Category Archives: Rain

Dance Ambassador Spotlight: Sydney (@squidneykdancer)

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A dynamic dance portrait of Sydney in a monochromatic red theme. She is wearing a red bodysuit, red tights, and red sunglasses, posing in a deep lunge with one arm extended straight upward against a vibrant red background.
A study in red, rhythm, and connection.
Ellery and Sydney brought a presence that turned this concept into something striking and unforgettable.
Proud to have these two as part of my dance ambassador team. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

Some dancers grow into confidence over time, and others arrive already glowing with it. Sydney (@squidneykdancer) is firmly in the second category. Even though this is her first year as one of my dance ambassadors, she stepped into the role with a presence and individuality that’s unmistakably her own. She may look up to her older sister Zoey—also one of my ambassadors—but Sydney’s style, strength, and artistic voice are entirely unique.

Like several of my ambassadors, Sydney calls West Jersey Youth Ballet her dance home, and it shows in her technique, discipline, and the way she carries herself in front of the camera. She’s also close friends with Ellery, another ambassador, and the two of them bring out the best in each other during sessions—equal parts support, creativity, and just the right amount of mischief.

A dramatic action shot of a young dancer, Sydney, performing a wide split jump (grand jeté) in a rain machine. She is wearing a bright orange leotard, with her arms curved over her head, surrounded by thousands of frozen water droplets against a dark, moody background.
A high-action dance portrait of Sydney in a rain machine. She is performing a vertical leg extension (developpé) while wearing a bright orange leotard. Water splashes and droplets are frozen in mid-air around her against a dark, dramatic background.
A dancer, Sydney, in a purple floral leotard, performing a back-bending pose while leaning against a white wooden chair in a rain machine. Water is splashing and frozen in droplets around her against a dark background.

Sydney thrives in specialty sessions. She took to the rain machine like she’d been training for it, embracing the challenge and turning it into something cinematic. The powder session was no different—she handled it like a seasoned pro, shaping movement and expression with a confidence far beyond her years. Whether we’re outdoors with long, flowing fabric catching the wind or creating moody, spooky portraits in the studio, Sydney brings intention and artistry to every frame.

One of my favorite memories with Sydney happened last year during a proof‑of‑concept shoot. I had asked for one or two volunteers, and her sister Zoey jumped in immediately. Sydney tagged along, curious to see what this new session was all about. At one point, she stood off to the side with her arms crossed, giving me a look that said—without a single word—“When is it my turn?” And honestly, she was right. She earned that turn, and she’s made the most of every opportunity since.

As she heads into high school next year, Sydney plans to continue focusing on dance, and I have no doubt she’ll keep growing into an even stronger, more expressive artist. I’m grateful she joined the ambassador team this year, and I’m excited to see where her talent and determination take her next.

Some of my favorite images of Sydney:

