Category Archives: Seniors

Senior Portrait Spotlight: Jordin — Dance Ambassador & Theatre Artist

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There are some seniors who step in front of the camera and instantly remind you why you love what you do — and for me, Jordin is absolutely one of those people. I’ve known and photographed her for several years now, and every single time she arrives at a session, she brings this bright, genuine energy that makes everyone around her smile. When she officially became a Dabour Photography Dance Ambassador this year, I was beyond excited. It felt like the perfect next chapter in a journey we’ve already been building together.

As part of her ambassador experience, Jordin chose to include a full senior portrait session, and it could not have been more “her.” We created a mix of dance‑inspired portraits, natural outdoor images, and expressive moments that highlight both her artistry and her personality. She’s a beautiful person inside and out — thoughtful, kind, confident, and wonderfully creative.

Jordin trains at Showbiz Kidz Dance Center (@sbkdance), where she shines on the Senior Competition Team. Dance is a huge part of her life, but what makes her even more dynamic is her love for theatre as well — two passions that happen to be some of my favorites too. That blend of movement, storytelling, and emotion shows up in every photo we create together.

This senior year is a big milestone for her, and I’m honored to capture it. From ambassador sessions to dance portraits to her official senior photos, Jordin brings heart, talent, and authenticity to every moment. I can’t wait to see all the incredible things she does next — both on stage and beyond.

Senior portraits for Jordin in a sunflower field. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography on August 18, 2026

Senior Dance Portraits with Mia — A Full‑Circle Moment

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There’s something uniquely special about photographing a dancer you’ve worked with for years. Mia has been in front of my camera many times — for artistic portraits, senior photos, and now her final dance portrait session before she heads off to college. Each time, she brings the same qualities that make her such a joy to photograph: talent, focus, and a natural ease that turns every pose into art.

This year marks a big milestone for her. Mia is a high school senior, and in just a few months she’ll be attending Montclair, where she’ll study both dance and fashion — a combination that fits her perfectly. Watching her step confidently into this next chapter has been inspiring, even if I selfishly wish I had just a little more time to create with her.

Earlier in the year, during one of our artistic sessions, I asked Mia and her mom if she still had her very first dance costume. Her face lit up as she said yes. I told her, “You have to bring it to our next session.” And she did.

Seeing her holding that tiny costume — the one that started it all — was a full‑circle moment. It was a reminder of how far she’s come, how much she’s grown, and how dance has shaped her into the artist she is today. Photographing her with it felt like capturing a bridge between the beginning of her journey and the incredible future waiting for her.

I’m so proud of Mia and everything she’s accomplished. While I’m excited to see where her talent takes her next, part of me wishes I had a few more years to create more incredible dance portrait art with her. But that’s the beauty of these sessions — they freeze time, even as life keeps moving forward.

Here’s to Mia — to her artistry, her dedication, and the next chapter she’s about to write.

Some of my favorite images from the session:

A senior high school dancer named Mia performing an inverted headstand pose on a white studio floor; she is wearing a dark blue athletic outfit and white sneakers with her legs extended in a wide, symmetrical split.
A senior high school dancer named Mia in a blue contemporary dance outfit performing a floor pose with one hand on the ground and her other arm extended gracefully; she is looking directly at the camera with a focused expression.
A high school senior dancer named Mia performing an artistic floor pose in a cream-colored contemporary outfit and red socks; she is arching her back with her head tilted back and arms supporting her weight on the studio floor.
An artistic dance portrait of Kylie from the ShowBiz Kidz Senior Dance Team; she is performing a dramatic backbend in a tan top and sheer black pants against a clean white studio background.
Dance portraits for ShowBiz Kidz Studio Wednesday April 22, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
A young female dancer from ShowBiz Kidz performing a powerful stag jump in mid-air; she is wearing a black costume with blue fringe details against a white studio background.
Dance portraits for ShowBiz Kidz Studio Wednesday April 22, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
A young female dancer from ShowBiz Kidz in a black fringe leotard and long red gloves performing a dramatic backbend over a white chair; she is wearing fishnet tights and black character shoes against a white studio background.
Dance portraits for ShowBiz Kidz Studio Wednesday April 22, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
A young female dancer from ShowBiz Kidz in a black leotard with a gold sequined sash performing a technical hand-balance pose; she is supporting her weight on her hands with her legs extended in a wide vertical split.
Dance portraits for ShowBiz Kidz Studio Wednesday April 22, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

Senior Dance Portraits with Maddy — A Session Filled with Artistry and Intention

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Some sessions feel less like a photoshoot and more like a collaboration — a shared creative rhythm where everything just clicks. My senior dance portrait session with Maddy, a dancer at West Jersey Youth Ballet, was exactly that kind of experience.

