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

Posted on February 6, 2026 by dabourphoto

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.

Action shot from Mia's dance audition portrait session with Dave Dabour Photography, showing strength and flexibility. — 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.

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.

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.

Capturing Riley’s Spark: Headshots for a Dancer & Theater Star

Posted on January 25, 2026 by dabourphoto

Riley’s professional headshot session.

I recently had the absolute pleasure of working with the incredibly talented Riley for a professional headshot session. Riley is a force to be reckoned with, balancing her demanding studies as both a dance and theater major!

From the moment she stepped in front of the camera, her passion and dedication were undeniable. We focused on capturing a range of expressions that showcased her versatility – from the thoughtful intensity required for dramatic roles to the approachable confidence perfect for dance and musical theater.

It’s always a treat to work with young artists who possess such drive and talent. We created images that truly reflect her personality and professional aspirations, providing her with the perfect tools for auditions and networking in the competitive worlds of dance and theater.

More to Come!

And the best part? This is just the beginning! I’m thrilled to announce that Riley will be returning to the studio soon for two more exciting sessions:

A Dynamic Dance Portrait Session: Get ready for breathtaking leaps, elegant lines, and the powerful artistry she brings to every movement.
A Personalized Senior Portrait Experience: Marking this significant milestone with images that celebrate her individuality and achievements before she embarks on her next chapter.

I can’t wait to share more of Riley’s journey with you all. Stay tuned to see the magic we create together!

This headshot session was just the first act for Riley! I am so excited to welcome her back to the studio very soon for a dynamic dance portrait session where we can truly capture her movement and artistry. Following that, we’ll be teaming up again for her senior portraits to celebrate this incredible milestone in her life. Stay tuned to the blog to see the magic we create in these upcoming sessions!

Dance Dads for a Cure: Why It Matters to Me

Posted on October 1, 2025 by dabourphoto

Breast cancer struck pretty close in my family. My mom was a survivor. I always wanted to do something in support of that and my love of dance photography. Enter: Dance Dads for a Cure!

This will be a mini portrait session (15 minutes) for a dancer, and their dad. The session is complimentary as long as you make a donation to a charity that supports cancer. Any images with the dad wearing pink, would be included! If a dancer wants images of herself, I will donate my profit to cancer charity.

While I realize every dancer has a dad, not all of them are available or willing to do this. But cost isn’t a factor (other than the donation)

Dancers probably have many portraits of themselves captured on smartphones or by non-professional photographers, but probably very little or none with their dads while dancing!

One. Day. Only. Sunday October 5th dancedads.dabourphoto.com

The Little Dancer Who Bravely Stepped Into the Spotlight

Posted on June 11, 2025 by dabourphoto

New Jersey and Lehigh Valley, PA Dance Photography

Worth the Wait – Young Dancer Gets Her Dance Portraits Done! — Recital dance portraits for 5,6,7,8 Dance Studio on June 8, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

Every dance recital photo day comes with its own set of challenges—lighting, movement, timing. But there’s always one challenge that’s far more delicate than adjusting a lens: a shy young dancer who hesitates in front of the camera.

I’ve seen it happen before, and my team has a proven track record of bringing out even the most hesitant performers. But this little one had me genuinely worried.

We started gently—bringing mom into the frame. That worked for about five seconds before she darted back into the safety of her own space. Next, we let her watch her classmates as they confidently took their turns, hoping their enthusiasm would spark something inside her. But 15 minutes passed, and she still wasn’t ready.

Then another 45 minutes went by. She continued to watch, absorbing the energy and courage of her fellow class mate dancers. And finally, the moment arrived. She stepped forward—alone, no mom, no classmates—just her, in front of my lens, ready to shine.

In that instant, the hesitation disappeared, replaced by quiet confidence. The transformation was incredible.

Capturing movement is what I do, but moments like this remind me that photography isn’t just about light and motion—it’s about trust. Sometimes, it takes patience. Sometimes, it takes encouragement. But when the moment finally comes, it’s always worth the wait. Mom and Dad were happy and proud!

Show Photography for Hunterdon Hills production of the 2024 ‘Clinton Nutcracker’

Posted on January 14, 2025 by dabourphoto

New Jersey Dance Photography

Hunterdon Hills Ballet Nutcracker 2024 show photographs Thursday Dec. 19, 2024. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

I’ve had the pleasure of working with the Hunterdon Hills Ballet organization for the past several years. Each year they produce a special version of the Nutcracker called the ‘Clinton Nutcracker.’ This of course is very appropriate since they are located near Clinton, New Jersey

Hunterdon Hills Ballet Nutcracker 2024 show photographs Saturday Matinee Dec. 21, 2024. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

In 2024 I had the opportunity to create show photography for their production. I photographed one of their tech rehearsals and two of their productions. I always prefer photographing tech rehearsals as I can control where I photograph more than shows.

