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!
It was such a pleasure returning to work with the talented dancers of the West Jersey Youth Ballet for their annual recital portraits. Every year brings something special, but this season felt particularly energized.
The highlight of this year’s picture day was definitely the new studio space. Having a studio that is both wider and taller made a world of difference for the technical side of the shoot. The extra room allowed for more dynamic posing and better lighting angles, making the entire process smoother for both the dancers and the photography team.
It was also wonderful to see so many familiar faces; several of my Dance Ambassadors train here, and their professionalism and passion always shine through the lens. From the youngest performers to the most seasoned dancers, the dedication in the room was palpable.
I’m already looking forward to seeing these beautiful routines come to life on stage when I return to record their recital video next month!
The air was electric at the State Theatre of the Arts in Easton, PA, as we officially kicked off the 2026 Freddy Awards season. As I walked through the doors for the first rehearsal, it hit me—this marks my 14th year as the official photographer for this incredible program. Seeing the talent, the nerves, and the sheer excitement of these students never gets old.
Checking In and Catching Up
The day began with the “official” side of show business. Students from high schools across the region arrived to sign paperwork and register, but the real magic happened in the hallways. It was a morning of “meeting old friends”—watching students from rival schools greet each other like family, bonded by their shared love of the stage.
The Work Behind the Magic
Once the paperwork was settled, it was time to get to work. The first rehearsal is always an intensive dive into the production:
Learning the Music: Music directors led the ensemble through the vocal arrangements for this year’s opening and closing numbers. There is nothing quite like hearing those first harmonies ring out in the rehearsal hall.
Choreography in Motion: Freddy Awards choreographer Stacy Higgins wasted no time getting the students on their feet. Watching the transition from tentative steps to a synchronized ensemble is one of my favorite things to document.
Words of Inspiration
We were honored to have State Theatre President and CEO Shelly Brown address the participants. Her passion for the arts and her dedication to these students set the perfect tone for the season ahead.
A Legacy of Performance
First rehearsal for the 2026 Freddy Awards on May 7, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR PhotographyFirst rehearsal for the 2026 Freddy Awards on May 7, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
Documenting the Freddy Awards for over a decade has allowed me to see the profound impact this program has on our community. From the first signature at the check-in table to the final bow on the State Theatre stage, I am honored to capture every moment of this journey.
Stay tuned as we continue to follow the rehearsals leading up to the big night!
A Tradition of Artistry at Mary Help There is a beautiful sense of continuity in returning to a school year after year. This season marked my fourth time photographing the dancers at Mary Help of Christians Academy. As an all-girls Catholic school with a deep commitment to the arts, the atmosphere is always one of focused talent and wonderful school spirit.
The After-School “Elite” Sessions While we capture every dancer during the day, my absolute favorite part of this residency is the special after-school session we offer. This is a time specifically set aside for the “best of the best”—those dancers who live and breathe their craft.
Away from the hustle of the school day, these performers truly have the space to shine. It is a joy to work with dancers who are so technically proficient and eager to push their creative boundaries in front of the camera. The resulting portraits are always among the most striking of the year.
A Tribute to Miss Hannah The high caliber of dance at Mary Help is no accident. These students are truly blessed with a wonderful and talented teacher in Miss Hannah. Her dedication to her students and her eye for choreography make my job behind the lens so much easier. It’s clear that her guidance helps these young women find their confidence and their “light.”
View Your 2026 Portraits The professional galleries for this session are finished! If you are a parent or student at Mary Help, reach out to me or Miss Hannah if you didn’t receive the link view and purchase your portraits.
Happy Birthday, Hope! Today, we are turning up the music and striking a pose for a very special member of the Dabour Photography family. Please join me in wishing a very Happy Birthday to our wonderful Dance Ambassador, Hope!
A Multi-Talented Force in Motion Hope is far more than just a “face” for our studio; she is a powerhouse of creativity and discipline. As a fantastic dancer and an innovative choreographer, she brings a unique perspective to every session we create together. Watching her translate emotion into movement is always a highlight of my work, and her artistic growth over the years has been nothing short of inspiring.
The Road to Miss New Jersey Beyond the dance studio, Hope is currently on a mission that requires just as much grace, poise, and dedication. She is officially in the quest to regain the Miss New Jersey crown!