If you know Maddy, you know she’s one of those dancers who naturally draws people in. She’s admired by the younger dancers, trusted by her peers, and respected for her work ethic. But what makes photographing her truly special is her artistic eye. She doesn’t just do a pose — she shapes it, breathes into it, and elevates it.

A Session That Showed Every Side of Her

We started with a quiet, grounded moment: Maddy lacing up her pointe shoes, relaxed and smiling. It set the tone for the entire session — calm, focused, and full of intention.

From there, she moved effortlessly into bold, sculptural shapes. Deep lunges, dramatic backbends, and long, extended lines that filled the studio with energy. She has this rare ability to make strength look effortless and artistry look instinctive.

One of my favorite parts of the session was exploring more conceptual imagery. The umbrella pose — whimsical, elegant, and full of personality — felt like a perfect reflection of her creative spirit. And the green dress moment? Pure magic. The way the fabric caught the air as she turned created a sense of motion you could feel even in a still frame.

Preparing for What Comes Next

Alongside her dance portraits, we created a polished headshot for her upcoming summer internship auditions. Maddy has an exciting season ahead, and it was important to craft something that reflects not just her technique, but her maturity, confidence, and the thoughtful artist she’s becoming.

A Dancer With a Bright Future

Photographing seniors is always meaningful, but photographing a senior who brings this level of artistry is something I don’t take for granted. Maddy’s session was a celebration of everything she’s accomplished — and everything she’s stepping into next.

Below are a few of my favorite images from our time together. Each one captures a different facet of who she is: strong, expressive, creative, and deeply dedicated to her craft.

Senior portrait of Maddy in a dance pose; her arms are gracefully extended as a soft trail of teal and purple powder sweeps around her against a dark, high-contrast background.
A senior dancer in a light green prom dress performing an arched pose against a black background.
A senior dancer in a vibrant multicolor leotard posing playfully with sunglasses.
Dancer reclining over a white block with arms extended overhead and legs stretched out in pointe shoes.
Ballet dancer seated on a white block holding a lace umbrella overhead, posed gracefully on pointe.
Dancer balancing on pointe with one leg extended vertically upward, supported by a white pedestal.
Ballet dancer standing en pointe with one leg lifted behind and both arms curved overhead.
Ballet dancer in a dramatic lunge on pointe with one arm lifted overhead in a studio setting.
Senior dancer sitting on the studio floor, smiling softly while putting on her pointe shoes.
headshot for Maddy a high school senior who dances
Artistic dance portraits for Maddy Gilleland on March 15, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

If you’re a dancer looking to create your own senior portraits — or preparing for auditions and need updated headshot — I’d love to help you craft something that feels authentically you. Contact me today.

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.

5 Ways to Get Your Senior and You Ready for Their Last Year

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New Jersey and Lehigh Valley Senior Portrait Photographer

5 Ways to Get Your Senior and You Ready for Their Last Year

The final year of high school is a monumental time for both students and their families. It’s a year full of excitement, reflection, and preparation for the next big step. Here are five ways to help your senior (and yourself) get ready for this milestone year:

1. Start Early with College Prep

The college application process can be overwhelming, so getting a head start is crucial. Encourage your senior to research schools, prepare for standardized tests, and begin drafting their personal statement over the summer. This will ease the pressure once the school year begins and allow them to focus on maintaining their grades1.

2. Plan a Senior Year Calendar

Senior year is packed with deadlines, from college applications to scholarship submissions, extracurriculars, and all the senior events like prom and graduation. Sit down with your senior and map out these important dates. A well-organized calendar will help keep everything on track and reduce last-minute stress1.

3. Discuss Finances

Whether it’s tuition, living expenses, or budgeting for senior activities, having an open conversation about finances is essential. Talk about savings, scholarships, financial aid, and even the cost of senior year activities like class rings, trips, and graduation parties. This will help your senior understand financial responsibility and make informed decisions1.

4. Encourage a Balanced Schedule

Senior year can be academically challenging, with advanced courses and college applications. Encourage your senior to strike a balance between academics, extracurriculars, and downtime. Help them build a schedule that allows for studying, hobbies, and relaxation to avoid burnout1.

5. Cherish the Moments

This is the last year of high school, so make time to celebrate the small moments. Attend their games, performances, or whatever they’re passionate about. Plan a few family outings or even a weekend getaway. Encourage time with their friends before they are separated by college. And, even if they hate you for it, take lots of pictures! These memories will be cherished long after graduation1.

Senior year is a time of transition, not just for your student but for the whole family. By staying organized, communicating openly, and taking time to enjoy this special year, you can ensure that both you and your senior are ready to take on the next chapter with confidence.

I hope these tips help you and your senior make the most of their final year of high school! Do you have any specific plans or traditions for this special time?

