Spring 2026 Season Wrap-Up: Growth, Speed, and a Record-Breaking Year (So Far)

Spring 2026 has officially come to a close, and I’m incredibly proud to share just how busy, productive, and rewarding this season has been. As a full‑time professional photographer and videographer, I take great pride in delivering high‑quality work quickly, consistently, and with the level of care my clients deserve. This spring pushed me harder than ever — and I’m thrilled to say I delivered across the board.

An infographic illustrating the core pillars of Dabour Photography’s service: Speed (fast turnarounds and efficient execution), Reliability (consistent performance and trusted results), and Professionalism (expert team and commitment to excellence).

A Season Defined by Speed, Reliability, and Professionalism

One of the biggest advantages of working with a full‑time photographer is turnaround time. When families, studios, and directors trust me with their memories, I make it a priority to get those images and videos back to them quickly.

This spring, I delivered:

  • 37,402 edited images
  • 32 fully produced videos
    • 15 dance recitals
    • 17 theater productions

Photo galleries were delivered within 24–48 hours, and videos were completed within 7–10 days — even during weeks when I was double or triple booked. Fast, reliable delivery isn’t a luxury here; it’s the standard.

Welcoming Two New Dance Studios

I’m honored to have added Vibe Dance Academy and Cressman Dance Studio to my growing list of studio partners this season. Both studios brought incredible dancers, beautiful choreography, and supportive communities. I’m grateful for their trust and excited for everything we’ll create together in the future.

Video Performance: A Record Year Already

Year-to-date, my recital and production videos have seen:

  • 2,500+ total views
  • 1,000+ unique viewers
  • 500+ hours watched
  • Nearly 4,000 total loads

And unsurprisingly, mobile devices continue to dominate how families watch their performances.

The 2026 Freddy Awards: A Milestone Moment

This year’s Freddy Awards were a highlight of the season. Interest in the photos was incredibly strong, and the gallery saw over a quarter of a million visitors — a staggering number that speaks to the passion and pride of the Lehigh Valley theater community.

As the official Freddy Awards photographer since 2013, it’s always an honor to capture the energy, emotion, and artistry of this event. This year was truly special.

A colorful graphic saying "Thank You" to express gratitude to studio partners, dancers, and photography assistants for their support during the Spring 2026 season.

Gratitude for the People Who Make This Possible

None of this happens alone.

To the studios, directors, dancers, parents, and performers — thank you for trusting me with your memories. Your support fuels everything I do.

To my photo assistants — your help during the busiest weeks keeps everything running smoothly, and I’m grateful for your dedication.

And a special shout-out to Stephanie, my assistant videographer, who steps in whenever I’m double or triple booked. Her reliability and talent make it possible for me to take on the volume of work that defines seasons like this one.

Looking Ahead: Summer & Fall 2026

The momentum doesn’t stop here.

This summer will feature:

  • Powder Experience photo sessions
  • Rain Machine Experience sessions
  • Special destination photo opportunities

And this fall, I’ll be kicking off Year Three of my Dance Ambassador Program — the largest ambassador team yet. I can’t wait to showcase their artistry, creativity, and passion.

My calendar for the second half of 2026 is already filling up, and bookings for early 2027 have begun as well.

Interested in Working Together?

If you’d like to:

  • Book a Powder Experience session
  • Apply to become one of my Dance Ambassadors
  • Schedule photography or videography services for your studio, school, or event

Now is the perfect time to reach out. I’d love to create something unforgettable with you.

Dance Ambassador Spotlight: Lily at Asbury Park — A Special Ambassador Session by the Shore

Some portrait sessions feel like they were meant to happen — the right dancers, the right location, the right energy. That’s exactly how it felt photographing Lily (@lilyana.en_pointe) at Asbury Park for this special Dance Ambassador session.

This shoot is a perfect example of the unique creative opportunities available to my ambassadors. When they have a vision, a location, or a concept they’re excited about, we make it happen. And for Lily, this Asbury Park session was one she’d been looking forward to for a while.

Even better, she shared the experience with her good friend and fellow ambassador, Vivi, whose artistic energy always pairs beautifully with Lily’s grace and strength.

