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Senior Spotlight & Studio Sessions: Michaela and Molly

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Familiar Faces Behind the Lens One of the most rewarding parts of being a photographer for over 30 years is watching young performers grow into their artistry. Michaela and Molly are certainly no strangers to my camera, and having them back in the studio is always a highlight of the season.

A Milestone Season for Michaela This session felt particularly special as we celebrate a major milestone for Michaela. As a high school senior, she is preparing to take her final bows with the studio before heading off to Montclair State University this fall. Capturing her technical strength and grace one last time before she begins her next chapter was an absolute honor.

Beating the Recital Rush While I’ll be seeing many familiar faces during the regularly scheduled recital portraits at ShowBiz Kidz Dance Center, Michaela and Molly opted for an “early access” session. By coming in before the main photo days, we had the luxury of time to experiment with more complex, synchronized contemporary poses and fine-tune the lighting to match their unique chemistry.

The resulting images—from their individual technical shots to their beautifully coordinated duos—showcase a level of maturity and poise that only comes with years of dedication to their craft.

Good luck to Michaela at Montclair State, and I look forward to seeing both of these talented young women continue to shine!

Two dancers, Michaela and Molly, performing synchronized contemporary poses in tan and white lace costumes against a clean white studio background.
Two dancers, Michaela and Molly, from ShowBiz Kidz Dance Center in Lopatcong, NJ, sitting in a synchronized contemporary pose wearing coordinated tan lace and mesh costumes against a white studio background.
Two dancers, Michaela and Molly, from ShowBiz Kidz Dance Center in Lopatcong, NJ, sitting in a synchronized contemporary pose wearing coordinated tan lace and mesh costumes against a white studio background.
Two dancers, Michaela and Molly, from ShowBiz Kidz Dance Center in Lopatcong, NJ, sitting in a synchronized contemporary pose wearing coordinated tan lace and mesh costumes against a white studio background.
Two dancers, Michaela and Molly, from ShowBiz Kidz Dance Center in Lopatcong, NJ, sitting in a synchronized contemporary pose wearing coordinated tan lace and mesh costumes against a white studio background.

Dance Ambassador Spotlight: Amelia (@ameliarosedancer)

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A young dancer, Amelia, performing an athletic contemporary pose on a white rectangular pedestal. She is leaning back with her arms curved over her head and one leg extended upward, wearing a navy blue lace leotard and a sheer patterned overskirt against a grey studio background.
Finding balance in the unexpected. Amelia proves that dance is as much about the space you occupy as the movement itself. I love how the clean lines of the pedestal contrast with her fluid, athletic grace in this fine-art studio session.

Every once in a while, a dancer comes into your life in a way that feels almost meant to be. Amelia (@ameliarosedancer) is one of those dancers. My connection with her family goes back years—long before she ever stepped into my studio for dance portraits. When they first moved to New Jersey, I photographed their family as part of a fundraiser with the local school. They signed up each year, and it was such a joy watching the kids grow and getting to know them a little more each time.

Fast forward a few years, and I began photographing dancers at West Jersey Youth Ballet. During one of those sessions, a mom mentioned that another family recognized my name—they told her I had photographed them in the past. That’s when it clicked: Amelia’s family had found their way back into my life. And I’m so glad they did.

This is Amelia’s first year as a Dabour Photography Dance Ambassador, and she has already brought so much poise, grace, and quiet strength to every session. She’s one of those dancers who carries herself with maturity beyond her years—thoughtful, expressive, and beautifully intentional in her movement. We’ve created several portrait sessions together already, including the ambassador‑only session at the State Theatre of the Arts in Easton, PA, where she absolutely shined.

Her younger sister, Maddie, tags along from time to time, and she’s quickly proving to be a “chip off the old block”—full of talent, personality, and the same spark that makes this family so special.

One of the most exciting parts of Amelia’s journey right now is that she has recently begun going en pointe. It’s a milestone every dancer dreams of, and seeing her step into this next chapter is inspiring. I can’t wait to create the next level of portraits with her as she grows stronger, more confident, and even more expressive.

Working with Amelia has been a highlight of this ambassador season, and I’m looking forward to creating many more beautiful images together.

