Tag Archives: artistic Dance portraits

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

Posted on by
Reply

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.

Dance Ambassador Spotlight: Rylea (@balletlifeofrylea)

Posted on by
Reply

Some dancers make an impression the moment you meet them — not because they’re the loudest in the room, but because of the quiet confidence they carry with them. Rylea (@balletlifeofrylea) is one of those dancers. This is her first year as one of my dance ambassadors, and from the very beginning she’s shown me exactly why she belongs here.

My first impression of Rylea was that she was soft‑spoken but approachable — the kind of dancer who listens, observes, and then surprises you with thoughtful conversation when you least expect it. In between locations during sessions, she’s always willing to chat, and not with one‑word answers either. She shares what she likes, what she’s working on, what inspires her. Those moments matter to me. They help me understand the dancer behind the technique.

I first met Rylea when she came to me for a headshot session for some summer intensives she wanted to apply to. Even then, I noticed her attention to detail. That trait showed up again during picture day at West Jersey Youth Ballet, her home studio. She reached out afterward because she noticed one of her poses wasn’t included in the final delivery. She wasn’t upset — she was curious. Was it blurry? Was something off? She genuinely liked the pose and wanted to understand. I checked, and she was absolutely right: it was a great image that somehow didn’t make the cut. That level of awareness is rare, especially in a younger dancer.

Fast forward to this year’s ambassador program. I put out a call looking for one or two volunteers to help me test a new location. Within 30 minutes, I had six replies. I figured that was more than enough… and then Rylea messaged me asking if it was too late. I told her I already had more dancers than I needed. Then she mentioned she lived in the town where the shoot was happening. That sealed it — of course she had to come. I invited her to join me the next evening while I was photographing senior portraits, and she fit right into the flow. But then she surprised me and showed up that night not expecting to be photographed – but to support her dance friends!

A young ballet dancer, Rylea, wearing a pale pink tutu and leotard with floral embellishments. She is posing gracefully with her arms raised and a soft smile on a dark stage, illuminated by warm stage lights and sparkling chandeliers at the State Theatre.
Dabour Photography dance ambassadors at the State Theatre of the Arts on September 23, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
A ballet dancer, Rylea, performing an athletic leap across a wide, dark stage. She is wearing a purple tutu and is captured in a graceful split mid-air, with warm stage lights and a large chandelier visible in the background of the historic theatre.
Dabour Photography dance ambassadors at the State Theatre of the Arts on September 23, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

One of the moments that truly solidified her ambassador status happened at the State Theatre of the Arts in Easton, PA. Most of my ambassadors attended the invite‑only session, but Rylea’s mom let me know she had school picture day and could only stay for the first hour. So we made it work. We started with group portraits on the stage, and then I photographed Rylea first. She may be one of my younger ambassadors, but when she stepped onto that stage, she owned it. Her first few solo portraits were exactly the images I had envisioned when planning the entire event. She didn’t just rise to the occasion — she defined it.

A young male dancer, Elijah, dipped-posing a female dancer, Rylea, on a downtown sidewalk at night. Rylea is wearing a teal and white ombre dance dress, and Elijah is in a blue shirt and white pants. The background features warm glowing bistro lights and a street scene in Easton, PA.
Dance portraits during a photo walk in Easton, PA on Oct 26, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
A young dancer, Rylea, performing a technical ballet pose while balancing on the stone edge of a large water fountain. She is wearing a teal-to-white ombre dance dress and is captured against the backdrop of the historic Soldiers and Sailors Monument and the cityscape of downtown Easton, PA.
Dance portraits during a photo walk in Easton, PA on Oct 26, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

Since then, we’ve created even more together: studio sessions, artistic concepts, specialty portraits, and a photo walk in Easton with Elijah that turned into one of those perfect evenings — golden light, great energy, and portfolio‑level images at every stop.

Rylea is thoughtful, dedicated, and quietly powerful in a way that makes you pay attention. I’m grateful she’s part of this ambassador team, and I’m excited for the years ahead — especially the duets I already see forming in my mind.

Here’s to many more sessions, more creativity, and more beautiful art together.