At Dabour Photography, we believe in supporting the dreams of our ambassadors. That’s why I am thrilled to announce that I am officially sponsoring Hope in her pageant journey. From the stage lights of the theater to the spotlight of the pageant runway, Hope carries herself with a level of professionalism and kindness that makes her a true role model for young women across the state.
Join the Celebration Hope, we hope your day is as spectacular as one of your performances! We are so proud to have you representing our brand and even prouder to support you as you chase that crown.
Let’s show Hope some birthday love in the comments below!
A Decade of Dance Excellence There is a unique energy that fills a dance studio, and at ShowBiz Kidz Dance Center, that energy is truly something special. For over 10 years, I’ve had the honor of serving as their official photographer, and every season I am blown away by the growth, discipline, and pure joy these performers bring to the lens.
Three Days, Hundreds of Dancers The sheer talent at ShowBiz Kidz is so vast it takes us three full days to capture every solo, duo, and troupe! From the youngest tiny tots to the advanced competitive dancers, the dedication from both the students and the fantastic teachers at this studio is evident in every frame.
Whether it’s the intricate details of a costume or the perfect lines of a seasoned performer, these sessions are about more than just a photo—they are a celebration of the hard work put in all year long.
View and Purchase Your Photos The wait is over! Photographs from our most recent sessions are officially available for viewing and purchase.
Gallery Access: If you have not yet received the link to your dancer’s professional gallery, please reach out to me directly.
Prints & Digital: A variety of high-quality prints and digital downloads are available to commemorate this season.
Thank you to the staff, parents, and of course, the incredible dancers of ShowBiz Kidz for another fantastic year behind the lens!
The Magic Continues at Voorhees High School It has been an incredible journey bringing Arendelle to Hunterdon County. After the success of our Charlotte Cast’s opening performances, the spotlight now shifts to the talented Sophia Cast as we head into our final weekend of production.
As a photographer for SKIT for over 30 years, I’ve seen countless stories come to life on the Voorhees stage, but there is something truly special about the energy this cast brings to these iconic characters. From the sisterly bond of Anna and Elsa to the hilarious antics of Olaf and Oaken, the Sophia cast has delivered a performance you won’t want to miss.
Exclusive Sneak Peek: The Sophia Cast
Don’t Miss the Final Performances Time is running out to see this “Frozen” phenomenon in person. We have three final shows remaining this weekend:
Saturday, May 9th – 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
Sunday, May 10th – 2:00 PM (Final Performance!)
Whether you’re coming to see your favorite performers for the first time or returning to relive the magic, we can’t wait to see you in the audience!
Recently, I had the opportunity to photograph a branding session for a Pilates studio owner in Flemington, NJ. As a New Jersey photographer, sessions like this are a great example of how strong, intentional imagery can help small businesses stand out and connect with their audience.
Laura, owner of Evolution Pilates Studio, has been working in Pilates for over 20 years. That level of experience really shows — not just in her instruction, but in how she connects with her clients. From the moment we started shooting, it was clear that her approach is both professional and welcoming, which is exactly what you want when trying something like Pilates for the first time.
Evolution Pilates Studio Flemington NJ by Laura Donatelli. Photo by DAVE DABOUR PhotographyEvolution Pilates Studio Flemington NJ by Laura Donatelli. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
A Branding Photoshoot Designed Around Real Interaction
For this session, the goal was to create a mix of:
Professional headshots
Branding images within the studio
Real client interaction
Natural, candid moments that reflect Laura’s teaching style
We worked in a smaller studio space, which actually helped create a more personal and approachable feel in the images. Laura brought in two clients for part of the session, and rather than overly posing anything, I had her simply teach as she normally would.
That approach always leads to the strongest results.
The final images feel authentic — showing not just what Pilates looks like, but what it feels like to be in one of her sessions.
Evolution Pilates Studio Flemington NJ by Laura Donatelli. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
Content That Works Across Website and Social Media
Like many small business owners, Laura needed images that could work across multiple platforms, including:
Website and landing pages
Instagram and social media
YouTube content
Print and promotional materials
As a branding photographer in NJ, my goal in sessions like this is to create a versatile image library — giving business owners a consistent, professional look wherever they show up online.
Why Branding Photography Matters for Fitness & Wellness Businesses
Evolution Pilates Studio Flemington NJ by Laura Donatelli. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
For Pilates studios and other service-based businesses, photography plays a huge role in building trust.