A Day of Color, Movement, and Ocean Air

Asbury Park is one of those locations that offers endless creative possibilities — bold murals, textured backdrops, and the soft, dreamy tones of the beach. Lily stepped into each setting with confidence and artistry, bringing her signature blend of elegance and expressive movement.

Her lines were clean, her shapes intentional, and her ability to adapt to each backdrop made the session flow effortlessly. Whether she was dancing against vibrant street art or creating soft, lyrical poses near the water, Lily brought the location to life.

A Creative Duo: Lily & Vivi

One of the highlights of this session was capturing Lily and Vivi together. Their friendship, trust, and shared love of dance made the duo portraits feel natural and full of joy.

They encouraged each other, laughed between shots, and created shapes that felt both powerful and playful. These moments are exactly what the ambassador program is all about — dancers inspiring each other, supporting each other, and creating something meaningful together.

Why Lily Continues to Shine

Lily has been part of my Dance Ambassador team since August, and every session with her reveals something new. She brings:

  • Beautifully controlled technique
  • A calm, focused presence
  • A willingness to explore creative ideas
  • A natural connection to the camera

Her Asbury Park portraits highlight not just her talent, but her growth, her confidence, and her ability to bring emotion into every frame.

A Special Kind of Ambassador Session

This shoot is a perfect example of the unique opportunities available to my ambassadors. When they have a location in mind — whether it’s a beach, a city, a sunflower field, or a place that inspires them — we work together to bring that vision to life.

Lily’s Asbury Park session is a reminder of why these creative collaborations matter. They’re not just photoshoots — they’re experiences, memories, and moments that dancers carry with them long after the session ends.

Spotlight Session: Giules in “250 in Motion” — Celebrating Movement, Artistry, and a Long Creative Journey

Some dancers grow with you. You watch them evolve from session to session, year after year, and each time they step in front of your camera, they bring something new — a little more confidence, a little more artistry, a little more of who they’re becoming.

For me, Giules (@dancergiules) is one of those dancers.

As I continue my patriotic portrait series “250 in Motion,” celebrating America’s upcoming 250th birthday, it felt only natural to include her. She’s been part of my creative world for several years now, and every session with her reminds me why I love photographing dancers in the first place.

A Session Filled With Color, Motion, and Creative Freedom

The “250 in Motion” series is all about expressive movement — bold shapes, flowing fabric, and the energy of a country constantly in motion. Giules stepped into this theme with her signature blend of strength and elegance.

She moves with intention. She poses with instinct. And she brings a spark to every frame that makes the entire session feel alive.

Insert Giules Solo Image 1 Insert Giules Solo Image 2

Her lines were clean, her transitions effortless, and her ability to shift from soft, lyrical shapes to bold, dynamic poses made her a perfect fit for this patriotic concept.

A Beautiful Creative Pairing: Giules & Emma

One of the highlights of this session was capturing Giules and Emma together. Their styles complement each other beautifully — Emma’s incredible flexibility and sculptural lines paired with Giules’ expressive movement and grounded strength.

Together, they created shapes that felt powerful, celebratory, and full of motion.

Their connection made the creative process effortless. They fed off each other’s energy, supported each other’s ideas, and brought a sense of joy and collaboration that fits perfectly with the spirit of the “250 in Motion” series.

Why Photographing Giules Is Always a Joy

Every time I work with Giules, I’m reminded of how much she’s grown — not just as a dancer, but as an artist. She brings:

  • Strong, expressive movement
  • A natural comfort in front of the camera
  • A willingness to try new ideas
  • A warm, positive energy that elevates every session

Her contribution to this series is vibrant, heartfelt, and beautifully aligned with the theme of celebrating movement and creativity.

Dance Ambassador Spotlight: Emma in “250 in Motion” — Flexibility, Power, and Pure Artistic Freedom

Some dancers bring a level of artistry that feels instantly recognizable — a signature style that shows up in every leap, extension, and line. For me, Emma (@extendandelevate) has always been one of those dancers.

Even though she’s an established member of my Dance Ambassador team, she continues to surprise me with her creativity, her strength, and her unbelievable flexibility. So when it came time to continue my new patriotic portrait series, “250 in Motion,” I knew Emma would bring something extraordinary to the concept.