A professional headshot of a young female dancer with her hair in a tight bun, wearing a black spaghetti-strap leotard, smiling against a plain white studio background.
A female dancer, Sydney, in a green leotard performing a dynamic pose. She is surrounded by layers of flowing, translucent white and mint green fabric that creates a sense of motion against a bright white background.
ance Ambassador Sydney performing on a stage with vibrant purple and blue brick-wall backdrop lighting. She is wearing a light blue long-sleeved dance dress and pointe shoes, captured in an elegant open-arm pose.
A young female ballet dancer in a wide white professional tutu and black bodice, smiling and posing with her hands on her chin. She is centered on a dark stage in front of closed blue velvet curtains.
A young female ballet dancer in a white professional pancake tutu with a black floral embroidered bodice. She is posing on a dark stage in front of deep blue velvet curtains, smiling with one arm extended and her feet in a ballet position.
A young dancer, Sydney, in a black leotard and white pointe shoes, posing next to a "Haunted Mansion" tombstone. She has a serious expression and is set against a textured magenta and smoky background with a black cat prop atop the gravestone.
A young dancer, Sydney, wearing a black hooded cloak, looking intensely at the camera. She is holding her hands over a glowing crystal ball on a pedestal, with a dramatic smoky purple and black textured background.
A high-fashion dance portrait of Sydney in a monochromatic red theme. She is wearing a red sleeveless bodysuit, red tights, and red sunglasses with her hair dyed bright red. She is sitting in a relaxed, thoughtful pose on white minimalist blocks against a deep red background.
A dynamic dance portrait of Sydney in a monochromatic red theme. She is wearing a red bodysuit, red tights, and red sunglasses, posing in a deep lunge with one arm extended straight upward against a vibrant red background.
A high-energy dance portrait of Sydney in a monochromatic red theme. She is wearing a red bodysuit, red tights, and red sunglasses, performing a high leg extension (arabesque) while balanced on one leg against a solid red background.
A conceptual dance portrait of Sydney in a monochromatic red theme. She is curled in a tucked, seated pose on the floor, wearing a red bodysuit, red tights, and red sunglasses. Her bright red hair falls over her face as she looks downward against a deep red background.
A conceptual dance portrait of Sydney in a monochromatic red theme. She is wearing a red bodysuit, red sunglasses, and a red top hat, posing in a deep squat with her hands on the floor, looking directly at the camera against a vibrant red background.
A young dancer, Sydney, posing with her arms crossed and a slight smile. She is wearing a dark, textured leotard that is dusted with white powder. She is captured against a solid black background with dramatic side-lighting that highlights the powder on her skin and clothing.
A dynamic dance portrait of Sydney performing a high leg extension (battement) while surrounded by an explosion of blue and green powder. She is wearing a black leotard against a solid black background, with the powder frozen in mid-air reflecting her movement.
A high-action dance portrait of Sydney performing a grand jeté (split jump) in mid-air. She is surrounded by a large, explosive cloud of purple powder that follows her movement against a solid black background.
A young dancer, Sydney, in a black leotard performing a deep lunge (second position) on a green grass field. A long, translucent light pink scarf is blowing dramatically in the wind behind her, framed by lush green trees and a bright sky.
A young dancer, Sydney, in a maroon velvet top and emerald green satin skirt, kneeling on a reflective floor. She is looking down with a smile into a decorative holiday gift box that is emitting a bright, magical white glow, surrounded by Christmas ornaments and fairy lights.
A young dancer, Sydney, in a floral leotard and pink dance skirt, crouching on a white studio floor. She is holding a large red tinsel heart, with a smaller heart made of red rose petals laid out on the floor in front of her.
A young ballet dancer, Zoey, sitting on a studio floor and smiling at the camera while tying the ribbons of her pointe shoes. She is wearing a white floral leotard and a white skirt against a light grey background.

Exciting New Sessions & Special Events!

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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
Powder dance portrait session now available at Dabour Photography
Powder dance portrait session now available at Dabour Photography
Powder dance portrait session now available at Dabour Photography
Powder dance portrait session now available at Dabour Photography
Powder dance portrait session now available at Dabour Photography
Powder dance portrait session now available at Dabour Photography
Powder dance portrait session now available at Dabour Photography
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

🎗️ 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

Rain Machine Experience for Vivi

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Vivi experienced my rain machine recently and as you can see, she had a fun time!

The rain machine experience is even better with dance friends!

This is something I only offer in July and August. It’s just about time to put it away for the season. I do have a few openings, mostly for groups of 4 or more. So if you’re ready or just want to find out more click here: Single Groups and also great for athletes of all types of sports

So How Can a Rain Session Get Rained Out?

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Well, that’s the short easy answer. There are other things to consider too. The lighting I use to illuminate the manufactured rain uses electric lights all around my rain machine. I could probably cover them, and they would probably be OK but then there’s extension cords laying around in the rain…

The important answer is it takes away from the experience. When it’s raining its cooler which makes everything feel cooler. Friends and family that are watching wouldn’t get to enjoy it as much if it wasn’t raining. Plus, I can’t put out all the other nice amenities like my patio heater, dry towels, posing charts, chairs to sit in, etc.

So, let’s reschedule the rain machine experience to a nicer summer evening and pray that we get more of them soon!

To find out more about my rain machine experience, northern New Jersey’s only rain machine please visit https://bit.ly/RainMachineExperience2023

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

Nasty Thunderstorm

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We had a nasty thunderstorm roll through here recently. This one had strong winds that actually blew down my metal/cloth gazebo in my backyard and ripped my US flag and bracket out of the wall!

If I didn’t know better I would think this photo was a tornado. But it wasn’t and had no rotation.

277/365

More Heavy Rain

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Heavy Rain

The wet pattern around here goes on and on. If this continues into winter we’ll be in trouble!

Additional photos can be found here.

275/365

Sunset Rainbow

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20110915-004

Some unplanned for showers developed over the area the other evening right around sunset. If you look closely you can see the bottom of the rainbow in this picture as caught on the way out of Home Depot.

264/365

Bridge Crossing

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175

While driving back from NY yesterday, I nice view of a wet Throgs Neck bridge. I avoided most of the thunderstorms and rain on my return trip to New Jersey. There were some wet roadways as you can see but nothing more.

175/365