Category Archives: Models

From Studio to Storefront: Elijah’s Creative World

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How cool is it when you’re walking through a store and suddenly see one of your dance ambassadors modeling the clothes on display? That’s exactly what happened with Elijah — or as you’ll find him online, @elijahinthearts. Elijah isn’t just a dancer; he’s an actor and a model, and he brings that same expressive, magnetic energy into every session we create together.

Dance Ambassador Spotlight: Elijah (@elijahtheboydancer)

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A young man, Elijah, a Dabour Photography Dance Ambassador, demonstrating extreme core strength by balancing horizontally on a large stone at Columcille Megalith Park. He is wearing a long-sleeved maroon shirt and black leggings, holding his body straight and parallel to the ground while supported only by his arms on the rock. The background features ancient-looking stone ruins and a hanging metal bell.
🗿 Gravity? Never heard of it. Elijah showing off some incredible core strength at Columcille Megalith Park.

Some dancers bring talent. Some bring personality. And some—like Elijah (@elijahtheboydancer)—bring a spark that lights up every session. This is Elijah’s first year as one of my dance ambassadors, and he has already shown that he’s not only a dedicated dancer but also a natural performer who feels completely at home on the stage and in front of the camera.

A young man, Elijah, and a young girl, Maddie, posing during a Rain Machine photography session. Elijah stands behind Maddie, who is in a pink leotard performing a wide leg stretch (straddle) while being lifted or supported. Water droplets are captured mid-air against a dark background, creating a dramatic splash effect.
A young man, Elijah, and a young girl, Adriana, posing during a Rain Machine photography session at Dabour Photography. Adriana is in a pink leotard, performing a balanced leg extension (arabesque) while Elijah supports her hand. Water droplets are falling throughout the frame against a dark studio background.
A young man, Elijah, and a young girl, Rylea, performing a dance duet on a cobblestone alleyway in Easton at dusk. Elijah, in a teal shirt and white trousers, supports Rylea in a graceful lean. Rylea wears a matching teal and white ombre dance dress. String lights glow in the soft-focus background, creating a warm, bokeh effect.
A young man, Elijah, and a young girl, Rylea, posing in front of a large stone monument and water fountain in Easton, PA. Elijah, in a teal shirt, stands with one arm out, while Rylea, in a teal and white ombre dress, performs a graceful pose with one arm raised. The city buildings and bare trees of the square are visible under an early evening sky.
Dance portraits during a photo walk in Easton, PA on Oct 26, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

One of the things I’ve enjoyed most about working with Elijah is his love for duets. He’s joined me for several sessions paired with another dancer, and every time, the results have been remarkable. He has a gift for connection—matching energy, shaping movement with a partner, and creating images that feel alive.

A young dancer, Elijah, in a vibrant pink button-down shirt and black leggings, performing a high leg extension. His father stands behind him, wearing a black "Dance Dads for a Cure" t-shirt and glasses, smiling as he helps support Elijah's leg. They are in a white studio setting.
A young dancer, Elijah, performing a high C-jump in a studio. He is mid-air, wearing a vibrant pink button-down shirt and black leggings, with his back arched and feet tucked toward his head. The background is solid white.

Elijah also surprised me in the best way when he asked to participate in my Dance Dads for a Cure fundraiser. I assumed he wanted to join with his mom—which would have been wonderful—but he had something more meaningful in mind. He wanted to dance with his dad. Elijah is incredibly proud of the support his dad gives him as a dancer, and after his dad faced some health challenges in the past, this was the first time they were able to do something like this together. Photographing the two of them was powerful, heartfelt, and something I’ll never forget.

A young man named Elijah, a Dabour Photography Dance Ambassador, wearing a black hooded cloak and gesturing magically toward a glowing crystal ball on a pedestal against a textured red background.
Dabour Photography Dance Ambassadors Elijah and Sydney posing against a mottled red and black background. Elijah wears a white dress shirt with a gold bowtie and black trousers, holding his hands up near his head, while Sydney wears a long white vintage-style lace dress with her arms crossed.

Another thing you quickly learn about Elijah: he loves anything Halloween. So much so that he participated in my Spooky Portraits not once, but twice—and he came with more ideas than we could possibly fit into a single session. His creativity, enthusiasm, and imagination made those shoots unforgettable. And don’t worry, Elijah… we’ll get to the rest of your ideas next year.