Some of my favorite images created together so far:

Dabour Photography dance ambassadors at the State Theatre of the Arts on September 23, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
A young dancer, Rylea, performing a technical leg extension while standing on a rustic wooden stool. She is wearing a teal leotard and purple skirt, posed against a red brick wall with a large industrial window and a "Seven Sirens" logo in the background.
A young dancer, Rylea, performing an elegant ballet pose in a narrow industrial alleyway. She is wearing a teal leotard and purple skirt, with her arms extended and one foot on pointe, framed by the historic red brick walls and large windows of the Silk Mill.
A young dancer, Rylea, in a dusty rose lace dance top, holding a bouquet of pink roses close to her chest. She has her eyes closed with a peaceful expression and one arm gracefully arched above her head against a soft grey studio background.
A young dancer, Rylea, laughing while wrapped in a large, colorful silk scarf that transitions from blue to pink and purple. She is standing in a studio with a white floor and grey background, surrounded by scattered rose petals.
A young dancer, Rylea, performing a dynamic leap in a white and red lace costume. She is surrounded by a large, flowing red silk fabric that creates a circular frame around her as she jumps against a deep red studio background.
A young dancer, Rylea, sitting gracefully on the floor in a large, pale pink tulle skirt and a black lace bodice. She is holding a bouquet of red roses and looking away thoughtfully against a deep red studio background.
A young dancer, Rylea, performing a technical ballet pose on a bright red studio floor. She is wearing a black and white patterned leotard with a large, voluminous white tulle skirt, looking upward with her arms gracefully extended.
A young dancer, Rylea, performing a technical pose while seated on a white wooden cube. She is wearing a black dance leotard and tan pointe shoes, with one leg extended vertically and her gaze directed upward against a neutral grey studio background.
A young dancer, Rylea, performing an athletic contemporary pose using white wooden cubes as props. She is wearing a black leotard and tan pointe shoes, balancing with one foot on a tall cube and her body arched forward in a dynamic, sharp-angled position against a grey studio background.
A young dancer, Rylea, performing a technical ballet pose using two white wooden cubes of different heights. She has one foot on pointe on a lower cube and her other leg bent in a passé position, with one arm extended gracefully against a neutral grey studio background.
A professional headshot of a young girl, Rylea, with her hair in a neat ballet bun. She is wearing a black dance leotard and smiling softly, captured against a bright, high-key white studio background.

Dance Ambassador Spotlight: Emma (@extendandelevate)

Posted on by
Reply
A young ballet dancer in a white tutu performing a grand jeté leap across a dark stage. Her arms are extended gracefully, and she is framed by warm stage lights and deep blue theater curtains in the background.
Dabour Photography dance ambassadors at the State Theatre of the Arts on September 23, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

Some dancers grow in front of your lens year after year, and watching that evolution is one of the best parts of what I do. Emma (@extendandelevate) is absolutely one of those dancers. Even though this is her first year as one of my dance ambassadors, I’ve been photographing her for years—and every session reminds me just how much talent, drive, and personality she brings to her art.

Emma is known for many things, but her incredible flexibility is always front and center. She gets into poses that make my back hurt, and I’m not even the one doing them! What amazes me most is how effortless she makes it all look. One moment she’s a poised, elegant young woman; the next she snaps into a bold, sassy pose like she flipped a switch from 0 to 100.

A young dancer, Emma, sitting on a stage floor in a white Clara ballet dress and a sparkling tiara. She is smiling while holding a wooden Nutcracker doll, captured against a blue and black smokey background with professional studio lighting.
A young dancer, Emma, in a white Clara ballet dress and pointe shoes, performing a graceful arabesque while holding a Nutcracker doll. She is captured in profile against a dark, smokey background with a bright rim light highlighting her silhouette.
A young ballet dancer, Emma, sitting gracefully on the floor in a white Clara costume with blue trim and a bow in her hair. She is smiling and leaning toward a tall wooden Nutcracker doll, set against a dark, atmospheric studio background with cool-toned floor lighting.

This past season, Emma stepped into the iconic role of Clara in her studio’s production of The Nutcracker. I had the chance to create some beautiful, artistic portraits of her in those costumes, and she brought such grace and storytelling to every frame. It’s a role that demands both technique and heart, and she delivered both with maturity beyond her years.

Emma is also one of those dancers who starts doing the pose before I even finish asking. She listens, interprets, and moves with instinct—and that makes every session with her a creative joy. Whether we’re working on clean classical lines, dramatic lighting, or something playful and expressive, she brings her whole self to the moment.

I’m grateful to have Emma in this year’s ambassador team, and I’m excited for all the portraits, ideas, and creative adventures still ahead. Watching her grow as both a dancer and an artist has been a privilege, and I look forward to photographing her for many more years to come.