Dave Dabour Photography offers senior portrait session in my studio, on-location or both!

http://www.dabourphoto.com/portraits

Capturing Senior Spirit: A Portrait Session with Alexis from Phillipsburg High School

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New Jersey – Lehigh Valley Senior Portrait Photographer

Senior portraits for Alexis October 31, 2023. Photo by DAVE DABOUR

Senior year is a milestone filled with memories, anticipation, and a sense of transition. As a professional photographer, there’s a unique privilege in capturing this pivotal moment in a young person’s life. Recently, I had the pleasure of working with Alexis, a vibrant senior from Phillipsburg High School, in a portrait session that celebrated her individuality, spirit, and achievements both on and off the track.

Alexis’s passion for running is evident in every aspect of her life. As a member of the cross country team, she embodies dedication, perseverance, and a drive to succeed. It was important to me to capture not only her athletic prowess but also the essence of who she is as a person – her personality, interests, and aspirations.

Senior portraits for Alexis October 31, 2023. Photo by DAVE DABOUR

From the moment we began our session, Alexis’s energy was contagious. Her smile lit up the frame as we explored different settings and poses, each one reflecting a different facet of her vibrant personality.

But senior portraits are about more than just capturing a single moment in time – they’re about telling a story. As we moved from location to location, I encouraged Alexis to express herself freely, allowing her personality to shine through in every frame. Whether she was posing with her favorite book or showing off her infectious smile, each image was a reflection of her unique spirit and character.

Senior portraits for Alexis October 31, 2023. Photo by DAVE DABOUR

As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow over the landscape, I knew we had captured something special. The images from our session were more than just photographs – they were a celebration of Alexis’s journey, her accomplishments, and the bright future that lies ahead.

Working with Alexis was an absolute pleasure, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have captured this momentous time in her life. Her passion, enthusiasm, and zest for life were truly inspiring, and I have no doubt that she will go on to achieve great things in the future.

Senior portraits for Alexis October 31, 2023. Photo by DAVE DABOUR

To Alexis and all the seniors embarking on this next chapter of their lives, may your journey be filled with adventure, growth, and endless possibilities. And may your senior portraits serve as a timeless reminder of the incredible person you are today and the bright future that awaits you tomorrow.

Senior Portraits for Kira

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New Jersey – Lehigh Valley Senior Portrait Photographer

Senior portraits for Kira October 23, 2023. Photo by DAVE DABOUR

Kira is a senior at Easton Area High School and is also in the band.

Senior portraits for Kira October 23, 2023. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
Senior portraits for Kira October 23, 2023. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
Senior portraits for Kira October 23, 2023. Photo by DAVE DABOUR

If that wasn’t enough, she’s also a dancer at Miss Karen’s dance studio

Senior portraits for Kira October 23, 2023. Photo by DAVE DABOUR

Kira wants to major in nursing. She also knitted the sweater she’s wearing in the image above!

Do you know someone that wants better senior portraits than what they have already? Contact me to arrange for a session or for more information.

What to Bring to Your Senior Portrait Photography Session

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New Jersey Senior Portrait Photographer

Here are some things you should consider bringing to your senior portrait photography session:

  1. Parent, family member, or friend: Bringing someone you are close with will ensure that you feel comfortable and relaxed during the shoot
  2. Cap and Gown. If you have it already, bring it a long for some portraits with it on. You’ll be so busy with your friends on your big day to get any good portraits
  3. Comfortable shoes: You will likely be walking around quite a bit during the shoot, so it’s important to wear comfortable shoes that you can move around in
  4. Basic Touch Up Kit. You don’t need to go crazy with the makeup you bring to your shoot. Just bring the basics. My recommendations: blotting sheets, powder, lip color, tissues/disposable wipes, and floss.
  5. Something you love doing: Consider bringing along an object that shows off your most important personal interest, such as a musical instrument or a paint palette
  6. A change of clothes: It’s always a good idea to bring at least 3 head-to-toe looks to your photo shoot. You’ll want to have a minimum of 3 head-to-toe looks: Parent Pleaser, Senior’s Choice, and Activities
  7. Mirror. Tuck a portable mirror into your bag, so you can make sure you’re looking your best in between pictures. If you don’t have a handheld or portable mirror, the front-facing camera on your phone should also do just fine. Just make sure that phone is charged!
  8. Props: If you’re excited about the idea of a creative shoot, consider bringing along some props such as textbooks, biodegradable confetti, coffee from your favorite shop, your senior ring, hats, your favorite sunglasses, or a camera
  9. Varsity Jacket. If you lettered din a sport, be sure to bring your varsity jacket for some portraits!
Sr portraits for Anthony G in April 2021. © Dave Dabour

To see more sample images please visit my website. Ready to schedule your session or want to find out more information please contact me.

What To Wear: Senior Portraits

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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