A young man, Elijah, a Dabour Photography Dance Ambassador, posing within a narrow stone doorway at Columcille Megalith Park. He is wearing a long-sleeved maroon shirt and black leggings, with his hands placed on the rough stone walls on either side of him. The natural light highlights his face and the textures of the ancient-looking stone structure.
🏰 Elijah perfectly framed by the historic stone architecture of Columcille Megalith Park.
A young man, Elijah, a Dabour Photography Dance Ambassador, performing a balanced tree pose (Vrksasana) on a grass path at Columcille Megalith Park. He is wearing a long-sleeved maroon shirt and black leggings, with his hands pressed together above his head. He is flanked by two massive, upright standing stones (megaliths) under a clear blue sky with autumn trees in the background.
🧘 Finding balance among the giants. Elijah at Columcille Megalith Park.

Because Elijah is homeschooled, he sometimes has the flexibility to join daytime sessions. One of those opportunities turned into a standout moment this season: a collaborative outdoor session at Columcille with two other dance ambassadors. Together, they created some truly unique dance art—movement, landscape, and creativity blending into something special.

Elijah brings heart, humor, dedication, and originality to everything he does. I’m grateful he joined the ambassador team this year, and I’m excited to see what we create together next.

Here are some of my favorite images of Elijah:

A young man, Elijah, a Dabour Photography Dance Ambassador, posing in a powerful wide-legged stance during a Rain Machine session. He is wearing a black tank top and shorts, with his arms extended out to the sides. Water is falling around him in a dense, rain-like pattern against a dark background.
A young man, Elijah, a Dabour Photography Dance Ambassador, posing with a slight smile after a Powder Experience session. He is covered in colorful photography powder, specifically green and blue, and is wearing a dark, distressed grey shirt. The background is solid black, highlighting the textures of the powder on his skin and hair.
A young man, Elijah, a Dabour Photography Dance Ambassador, performing a dynamic dance pose in a Powder Experience session. He is leaning back with his arms spread wide as a massive explosion of light blue powder radiates outward in a V-shape from behind him. He is wearing a black cutout athletic top against a solid black background.
A young female dancer in a black leotard kneeling on a studio floor. She is looking upward with a dramatic expression as a large, vertical cloud of vibrant green and blue powder spirals into the air behind her, mimicking the movement of her hair. The background is solid black.
A young man, Elijah, a Dabour Photography Dance Ambassador, performing a high leap or "straddle jump" mid-air outdoors. He is wearing a light teal shirt and white trousers. In the background, a green metal bridge spans a river with golden autumn trees and a hillside visible under a clear sky.
A young man, Elijah, a Dabour Photography Dance Ambassador, posing in a strong, grounded stance with arms crossed. He is wearing a black t-shirt and black leggings. Above him, a vibrant light-blue silk fabric is captured mid-air, floating gracefully across the top of the frame against a clean white studio background.

Rain Machine Photo Sessions Now Available!

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Dancers, Gymnasts, Cheerleaders and Athletes!

This is the photo session you all have been waiting for!! The 2022 Rain Machine!

I created a custom-made rain machine that not only does it all but with heated water from a swimming pool! This is the only rain machine in Northwestern New Jersey. So, bring your outfits that are OK to get wet, costumes, swimsuits, uniforms, or anything you want to dance, jump or cheer in and let’s create some amazing images!

The sessions will take place in the evening starting at 8:30 pm. There will be sessions on August 4-7th 2022. You can book an individual session or a group! I expect the slots to get filled up fast!

NOTE: Other sessions will be added based on demand.

August 17th is FULL!!

August 18th Waiting List Started! Fill out form!

If Thursday August 18th is good for you, please fill out the form/email/text me and let me know and perhaps it will be added!

Interested but can’t make those dates? I may have more in the future. Sign up to be notified when I do. Or better yet get your own group of 4-6 together and receive a discount!

Please go here to find out more information and to sign up!

https://app.myphotoapp.com/zjh5/Rain_Machine_2022/

Any questions let me know.

See you in the rain!

Dave

Importance Of Continuing Education

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I’m a big believer of continuing education. I attended a summer photography conference that had some some live models to photograph after receiving some tips and instructions from the mentor present. The above couple are actually married for 5 years!

We also had a chance to photograph some High School Seniors. We did this outdoors at high noon. Usually a time of day you don’t want to take pictured because of the harsh shadows. So we used some off camera flash without high speed sync which was very interesting. Of course when it was my turn the fountains were idle Sad smile. I got one of the male model below

We finished up with photographing children. Since my kids are grown and now adults, I don’t get to photograph children that often any more. These two girls were adorable!

More photos from the photos shoot are available on my website