Know a dancer or studio looking for artistic dance portraits?
I’d love to help bring their vision to life—feel free to share my work or send them my way!

A ballet dancer in a white leotard and a voluminous white tulle tutu stands on pointe on a dark stage. She has her arms crossed over her chest in a graceful pose against a backdrop of deep blue velvet theater curtains.
A young dance ambassador, Emma, performing an athletic stag jump in an open field at Spruce Run. She is wearing a seafoam green long-sleeved dance top and a black tutu, captured mid-air with a lake and sunlit trees in the background.
A young dancer, Emma, standing confidently on a rock in the middle of a lake. She is wearing a black sleeveless dance top and blue shorts, posing with hands on her hips against a background of sparkling water at Spruce Run.
A young dancer, Emma, performing a graceful leg extension (arabesque) while balancing on one leg on a sandy shore. She is wearing a black dance leotard and a light purple wrap skirt, with the blue water and a cloudy sky of Spruce Run in the background.
A young dancer, Emma, performing an advanced leg extension (scorpian pose) while balancing on one foot. She is wearing a dark, sequined costume with a fringe, captured against a dramatic black background with yellow backlighting and atmospheric fog.
A young dancer, Emma, performing a full straddle split on a reflective studio floor. She is wearing a black sleeveless dance top and leggings, smiling with one arm arched over her head, captured against a misty grey background with soft studio lighting.
A young dancer, Emma, performing a deep lunge on a reflective studio floor. She is wearing a black dance outfit and is captured in a silhouette-style pose with a bright white light shining from behind her, creating a glow through the atmospheric fog.
A young female dancer in a grey top and black leggings performing a one-handed floor balance on a stage. She has one arm on the ground and one leg extended horizontally in a "needle" or tilted scale position, set against a rustic brick wall and colorful blue and red stage lighting.

Dance Ambassador Spotlight: Lily (@lilyana.en_pointe)

Posted on by
Reply

Some dancers step in front of the camera with a quiet confidence that grows stronger every time you work with them. Lily (@lilyana.en_pointe) is one of those dancers. This is her first year in my Dance Ambassador program, and I’m genuinely glad she joined. She also happens to live very close to me—so when inspiration strikes or I need someone to test a new idea, she’s often the first person I reach out to. And if she’s available, she’s always up for it.

My earliest sessions with Lily were at her home studio, West Jersey Youth Ballet, where her technique and discipline were immediately clear. But it was our first out‑of‑studio session—sunflower portraits—that really showed me her dedication. Even in a completely different environment, she carried herself with the same focus and artistry she brings to the studio.

A young ballet dancer, Lily, performing a graceful pose on a wooden bench in a vibrant sunflower field. She is wearing a light green leotard and white pointe shoes, with one leg extended and an arm raised, surrounded by tall yellow sunflowers under a clear blue sky.
Sunflower dance portraits with Lily and Vivi on Aug. 9, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

Her mom has been an incredible presence as well. As the Executive Director at WJYB and a dance teacher with over 30 years of experience, she brings a deep understanding of movement, lines, and artistry. Having her nearby during sessions is always a bonus.

One of the moments that stands out most for me was our outdoor dance session at the Silk Mill. Lily absolutely shined there. One of the portraits from that day remains one of my favorites of her—full of strength, grace, and that spark that makes her unique.

Dance portraits with some of my dance ambassadors at the Silk Mill in Easton, PA. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

Because Lily is homeschooled, she has a flexibility in her schedule that many dancers don’t. That opened the door for several outdoor dance portrait sessions this year, taking full advantage of the beautiful weather. One of those sessions took us to Columcille, where she blended seamlessly into the natural, almost mystical landscape.

A young ballet dancer, Lily, posing against a towering, narrow standing stone at Columcille Megalith Park. She is wearing a floral patterned leotard and a light purple skirt, standing on pointe with one arm reaching up the textured rock face and the other extended gracefully toward the forest path.
Dance ambassadors visit Columcille Megalith Park on Oct. 16, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

Most recently, we wrapped up an artistic dance portrait session that highlights her growing talent and expressive ability. Each time we work together, she brings more confidence, more creativity, and more of her own voice to the images.

