I’m thrilled to unveil new artwork now on display in the studio—each piece a tribute to the incredible dancers who brought these recent sessions to life. From powder bursts frozen mid-leap to serene outdoor portraits framed by nature’s textures, these images capture more than motion—they reflect strength, artistry, and the spirit of our ambassador community.
These sessions pushed creative boundaries and celebrated individuality. Whether set against dramatic skies or illuminated by airborne powder, each portrait tells a story of passion and presence.
Take a look at the video below for a closer view of the collection—and a glimpse into the energy behind the lens.
Ready to create your own unforgettable portraits? Let’s bring your vision to life. Book your session here.
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.
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.
Capturing the northern lights with a cell phone can be a magical experience, and with the right techniques, you can achieve stunning results.
How to Capture Stunning Photos of the Northern Lights with Your Cell Phone
The northern lights, or aurora borealis, are one of nature’s most breathtaking displays. While professional cameras are often recommended for capturing this phenomenon, modern smartphones are equipped with powerful cameras that can also do the job. Here are some tips to help you capture the magic of the northern lights with your cell phone.
1. Use a Tripod
Stability is key when photographing the northern lights. A tripod will help keep your phone steady, reducing blur and allowing for longer exposure times.
2. Adjust Camera Settings
Night Mode: If your phone has a night mode, make sure to enable it. This mode is designed to capture more light in low-light conditions.
Manual Focus: Switch to manual focus and set it to infinity. This ensures that the stars and the aurora are in sharp focus.
ISO and Exposure: Increase the ISO to make the camera sensor more sensitive to light. Start with an ISO of 800 and adjust as needed. Set a longer exposure time, around 10-20 seconds, to capture more light.
3. Use a Remote Shutter or Timer
To avoid shaking the camera when you press the shutter button, use a remote shutter or set a timer. This will help keep your phone steady during the exposure.
4. Find a Dark Location
Light pollution can significantly affect your photos. Find a location away from city lights to get the best view of the northern lights.
5. Composition Tips
Foreground Elements: Include interesting foreground elements like trees, mountains, or water to add depth to your photos.
Rule of Thirds: Use the rule of thirds to compose your shots. Place the horizon or the most interesting part of the aurora along the grid lines.
6. Post-Processing
After capturing your photos, use editing apps to enhance them. Adjust the brightness, contrast, and saturation to bring out the colors of the aurora.
7. Experiment and Have Fun
Every aurora display is different, so experiment with different settings and compositions. Enjoy the process and have fun capturing this incredible natural phenomenon.
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.
A big THANK YOU to all 58 dancers, athletes and antendees who attended one of my nine (9) record-breaking rain machine experience sessions this season!
Just when I think I’ve seen all the poses along comes several of you that brings it up a notch!
I was the only one offering a rain machine experience in all of northen New Jersey and the Lehigh Valley this summer! Several improvements were implemented in my rain machine experience this year and I look to implement another big one next year!
To get on the list to be notified when I offer this again next year, please click here.
New Jersey and Lehigh Valley Rain Machine Experience
Rayleigh’s mom contacted me to have her daughter in a dance photo session as many moms do. I asked her how old her daughter was, and she said ‘three!’ I photographed young dancers before but not usually by themselves. She told me while she’s a little shy, she thought she would be good for the portrait session.
And we did have a great portrait session and created several different images for them both. I think it was a little too much for her (completely understandable) and after about 10 minutes wasn’t too interested in continuing anymore.
New Jersey dance Portrait Photographer
If you’re interested in getting dance portraits for the young dancer in your life, let me know. I offer many different types of dance portrait sessions for all ages and abilities
Bloomsbury Community Day 2023 was this past Sunday, and my photo booth was there to the delight of everyone who attended. One of the attendees was our very own Miss New Jersey, Hope Kiehl. .
As always there was plenty to do and eat at Community Day this year. If you left there hungry, it was your own fault. There was a balloon person, face painters, live band, pumpkin painting and more!
Dabour Photography 