And she did.

The “250 in Motion” series celebrates America’s upcoming 250th birthday through expressive dance portraits — bold shapes, flowing motion, and the freedom to move with intention. Emma stepped into this theme with the same instinctive artistry she brings to every session.

Her flexibility is always a highlight, but in this themed shoot, it became a storytelling tool — long, sweeping lines that echoed the idea of a country constantly moving forward, evolving, and celebrating its own creative spirit.

Her control, her extensions, and her ability to transition from soft, elegant poses to powerful, dynamic shapes made this session feel electric.

A Familiar Face, A Fresh Creative Direction

I’ve photographed Emma for years, and each time she brings something new — a new level of maturity, a new spark of confidence, a new willingness to push herself creatively.

This session was no exception. She embraced the patriotic color palette, the motion‑driven concept, and the expressive shapes that define the “250 in Motion” series. Her experience in front of the camera made the entire process flow effortlessly.

If you’ve followed my ambassador series, you already know Emma is the dancer who starts doing the pose before I finish asking. That instinct was on full display here — she moved with purpose, precision, and a joy that made every frame feel alive.

Why Emma Continues to Inspire

Emma is the kind of dancer who elevates every session. She brings:

  • Unmatched flexibility and control
  • A natural sense of artistry
  • A fearless approach to creative concepts
  • A warm, positive energy that makes every shoot a joy

Her contribution to the “250 in Motion” series is powerful, expressive, and beautifully representative of the project’s theme.

Dance Ambassador Spotlight: Jordin in “250 in Motion” — A Dynamic Start to a New Creative Year

There’s something special about photographing dancers who bring both artistry and authenticity to every frame — and that’s exactly what Jordin delivered during her first session as a Dabour Photography Dance Ambassador.

To celebrate America’s upcoming 250th birthday, I launched a new themed portrait experience called “250 in Motion.” It’s a project built around movement, color, and the spirit of celebration — and Jordin stepped into the concept with confidence, creativity, and a spark that made the entire session come alive. @jordincheyenne

Even better, she arrived with fellow ambassador Molly, and the two of them brought an energy that transformed the studio into a space filled with laughter, teamwork, and bold, expressive movement.

A Session Fueled by Friendship and Creative Momentum

Jordin has a natural presence — strong lines, expressive movement, and a sense of ease in front of the camera that makes every pose feel intentional. Whether she was creating sweeping shapes with patriotic fabrics or hitting powerful jumps that echoed the theme of celebration, she embraced the concept with enthusiasm.

But one of the highlights of this session was capturing Jordin and Molly together. Their friendship and shared excitement for this new ambassador year added a layer of connection that shines through in every duo shot.

Their chemistry made the creative process effortless — two dancers moving in sync, supporting each other, and bringing the “250 in Motion” theme to life in a way that felt joyful and genuine.

Why Jordin Is a Perfect Fit for the Ambassador Team

This year’s ambassador group is all about passion, personality, and the willingness to explore new creative ideas. Jordin embodies all of that and more. She brings:

  • Strong technique and expressive movement
  • A collaborative spirit
  • A willingness to experiment with new concepts
  • A positive energy that elevates every session

Her debut in the “250 in Motion” series sets the tone for an exciting year ahead — and I can’t wait to see what we create together next.

About the “250 in Motion” Series

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, this project celebrates the idea of a country constantly moving forward — shaped by creativity, diversity, and the stories we tell through art. Dance is one of the most powerful ways to express that spirit, and this series highlights dancers who embody movement, freedom, and individuality.

Jordin’s session is a vibrant addition to the collection, blending patriotic color, expressive motion, and the joy of collaboration.

Dance Ambassador Spotlight: Molly in “250 in Motion” — Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday Through Dance

As we approach our nation’s 250th birthday, I wanted to create something special — a portrait experience that blends artistry, movement, and the spirit of celebration. That vision became “250 in Motion,” a themed dance portrait series honoring the creativity, freedom, and resilience that define our country.

And who better to help launch this new series than our newest Dance Ambassador, Molly @mollyy.in.motion

I’ve photographed Molly and her sisters for many years, and watching her grow into a confident, expressive, and versatile dancer has been one of the great joys of my work. She brings a spark to every session — a mix of grace, athleticism, and pure heart — and she stepped into this patriotic concept with the same energy and dedication she brings to every style she dances.