An artistic studio dance portrait of Lily posing on white geometric blocks against a solid deep red background. She is wearing a maroon leotard and standing on pointe with one foot on a block, creating sharp, angular lines with her arms and legs in a high-fashion, contemporary dance pose.
Artistic Dance Portraits for Lily with some Valentine theme too! Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

I’m excited to share several of my favorite images of Lily in this spotlight. She’s had a fantastic first year as an ambassador, and I’m looking forward to seeing how she continues to grow as both a dancer and an artist.

A young ballet dancer, Lily, performing a high leg extension (developpé) while standing on a forest path at Columcille Megalith Park. She is wearing a purple dance skirt and floral leotard, surrounded by tall trees and stone monuments.
A professional close-up headshot of Lily, a young ballet dancer, with a soft, natural smile. She has light hair and is wearing a dark dance leotard against a simple studio background.
Head shot for Lily on February 10, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
Artistic dance portrait of Lily kneeling on a white studio block against a deep red background. She is wearing a maroon velvet leotard and looking toward the camera with a focused, dramatic expression.
Artistic dance portrait of Lily kneeling on a white studio block against a deep red background. She is wearing a maroon velvet leotard and looking toward the camera with a focused, dramatic expression.
Artistic dance portrait of Lily kneeling on a white studio block against a deep red background. She is wearing a maroon velvet leotard and looking toward the camera with a focused, dramatic expression.
A high-fashion dance portrait of Lily leaning back against a white block on a reflective studio floor. The monochromatic red background highlights her maroon leotard and athletic silhouette.
A high-fashion dance portrait of Lily leaning back against a white block on a reflective studio floor. The monochromatic red background highlights her maroon leotard and athletic silhouette.
Lily performing a graceful ballet pose on a wooden bridge at the Easton Silk Mill. She is on pointe, wearing a maroon leotard, with one arm extended toward the industrial brick architecture in the background.
Lily posing at the Easton Silk Mill. She is on pointe, wearing a maroon leotard
A young ballet dancer, Lily, performing a standing pose with one foot on pointe on a white studio barrel. She is wearing a maroon leotard and creating a striking vertical line against a deep red background, with her other leg in a high retiré position.
Dabour Photography dance ambassadors, including Lily, posing together in the ornate lobby of the State Theatre of the Arts. The dancers are in various ballet poses against the gold-leaf and velvet decor.
Dabour Photography dance ambassadors, including Lily, posing together in the ornate lobby of the State Theatre of the Arts. The dancers are in various ballet poses against the gold-leaf and velvet decor.
Dabour Photography dance ambassadors, including Lily, posing together in the ornate lobby of the State Theatre of the Arts. The dancers are in various ballet poses against the gold-leaf and velvet decor.
Ballet dancer Lily performing a standing pose among tall sunflowers. She is on pointe with her arms in an elegant fifth position, wearing a green leotard that complements the natural greenery of the sunflower field under a bright sky.
Ballet dancer Lily performing a standing pose among tall sunflowers. She is on pointe with her arms in an elegant fifth position, wearing a green leotard that complements the natural greenery of the sunflower field under a bright sky.

Scarlet Sisters: Red‑y to Dance

Posted on by
Reply

A Bold Winter Fine Art Dance Portrait Session

Two dancers in red bodysuits and red wigs posing artistically against a bold red backdrop for a fine art dance portrait session.
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

Every now and then, a photo session comes along that feels like pure creative play — the kind where the concept, the dancers, and the energy all line up in the best possible way. My recent winter fine art dance portrait session with two of my dance ambassadors, Ellery (@its_ellevalentine) and Sydney (@squidneykdancer), was exactly that.

The spark for this session came from Ellery’s mom, Ariana. When she first shared the idea with me — red backdrop, red bodysuits, red wigs — I’ll admit I had a few reservations. It was bold. It was specific. It was a LOT of red. But the more we talked through the vision, the more it clicked. By the time we stepped into the studio, the concept had transformed into something striking, dramatic, and beautifully editorial.

What made the session truly unforgettable, though, was the friendship between these two dancers. Ellery and Sydney are best friends, and their connection shows up in every frame. My favorite part of the entire shoot — beyond the art we created — was the near‑constant laughter. They brought a joy and ease to the studio that elevated every moment.

And then came the finale.

By the end of the session, the tights had taken a beating. It was clear they weren’t going to survive another round, so the girls decided to go full Hulk Hogan and rip them off with all the dramatic flair they could muster. It was absolutely priceless — the perfect ending to a session already overflowing with personality.