Some of my favorite images of Amelia so far:

A young dancer in a jazz-style costume consisting of a black and white pinstriped vest, matching wide-leg trousers with a side stripe, white gloves, and a fedora, posing seated on a grey studio floor.
A young ballet dancer, Amelia, performing a pose on center stage at the State Theatre. She is wearing a white classical tutu with a light blue bodice, positioned against a backdrop of purple stage lighting and exposed brick.
A young dancer, Amelia, performing a dynamic contemporary or jazz-ballet pose on a theater stage. She is wearing a black leotard with a dark purple or navy blue sheer skirt, positioned in a deep lunge with one arm raised against a backdrop of blue stage curtains.
A young ballet dancer, Amelia, in a white and blue tutu performing on a grand stage at the State Theatre. She is captured in a graceful profile pose with one arm extended toward a bright overhead stage light, set against a dark, atmospheric theater interior with glowing wall sconces.
A young dancer, Amelia, performing an athletic pose in a rain simulator. She has one foot balanced on a white wooden chair and her arms out for balance while water falls around her, creating a dramatic splashing effect against a dark background.
A young dancer, Amelia, performing a professional dance pose while lying on her back in a shallow pool of water. Her legs are extended straight up in a vertical split, and her reflection is visible in the water as rain falls around her against a dark, dramatic background.
A young dancer, Amelia, posing barefoot on a sandy lakeshore. She is wearing a white top and a flowing navy blue skirt, captured in a joyful movement with one arm raised toward the sky against a background of water, trees, and a cloudy blue sky.
A young dancer, Amelia, posing on a large rock in an outdoor park setting. She is wearing a light blue and grey ballet bodice with a white classical tutu, looking off to the side with one arm gracefully extended. The background features lush green trees and a clear blue sky.
A young dancer, Amelia, performing a graceful ballet pose in front of large red and gold Christmas ornament props. She is wearing a dark red top and a shimmering emerald green skirt, holding a long, flowing red and gold silk veil that arcs over her head against a dark studio background.
A young dancer, Amelia, in a navy blue leotard with lace detailing and a sheer white skirt, posing with her arms gracefully framed around her face. She is illuminated by a soft spotlight against a dark grey background, creating a dramatic, fine-art portrait style.
A silhouette of a ballet dancer, Amelia, performing a graceful pose with one arm raised and one leg slightly bent. She is wearing a classical white tutu, standing against a vibrant, saturated red circular spotlight on a dark stage.
A silhouette of a ballet dancer, Amelia, performing a graceful pose with arms rounded and one leg in a soft plié. She is wearing a classical white tutu and stands against a vibrant, saturated blue circular spotlight on a dark background.

A Quiet Moment That Spoke Volumes

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Earlier this week, I stopped by a local elementary school to meet someone about a sound system for an upcoming event. While waiting in the gym, I watched a group of young children enter for movement therapy. One little girl, Julia, quietly walked over, took my hand, and stood beside me. She didn’t speak — just held my hand and looked up with calm curiosity.

Sketch of a shy young girl with long wavy hair looking down, drawn in soft pencil style.
Julia stood quietly beside me, saying nothing — but her presence spoke volumes.

We walked together for a few minutes. She gently touched a speaker labeled “JBL,” and I told her what it was. She didn’t respond, but her presence was grounding. Eventually, a teacher came to take her back. Julia dropped my hand and walked away without a word.

It was a simple moment. But it reminded me how powerful quiet connection can be — no words, no agenda, just presence. In a world that often moves too fast, Julia reminded me to slow down, to listen without speaking, and to hold space for others.

As a photographer, I’m always chasing light, movement, and emotion. But sometimes, the most meaningful stories aren’t captured through a lens — they’re felt in the stillness between frames.

Let’s keep showing up for each other. Sometimes all it takes is a hand to hold and a moment to share.

New Studio Artwork: Celebrating Movement, Light, and Grit

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New artwork on display at Dabour Photography

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.

How To Create Great Firework Photos

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New Jersey – Lehigh Valley PA Photography

Fireworks at the conclusion of the Phillipsburg Ole towne Festival in 2015. Photo by | DAVE DABOUR
Fireworks at the conclusion of the Phillipsburg Ole Towne Festival in 2015. Photo by | DAVE DABOUR

It’s that time of year again! Creating great firework photos isn’t that hard. It takes planning and some practice.

Here’s an earlier blog post I did with some great tips.

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.

Tips on Capturing Photos of the Northern Lights

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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.

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.

Thank You 2024 Rain Machine Participants!

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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