Even though I’ve been photographing theater, dance and productions for over 30 years, one thing I learned this year is the importance of not over shooting. I was a little nervous as this was the first time I was photographing a Nutcracker, so I wanted to make sure I captured the moments. I certainly did that but put a lot of stress on storage, my camera and the amount of time needed to cull and edit the photographs. Next year I will curtail.

Capturing dance through photography is important. A dancer works months to achieve a level of excellence that deserves to be captured and preserved. While video also does that, the impact of a still image is stunning.

If you ever get an opportunity to attend one of their performances, I highly encourage you do so.

Are you a dance studio, high school drama club or community theater in need of photography or videography? Please contact me for more information and services that are available.

Capturing Grace: Olivia’s Dance Portrait Session in a Sunflower Field

Posted on August 25, 2024 by dabourphoto

New Jersey and Lehigh Valley PA Dance Photographer

Olivia K in the sunflower field August 2024. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

Capturing Grace: Olivia’s Dance Portrait Session in a Sunflower Field

This year, I am thrilled to introduce Olivia as one of my new dance ambassadors. Olivia’s passion for dance and her vibrant personality made her the perfect addition to our team. Recently, we had the pleasure of doing a dance portrait session in a stunning sunflower field, and the results were nothing short of magical.

A Blossoming Talent

Olivia’s love for dance is evident in every move she makes. Her grace and poise are truly captivating, and she brings a unique energy to each session. As a new dance ambassador, Olivia has already shown incredible dedication and enthusiasm, making her a joy to work with.

The Perfect Setting

The sunflower field provided a breathtaking backdrop for Olivia’s dance portraits. The golden blooms and the warm, late-summer light created a dreamy atmosphere that perfectly complemented Olivia’s elegance. The contrast between the vibrant sunflowers and Olivia’s fluid movements made for some truly stunning shots.

Behind the Scenes

During the session, Olivia’s professionalism and creativity shone through. She effortlessly transitioned between poses, each one more beautiful than the last. Her ability to connect with the camera and express emotion through her dance is truly remarkable. It was a pleasure to capture these moments and see her talent come to life in such a picturesque setting.

A Bright Future

As we move forward, I am excited to see Olivia continue to grow and inspire others through her dance. Her passion and dedication are sure to take her far, and I am honored to have her as part of our dance ambassador team. This sunflower field session is just the beginning of what promises to be an incredible journey.

Final Thoughts

Working with Olivia has been a wonderful experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity to capture her talent in such a beautiful setting. The sunflower field session was a perfect way to showcase her grace and elegance, and I look forward to many more sessions with her in the future.

I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into Olivia’s dance portrait session. Stay tuned for more updates and stunning portraits from our amazing dance ambassadors! https://dabourphoto.com/ambassador-program

Introducing Dance Portrait Sessions with Light Painting: Elevating Artistry and Creativity in Dance Photography

Posted on March 6, 2024 by dabourphoto

New Jersey and Lehigh Valley Pennsylvania Dance Photography

Model Call January 2024 Dance Portraits. Photo by DAVE DABOUR

At Dabour Photography, we are thrilled to announce the launch of our newest offering: Dance Portrait Sessions with Light Painting Photography! We are constantly pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation in dance photography, and our new sessions combine the artistry of dance with the magic of light painting to create truly breathtaking images that are unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.

Light painting photography involves using long exposure techniques and handheld light sources to create stunning visual effects. When applied to dance photography, this technique allows us to capture the beauty and movement of dancers in a whole new light – quite literally! With each brushstroke of light, dancers become living works of art, their movements transformed into luminous trails of color and energy that dance across the frame.

During your Dance Portrait Session with Light Painting, our experienced photographer will work closely with you to create dynamic and expressive poses that showcase your unique style and personality. As you move and dance in front of the camera, our photographer will use handheld light sources to paint light trails around you, capturing the beauty and grace of your movements in real time.

The result? Images that are as mesmerizing as they are unique – each one a stunning testament to the power and beauty of dance. From graceful leaps to dynamic turns, every movement is transformed into a vibrant burst of color and energy, creating images that are truly one-of-a-kind.

Our Light Painting Photography Sessions are perfect for dancers of all ages and levels, from aspiring performers to seasoned professionals. Whether you’re looking to update your portfolio, create eye-catching promotional materials, or simply capture the beauty of your movement in a new and exciting way, our sessions offer an unparalleled opportunity to showcase your talent and creativity in a whole new light.

In addition to their artistic appeal, light painting photographs also make for stunning decor pieces, adding a touch of magic and whimsy to any space. Whether displayed in a gallery, studio, or home, these vibrant and dynamic images serve as powerful reminders of the beauty and artistry that can be found in the world of dance.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to experience the magic of light painting photography with Dabour Photography. Contact us today to book your session and embark on a journey of artistic expression and discovery. Let’s create something truly extraordinary together!