Below are 10 of my favorite hero images from Scarlet Sisters: Red‑y to Dance — a concept that started as a spark and turned into something unforgettable.

Ellery and Sydney posing together in red wigs and red bodysuits against a bold red backdrop during their Scarlet Sisters dance portrait session.
Ellery and Sydney posing together in red wigs and red bodysuits against a bold red backdrop during their Scarlet Sisters dance portrait session.
Sydney performing an expressive dance pose in red wig and bodysuit during the Scarlet Sisters session.
Sydney performing an expressive dance pose in red wig and bodysuit during the Scarlet Sisters session.
Ellery and Sydney posing together in red wigs and red bodysuits against a bold red backdrop during their Scarlet Sisters dance portrait session.
Ellery and Sydney posing together in red wigs and red bodysuits against a bold red backdrop during their Scarlet Sisters dance portrait session.
Ellery and Sydney posing together in red wigs and red bodysuits against a bold red backdrop during their Scarlet Sisters dance portrait session.
Ellery and Sydney posing together in red wigs and red bodysuits against a bold red backdrop during their Scarlet Sisters dance portrait session.
Fine art dance portrait of Ellery in red, showcasing strong lines and dramatic lighting on a red backdrop.
Fine art dance portrait of Ellery in red, showcasing strong lines and dramatic lighting on a red backdrop.
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

As a New Jersey dance photographer, these are the sessions that remind me why I love what I do — the blend of artistry, trust, personality, and the freedom to create something truly unique.

This session is part of my Winter Fine Art Dance Portraits, available now through the end of March. Sessions are limited, and once they’re gone, they’re gone.

Reserve your spot:
https://proofs.dabourphoto.com/booking/winter-fine-art-dance-portraits

Mia’s Dance Audition Portrait Session | Dance Audition Photos & Senior Dance Portraits

Posted on by
Reply

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.

Artistic Dance Portraits with Lucy

Posted on by
Reply
ballet dancer with a tutu on sitting on a white posing block
Dramatic artistic portrait of Lucy

Working with Lucy is always a highlight. I’ve had the pleasure of photographing her for several years. She brings creativity, focus, and a willingness to explore new ideas every time we collaborate. This session was no exception — she stepped into each pose with confidence and artistry, even when I asked her to try movements she had never done before.

dancer in white with a large tutu on and crown with eyes closed feeling the light above her face
Lucy wearing a beautiful white tutu and costume feeling the light above her head

For this session, we explored a mix of artistic lighting and dramatic. The combination of movement and light created a series of portraits that feel bold, expressive, and full of emotion.

Lucy adapted beautifully to every setup, moving like a seasoned pro and bringing her own interpretation to each moment. These images highlight not only her talent, but the power of dance to tell a story through shape, shadow, and stillness.

Ballet dancer in white on pointe with smoke behind her
Lucy on pointe as a snow queen

Sessions like this remind me why I love what I do. When trust, creativity, and movement come together, the results speak for themselves. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to photography Lucy who bring so much heart and dedication to the studio.

ballet dancer sitting on the floor in white looking to the side with smoke behind her
Lucy as a ballet dancer sitting on a floor against a dark blue backdrop with artistic smoke behind her

Amelia’s Artistic Dance Session

Posted on by
Reply
Dancer in navy leotard performing expressive pose on white cube with dramatic lighting.
Amelia balanced strength and grace in this contemporary pose — a striking moment of control and emotion.

Amelia and I recently collaborated on an artistic dance portrait session, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with the results. She’s one of my dance ambassadors, and every time we work together, she brings poise, creativity, and a willingness to explore new ideas.

Ballet dancer silhouetted against red background with arms extended and head tilted back.
Amelia’s silhouette radiates drama and strength — a bold moment in motion.

This session included both silhouette work and dramatic lighting setups. I probably asked her to try poses she’d never done before — but you wouldn’t know it. She moved with the confidence and grace of a seasoned pro, adapting instantly and making each frame feel intentional and expressive.

Ballet dancer in arabesque silhouette against vibrant blue background, wearing white tutu.
A classic arabesque captured in silhouette — elegance and precision in perfect balance.

From bold shapes to quiet emotion, Amelia delivered a range of looks that highlight not just her talent, but the power of dance to tell a story. These portraits are a testament to what happens when trust, artistry, and light come together.

Dancer in navy leotard and sheer skirt posing with raised arms under studio lighting.
Emotion in motion — Amelia’s expressive pose brings storytelling to the forefront.