carried into this session, and together we created some truly beautiful dance art.

Dance audition portrait of Mia by Dave Dabour Photography, captured for university dance program applications.
Creative studio dance photography of Mia by Dave Dabour Photography, featuring unique posing and professional lighting.
Artistic dance portrait of Mia in a white outfit, performing a dynamic standing pose with one leg extended and arms reaching upward against a white studio background.
Mia creating a dynamic and sculptural dance shape in a studio setting, demonstrating artistic expression and movement.
Artistic dance portrait of Mia in a white outfit, performing a strong horizontal pose while balancing with her arms on a white studio block.
Artistic dance portrait of Mia in a white outfit, performing a deep backbend floor pose with one leg reaching toward the ceiling in a studio setting.

Senior Dance Portraits

Since Mia is also a high school senior, we incorporated senior dance portraits into her session as well. These images kept a strong dance influence while also celebrating her graduation year.

One of my favorite details was a meaningful graduation-year prop her mom created especially for her — a personal touch that tied her senior year into the images in such a thoughtful way. We also highlighted the two dance studios where Mia spent her years as a competition dancer, honoring the places that helped shape her training and growth.

Senior dance photography of Mia by Dave Dabour Photography, featuring custom 2026 graduation-year props for a high school senior portfolio.
Senior portrait of Mia wearing a graduation cap and gown, sitting behind large "2026" props in a professional studio setting.
Senior dance photography of Mia by Dave Dabour Photography, featuring custom graduation props and dance studio highlights for a 2026 senior portfolio.

Looking Ahead

Mia plans to apply as a dual major in dance and fashion, which feels like the perfect combination for someone with her creativity, movement quality, and eye for detail. I can’t wait to see what she creates next, and I have no doubt she’ll excel in whatever path she chooses.

It’s been an absolute joy documenting her journey over the years — from creative experiments to major milestones like this one. Sessions like Mia’s are a reminder of why professional dance portraits and audition photos are about so much more than just images. They’re about preserving growth, passion, and possibility.

You can follow Mia’s journey on Instagram: @miatolomeo

Interested in a dance audition or senior portrait session? Reach out to schedule your own experience and let’s create something meaningful together.

Capturing Riley’s Spark: Headshots for a Dancer & Theater Star

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A professional headshot of Riley, a young woman with long dark hair, looking directly at the camera with a gentle, confident expression. She is wearing a dark top against a soft, light-colored studio background.
A professional headshot of Riley, a young woman with long brown hair, wearing a dark top and smiling. The portrait features a clean, light studio background with soft lighting.
A professional headshot of Riley, a young woman with long dark hair, looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression. She is wearing a dark top against a soft-focus, light studio background.
A professional headshot of Riley, a young woman with long brown hair, smiling warmly. She is wearing a dark top against a neutral, light-colored studio background with soft lighting.
Riley’s professional headshot session.

I recently had the absolute pleasure of working with the incredibly talented Riley for a professional headshot session. Riley is a force to be reckoned with, balancing her demanding studies as both a dance and theater major!

From the moment she stepped in front of the camera, her passion and dedication were undeniable. We focused on capturing a range of expressions that showcased her versatility – from the thoughtful intensity required for dramatic roles to the approachable confidence perfect for dance and musical theater.

It’s always a treat to work with young artists who possess such drive and talent. We created images that truly reflect her personality and professional aspirations, providing her with the perfect tools for auditions and networking in the competitive worlds of dance and theater.

More to Come!

And the best part? This is just the beginning! I’m thrilled to announce that Riley will be returning to the studio soon for two more exciting sessions:

  1. A Dynamic Dance Portrait Session: Get ready for breathtaking leaps, elegant lines, and the powerful artistry she brings to every movement.
  2. A Personalized Senior Portrait Experience: Marking this significant milestone with images that celebrate her individuality and achievements before she embarks on her next chapter.

I can’t wait to share more of Riley’s journey with you all. Stay tuned to see the magic we create together!

This headshot session was just the first act for Riley! I am so excited to welcome her back to the studio very soon for a dynamic dance portrait session where we can truly capture her movement and artistry. Following that, we’ll be teaming up again for her senior portraits to celebrate this incredible milestone in her life. Stay tuned to the blog to see the magic we create in these upcoming sessions!

Expanding Services in 2025: Video, Audition Sessions, and Professional Headshots

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From increased video production to audition sessions and headshots, 2025 marked major growth in the services I offer dancers, performers, and professionals.

Expanding to Meet Demand

Growth often requires adaptation — and 2025 was a year of expanding services to meet increasing demand.

From video coverage to audition sessions and headshots, my focus remained on providing professional, reliable, and creative support to clients preparing for important moments.

Video: Building the Right Team

The video side of my business continued to grow in 2025. To meet demand, I expanded my team and now work with three additional videographers, allowing us to deliver consistent, high-quality coverage across multiple productions.

Together, we produced 19 videos this year — a number that reflects both demand and trust.