Potential clients want to see:
Who they’ll be working with
What the space looks like
How sessions are guided
The overall feel of the experience
Strong branding photography helps answer those questions before someone even picks up the phone.
Looking for Pilates in Flemington, NJ?
If you’re in Flemington, NJ or the surrounding areas and are considering Pilates, I highly recommend reaching out to Laura at Evolution Pilates Studio.
With over 20 years of experience, she offers a level of knowledge and personal attention that’s hard to find. Whether you’re new to Pilates or more experienced, her studio provides a welcoming and professional environment.
Evolution Pilates Studio 122 Main Street, Suite 8 Flemington, NJ 08822 📞 908.291.8325 🌐 https://evolutionnj.com
Need Branding Photography for Your Business?
If you’re a small business owner in Flemington, NJ or anywhere in New Jersey looking to update your branding images, feel free to reach out.
Whether you’re in fitness, wellness, or another service-based industry, I can help create a set of images that reflect your business, connect with your audience, and elevate your online presence.
There is a unique kind of magic that happens when the house lights go down and the stage lights come up. For the past 30 years, I have had the distinct honor of serving as the official photographer for Show Kids Invitational Theatre (SKIT). From the very first production to this weekend’s upcoming performance, capturing the emotion, the movement, and the “big moments” of theater remains one of my greatest passions.
Last night, I had the pleasure of photographing the Charlotte Cast (one of two talented casts!) during their final rehearsals for Disney’s Frozen.
A Sneak Peek at Arendelle
The energy this cast brings to the stage is nothing short of “chilling”—in the best way possible. From the intricate costume details to the powerhouse vocal performances, this production is a visual masterpiece. As a photographer, my goal is always to freeze those fleeting moments of stagecraft so they can be remembered long after the final curtain call.
[Insert Gallery of 6–10 Images Here] *
Show pictures for SKIT’s production of ‘Frozen’ on April 30th, 2026. Charlotte cast. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
Catch the Show
If you haven’t secured your seats yet, don’t miss the chance to see this story come to life at Voorhees High School.
Opening Night: This Saturday!
Tickets & Info: Visit www.showkids.org or purchase them at the door.
Supporting youth theater is so vital to our community, and I am proud to have documented three decades of these rising stars. See you at the show!
There’s a special kind of magic that happens when a high school theater program takes on a show as rich, layered, and beloved as Into the Woods. This week, Voorhees High School brings Sondheim’s iconic musical to life — weaving together fairy‑tale characters, heartfelt storytelling, and a talented cast that’s ready to take audiences deep into the forest.
The production opens tomorrow, Thursday, April 16, and runs through Sunday, April 19 at Voorhees High School. Tickets will be available at the door, or can be reserved by emailing jreynolds@nhvweb.net.
I had the opportunity to photograph the cast and crew during their tech rehearsal, capturing the energy, emotion, and behind‑the‑scenes dedication that make this show shine. Tech rehearsals are where the world of the production finally comes together — lighting, costumes, staging, and performance merging into something real. And this cast stepped into the woods with confidence, creativity, and heart.
A Glimpse Behind the Curtain
From the Baker and his Wife navigating their quest, to Cinderella’s quiet strength, to Little Red’s bold spirit, every character brought something unique to the stage. The students embraced the humor, the darkness, and the emotional depth that make Into the Woods such a powerful story.
The tech team and directors have crafted a world that feels both whimsical and grounded — a perfect backdrop for Sondheim’s music and the students’ performances.
Why I Love Photographing This Show
Into the Woods is a photographer’s dream: dramatic lighting, expressive characters, rich costumes, and moments that shift from playful to poignant in an instant. Capturing those transitions — the laughter, the tension, the quiet beats of reflection — is what makes theater photography so rewarding.
Voorhees High School’s cast brought authenticity and enthusiasm to every scene, and it was a privilege to document their work.
See the Photos
I’ll be sharing a selection of my favorite images from the tech rehearsal below. These moments offer just a glimpse of what audiences can expect when the curtain rises this weekend. Here is the link to the entire gallery of images: https://proofs.dabourphoto.com/VHS-Woods
Final Thoughts
Congratulations to the entire Voorhees High School cast, crew, and creative team. Your dedication shows in every detail, and I’m excited for the community to experience the world you’ve built on stage.
Break a leg this weekend — and enjoy your journey into the woods.
Some of my favorite images from the show:
Voorhees High School theater presents “Into the Woods” April 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