A Session Filled With Movement, Color, and Celebration

For this special “250 in Motion” photo session, Molly and I explored dynamic shapes, bold lines, and expressive motion that echoed the theme of celebration. Whether she was leaping with power, creating elegant lines with flowing fabric, or striking strong silhouettes against the backdrop, Molly embodied the spirit of the project beautifully.

Each pose and movement was designed to honor the idea of America in motion — a country shaped by creativity, diversity, and the stories we continue to write together. Molly’s artistry brought that concept to life in a way that felt both timeless and fresh.

Why “250 in Motion”?

As a dance photographer, I’m always inspired by the way movement tells a story. With the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States, I wanted to create a portrait experience that celebrates:

  • Freedom of expression
  • The beauty of American arts and culture
  • The next generation of dancers shaping our future
  • The power of movement to unite and inspire

Molly’s session is the first in this new series — and she set the bar incredibly high.

A Dancer Who Brings Heart to Every Frame

Beyond her talent, Molly is a joy to work with. This year alone, I’ve photographed her Sweet 16 celebration, her junior varsity volleyball team, and now her first ambassador session of 2026. She brings enthusiasm, creativity, and a willingness to try new ideas — the perfect combination for a themed portrait experience like this.

I’m excited to continue creating with her throughout the year and to see how she helps shape the “250 in Motion” series as it grows.

Welcome Our New Dance Ambassador: Jordin!

I’m excited to welcome Jordin @jordincheyenne as one of the newest Dabour Photography Dance Ambassadors! Even though she’s just officially joining the ambassador team, she’s no stranger to my camera. I’ve had the pleasure of photographing her many times over the years — both inside Showbiz Kidz Dance Studio and on a variety of creative sessions elsewhere. Every time, she brings confidence, artistry, and that unmistakable spark that makes her images shine.

Jordin is a proud member of the Senior Competition Team at Showbiz Kidz, where she trains in a wide range of dance styles. She truly loves them all — but Jazz is where she feels most at home. It shows in her movement, her energy, and the way she lights up the frame the moment the music hits.

Our very first dance portrait session together as an official ambassador was my “250 in Motion” themed shoot, celebrating our country’s 250th birthday. It was the perfect way to kick off her ambassador year — bold, creative, and full of movement. Jordin brought so much energy and personality to the concept, and it set the tone for all the exciting sessions we’ll be creating together throughout her senior year.

This coming year is a big one for her as she steps into her senior year of high school, and I’m thrilled to be part of that journey. We’ll be creating her senior portraits along with a variety of unique dance portrait concepts throughout the year — the kind of sessions that let her personality, technique, and creativity take center stage.

Welcome to the ambassador team, Jordin. It’s going to be an incredible year ahead.

Dance Portraits in Asbury Park with Vivi — A Special Ambassador Session

Dynamic outdoor dance portrait by Dabour Photography featuring an ambassador striking a classical pose in a black leotard on the wooden boardwalk in front of historic architecture in Asbury Park, NJ.
Dance ambassadors Vivi and Lily at Asbury Park for some dance portraits. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography on June 4, 2026

Some sessions just feel extra special — and this one with Vivi @balletvivi in Asbury Park was exactly that. These creative, on‑location adventures are something I reserve exclusively for my Dance Ambassadors, and they’re encouraged to dream big. If they have a concept in mind and it’s possible, we make it happen. That’s part of what makes the ambassador program so meaningful: collaboration, creativity, and the freedom to explore new ideas together.

Vivi had been hoping for an Asbury Park session for a while, and we originally planned to go in May. But between her schedule and mine, the month slipped away. In the end, the timing worked out perfectly — the weather on our shoot day couldn’t have been better. Warm sun, soft breezes, and that unmistakable Asbury energy.

The murals along the boardwalk made an incredible backdrop for her dance portraits. Each one brought out a different side of her artistry — bold, expressive, and full of movement. And of course, we couldn’t leave without heading down to the water’s edge. The beach gave us those soft, dreamy images that feel like summer distilled into a single frame.