Dance Audition Sessions & Headshots

Dance audition sessions continued to grow, serving dancers preparing for summer intensives and college auditions.

Alongside these sessions, I completed 12 headshot sessions in 2025 for dancers, actors, and business professionals. Strong headshots matter — they’re often a first impression, and I take that responsibility seriously.

This is a service I’m committed to continuing and expanding in 2026 and beyond.

Closing Reflection

Expanding services isn’t just about growth — it’s about showing up when clients need support the most. I’m proud of what was built in 2025 and excited to keep moving forward.

Fresh Look, Fresh Opportunities: New Headshots for Kate Heinrichs

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I recently had the pleasure of photographing updated headshot for the talented Kate Heinrichs. Whether you’re an actor, dancer, or working professional, keeping your headshot current is key—and Kate’s new shots are a perfect example of how a fresh headshot can highlight growth, personality, and professionalism.

Headshot aren’t just photos—they’re your first impression. Here are a few reasons why updating your headshot regularly is so important:

  • You’ve changed – Whether it’s a new hairstyle, a growth spurt, or just time passing, your headshot should reflect what you look like today—not two years ago.
  • You’re evolving – As your experience and skills grow, your headshot should grow with you to match your current brand and presence.
  • You’re making moves – New auditions, new opportunities, new connections—a polished, up-to-date headshot helps you stand out with confidence.

If it’s been a while since your last headshot session (or you’ve never had one done professionally), let’s change that! I work with performers of all ages and experience levels to create natural, engaging headshots that capture who you are right now.

And if you are in need of a talented choreographer or dance instructor, reach out to me and I’ll get you in touch with her!

Reach out today to schedule your session—I’d love to work with you.

Headshot for Rylea

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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.

Head Shots for Jessica

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New Jersey – Lehigh Valley Pennsylvania Head Shot Photographer

I’ve known Jess for several years. She’s currently a senior at DelVal and needs an updated head shot for her resume and college auditions for musical theater.

Jessica is a talented actress that can play many roles. One of my favorites was when she played the character of Alice Beinecke at Delaware Valley High School production of ‘Addams Family the Musical.’ The scene she appeared in at the family dinner party was hysterical and very entertaining!

ready for your head shot? Contact me for more information and to schedule.

Head Shot for Max

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New Jersey Portrait and Head Shot Photography

Head for Max Verdicchio November 2024. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

Max is a senior at DelVal High School and a talented actor. He’s been in several High School productions and plans to pursue acting in college. Max needed an updated head shot for a summer intensive he will be attending so he contacted me. Max is currently acting in SKIT’s production of Legally Blonde.

Head Shot for Tyler

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New Jersey – Lehigh Valley Head Shot Photography

Are you an aspiring theater student? How about a business professional? Either way you need an updated head shot. I had the pleasure of updating Tyler’s head shot recently. Tyler is a theater major at DeSalles University. He will be appearing in their spring production of ‘Singing in the Rain.’

For anyone I create head shots for, I give them a unique at-my-cost opportunity to have their resume and head shot printed back-to-back professionally.

Ready for your updated head shot? I can also supply this for your business or organization on site or at my studio. Contact me for more information

I’ve been training my whole life to create this image

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Portraits for Leia F in August 2024. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography.

I’ve been training my whole life to create this image.

That headline may seem a little strange if you follow my photography career. But it’s true.

Let me start off by introducing you to Leia. She’s a beautiful 7-year-old girl that is autistic. Autism in females is extremely rare. So why have I been training my entire life for this photo? My younger brother has autism. I’ve grown up with autism and its impact on his life as well as my own. I’ve become knowledgeable and accepting of people with autism.

As a dance photographer, I need to be ready to capture motion sometimes with very little notice. As a studio photographer, I need to have lights set up and working in a welcoming environment. Since I mostly photograph dancers, my lights need to be able to freeze motion and capture movement. Then there’s color balance and framing. But that’s boring stuff compared to the subject matter. The important part is being ready to capture a moment.

During my portrait session with Leia, she initially was uncomfortable with having her portraits taken. It was something unusual to her. She went into a strange studio with people she never met before (except for her mother of course) with funny flashing lights and was asked to sit on a stool by herself. Who could blame her? But she enjoys wearing dresses and started being herself.

Is it a perfect image? Of course not. I can list several things I would like to have done differently. But that’s not as important as the subject matter.

I captured four times the number of images than I normally would in a session like this. But it was needed. It was required.

At this one moment in time, she was having fun flinging her hair back and forth and I was lucky enough to capture the moment. That’s good enough for me and hopefully her family will agree, and Leia will like the image as much as I do.

Head Shots for SKIT’s ‘Something Rotten’

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New Jersey Head Shot Photographer

I’ve had the pleasure of being the ShowKids Invitational theatre (SKIT) photographer for over 25 years.

Their first show in 2024 is ‘Something Rotten!’ I created head shots for the cast for display in the lobby of the theater as well as the Playbill.

When was the last time your head shot was updated for your resume, LinkedIn or college application? Contact me for more information and to get yours today!