Book your Dance Portrait Session with Light Painting now and unleash the power of light and movement in your dance photography.

Black and White Photography Sessions: Timeless Elegance and Grace in Every Frame

Posted on March 4, 2024 by dabourphoto

New Jersey and Lehigh Valley PA dance Photographer

Black and white dance portrait session at Dabour Photography Saturday Jan. 28, 2024. Photo by DAVE DABOUR

We are thrilled to unveil our latest offering at Dabour Photography: Black and White Photography Sessions! In a world filled with vibrant colors and dazzling visuals, there’s something truly timeless and captivating about the simplicity and elegance of black and white photography. With our new sessions, we invite you to experience the beauty, depth, and emotion that can only be captured in shades of gray.

Model Call January 2024 Dance Portraits Saturday Jan. 28, 2024. Photo by DAVE DABOUR

Black and white photography has long been celebrated for its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia, drama, and sophistication. By stripping away the distraction of color, each image becomes a study in light, shadow, and form, allowing the viewer to focus on the raw beauty and emotion of the subject. For dancers, whose artistry relies heavily on movement and expression, black and white photography offers a unique opportunity to showcase the power and grace of their craft in a way that is both timeless and evocative.

During your Black and White Photography Session, our experienced photographer will work closely with you to create stunning portraits that reflect your individual style and personality. Whether you’re a classical ballerina, a dynamic hip-hop dancer, or a contemporary performer, we will collaborate with you to capture the essence of your movement with precision and artistry. From elegant poses to dramatic leaps, each image will tell a story, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the beauty and passion of dance.

In addition to their artistic appeal, black and white photographs also make for striking decor pieces, adding a touch of sophistication and elegance to any space. Whether displayed in a gallery, studio, or home, these timeless images serve as powerful reminders of the beauty and artistry that can be found in the simplest of moments.

Dance portraits for Vivi T February 25, 2024. Photo by DAVE DABOUR

Our Black and White Photography Sessions are perfect for dancers of all ages and levels, from aspiring professionals to seasoned performers. Whether you’re looking to update your portfolio, create stunning promotional materials, or simply capture the beauty of your movement in a new and exciting way, our sessions offer an unparalleled opportunity to showcase your talent and passion in shades of gray.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to experience the timeless beauty of black and white photography with Dabour Photography. Contact us today to book your session and embark on a journey of artistic expression and discovery. Let’s create something truly extraordinary together!

Book your Black and White Photography Session now and discover the timeless elegance of dance captured in shades of gray.

Introducing Silhouette Photography Sessions: Adding Drama and Elegance to Your Dance Portraits

Posted on March 2, 2024 by dabourphoto

New Jersey and Lehigh Valley Dance Photography

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our newest offering: Silhouette Photography Sessions! At Dabour Photography, we are always seeking innovative ways to capture the beauty and artistry of dance, and silhouette photography provides a stunning and dramatic approach to showcasing movement and form.

Silhouette photography involves capturing the outline of a subject against a bright background, resulting in bold and striking images where the focus is on shape and contrast rather than detail. This technique adds a touch of mystery and allure to dance portraits, creating images that are both visually captivating and emotionally resonant.

With our Silhouette Photography Sessions, dancers have the option to choose between a classic white background or a range of vibrant colors to serve as the backdrop for their silhouette portraits. Whether you prefer the timeless elegance of black and white silhouettes against a white backdrop or the dynamic energy of colorful silhouettes against a vibrant background, we offer a variety of options to suit your personal style and artistic vision.

During your session, our experienced photographer will work closely with you to create dynamic poses and movements that highlight your unique style and technique. We will explore different lighting setups and angles to ensure that your silhouette portraits are both striking and flattering, capturing the essence of your artistry with precision and flair.

Silhouette photography sessions are perfect for dancers of all levels and styles, from classical ballet to contemporary dance and everything in between. Whether you’re looking to update your portfolio, create eye-catching promotional materials, or simply capture the beauty of your movement in a new and exciting way, our Silhouette Photography Sessions offer an unforgettable experience.

In addition to their artistic appeal, silhouette portraits also make for stunning decor pieces, adding a touch of drama and elegance to any home, studio, or performance space. They serve as powerful reminders of the passion and dedication that drive dancers to push the boundaries of their art, inspiring others to embrace their own creativity and expression.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to elevate your dance portraits to new heights with our Silhouette Photography Sessions. Contact us today to book your session and discover the beauty and artistry of silhouette photography with Dabour Photography. Let’s create something truly extraordinary together!

Book your Silhouette Photography Session now and unlock the magic of dance captured in silhouette.

Rayleigh Did Great in her first dance portrait session

Posted on October 10, 2023 by dabourphoto

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

Dabour Photography

Let us capture the moments so you can enjoy them…

Tag Archives: Dance

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

Artistic Dance Portraits

Senior Dance Portraits

Looking Ahead