I’ll be including a handful of images from the session in this post so you can see just how beautifully Vivi brought this location to life.

Welcome Our New Dance Ambassador: Molly!

A collage of four distinct dance portraits of Molly. From left to right: Molly posing in white dancewear in front of an American flag backdrop, leaping dynamically outdoors near a rocky stream, performing a stylized studio pose with a red hat and white chair, and executing an artistic backbend on a studio floor.

I’m thrilled to welcome Molly to this year’s Dabour Photography Dance Ambassador team! @mollyy.in.motion

Molly is no stranger to my camera — in fact, I’ve had the joy of photographing her and her older sisters for many years. Watching her grow from a young dancer into the confident, versatile performer she is today has been one of those full‑circle privileges that makes this work so meaningful.

She brings talent, dedication, and a genuine love for dance to every session. Whether it’s tap, contemporary, ballet or anything in between, Molly throws herself into each style with energy and artistry. Her passion shows in every frame.

This year has already been a special one for her. I recently had the honor of photographing her Sweet 16 celebration, capturing the joy, personality, and sparkle of such an important milestone. And earlier in the season, I photographed her junior varsity volleyball team, where she showed the same determination and spirit she brings to the stage.

Molly trains at Showbiz Kidz Dance Studio in Lopatcong, NJ — @sbkdance — where she is a proud member of the Senior Competition Team. Her dedication, versatility, and strong work ethic shine through in every rehearsal and performance. The technique and confidence she’s developed at Showbiz Kidz translate beautifully into our portrait sessions, and it’s always exciting to see how she brings that competitive‑team polish to each creative concept we explore together.

I’m incredibly excited to continue working with Molly throughout the year. With her creativity and drive — and our shared history of great sessions — I know we’ll create some exceptional dance portraits together.

Welcome to the team, Molly. It’s going to be an amazing year.

Here are some of my favorite recent dance portraits with Molly:

Dance Ambassador Spotlight: Hope


Every ambassador brings something unique to the Dabour Photography family, but Hope brings a spark all her own. Although she was the last to officially join this year’s ambassador team, she is anything but last when it comes to talent, drive, and presence. Hope is one of those dancers who steps into a space and immediately elevates it — not just as a performer, but as a creator.

Hope is no stranger to the stage. She doesn’t just dance; she choreographs, shapes movement, and tells stories through motion. That artistic instinct shows up in every session we’ve done together. She understands lines, shapes, and emotion in a way that makes photographing her feel effortless.

Our journey actually started long before she became an ambassador. I first met Hope back in 2019 when she was Miss New Jersey, greeting the community with the same warmth and confidence she brings to the studio today. Not long after, she jumped in front of my camera again — this time as the featured dancer for a local community theater group. Even then, she had that unmistakable presence that makes you stop and pay attention.

When I launched my Rain Machine Experience, Hope was one of the first to dive in — literally. She embraced the challenge, the mess, the drama, and created some of the most striking images from the entire series. And the moment the Powder Experience became available, she was right there again, ready to push boundaries and explore something new. That willingness to experiment, to trust the process, and to bring her full self to every concept is exactly what makes her such a powerful ambassador.

Beyond dance, Hope continues to shine in the pageant world. She is currently Miss Central Jersey Coastline (@misscentraljerseycoastline_nj), using her platform to engage in community initiatives, share life skills, and inspire others with her leadership. Her personal Instagram, @ki3hl, offers a glimpse into just how much she juggles — and how gracefully she does it.

Hope is just as busy as I am. She’s a full‑time high school teacher, a choreographer, and an active contributor to multiple community programs. Her ability to balance so many roles while still showing up with energy, creativity, and heart is nothing short of impressive.

And we’re not done yet. I’ll soon be working with Hope on a special project designed to help advance her career, and I’m genuinely excited for what’s ahead. Collaborating with her is always a privilege, and I look forward to continuing that journey in the future.

Hope may have been the final ambassador added to the team, but she closes this year’s spotlight series with strength, style, and a story that ties everything together. I’m grateful our paths crossed years ago, and even more grateful they continue to cross in new and exciting ways.

Here’s to Hope — dancer, choreographer, educator, creator, and an incredible addition to the Dabour Photography Dance Ambassador family.