New Jersey and Lehigh Valley, PA Dance Photography
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.
Recital dance portraits for 5,6,7,8 Dance Studio on June 8, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
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.
Recital dance portraits for 5,6,7,8 Dance Studio on June 8, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
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!
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.
Olivia K in the sunflower field August 2024. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
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.
Olivia K in the sunflower field August 2024. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
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.
Olivia K in the sunflower field August 2024. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
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
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.
Model Call January 2024 Dance Portraits. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
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.
Model Call January 2024 Dance Portraits. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
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.
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.
Model Call January 2024 Dance Portraits Saturday Jan. 28, 2024. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
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.
Model Call January 2024 Dance Portraits Saturday Jan. 28, 2024. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
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.
Model Call January 2024 Dance Portraits Saturday Jan. 28, 2024. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
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.
Model Call January 2024 Dance Portraits Saturday Jan. 28, 2024. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
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.
Dance portraits for Vivi T February 25, 2024. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
New Jersey – Lehigh Valley Dance Photographer
There’s something uniquely captivating about black and white photography, especially for capturing the artistry of dance. The absence of color forces a raw focus on form, light, shadows, and the dancer’s pure emotion. I had the privilege of exploring this medium in a recent session with the incredibly talented Vivi. Here’s what we discovered.
The Magic of Movement
One of the joys of photographing dance is capturing the fleeting beauty of movement. In black and white, Vivi’s leaps and turns seemed even more dynamic. The crisp contrast of light and dark made her forms pop against the background. Each pose, each gesture, held a sense of timeless drama.
Dance portraits for Vivi T February 25, 2024. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
Emotion in Monochrome
Vivi’s expressiveness shone through in black and white. The slight furrow of her brow, the curve of a smile, and the focused intensity of her eyes became far more powerful. These subtle details of a dancer’s face carry so much of the story, and in the absence of color, they spoke volumes.
Dance portraits for Vivi T February 25, 2024. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
The Studio as a Stage
For this shoot, we kept the setting simple. A white backdrop and carefully controlled lighting allowed us to play with stark contrasts. At other moments, we carved her form out of the surrounding darkness, creating a sense of mystery and intrigue.
Finding the Essence of Dance
Black and white photography strips away distraction. It forces you, and the viewer, to focus on the core elements of dance: the body, the movement, and the raw expression. Our session with Vivi felt like a rediscovery of the essence of dance, of why we fell in love with this art form.
Tips for Dance Photography in Black and White
If you’re looking to experiment with black and white dance portraits, here a few things I learned from my shoot with Vivi:
Embrace Contrast: Play with bold lighting and shadows to define the dancer’s form.
Focus on Emotion: Direct your dancer’s expression and be ready to capture fleeting nuances.
Keep it Simple: Sometimes a plain background is all you need to let the movement take center stage.
If you would like to find out more about a black and white dance portrait session,, please contact me
Morgan is a talented dancer that’s wonderfully comfortable in front of a camera for good reason – her mom is also a photographer.
So, you may be asking why am I creating some dance portraits for her? Lots of people (myself included) sometimes find doing things like this for your *own* family challenging at times 🙂
We were also able to create a few group portraits. I love seeing how the dancers work together when creating these portraits!
Ready for me to create some great dance portraits for you or someone you know?
I provide the following dance photography services:
dance portraits (recital or personal/groups)
action photos of dance rehearsals or recitals
candid portraits of dancers at rehearsal
video recording of events and recitals
In need of any of the above or want to find out more information? Please contact me at dave at dabourphoto.com or 908.995.7273
I met Keira for the first time in almost complete darkness. I know that sounds strange but when you agree to a sunrise photo session, that’s what happens.
Keira was a natural to work with and extremely comfortable in front of the camera
Once the sun got to work, we transitioned to some Chicago background dance portraits:
Besides the sunrise silhouette, this is one of my favorites from the session!
Dabour Photography 