Capturing the Movement: A Return to the Studio with Jocelyn

Posted on July 21, 2026 by dabourphoto

It is always a treat when a talented dancer returns to my studio, but it is extra special when it’s someone as inspiring as Jocelyn. Two years ago, Jocelyn came in for her last dance portrait session, where we focused entirely on a classic, striking black-and-white aesthetic. Those images were absolutely top-notch, so the bar was set incredibly high for her return—but she did not disappoint!

This time around, we shifted our focus to mix business with pure creativity. We started by updating her professional headshots and then transitioned into capturing some deeply expressive, artistic dance portraits.

Big Dreams & Bright Futures

Beyond her incredible technique in front of the lens, Jocelyn is a powerhouse of ambition. Here is a little bit about what she is up to and where she is headed:

Rutgers Royalty: She is currently pursuing her passion strictly as a dance major at Rutgers University.
Future Entrepreneur: One of her biggest long-term goals is to open the doors to her very own dance studio someday.
Gameday Goals: Don’t be surprised if you see her under the stadium lights in the future—she hopes to eventually try out as an NFL cheerleader!

“Dancers are the athletes of God.” — Albert Einstein. Watching Jocelyn leap and hold extensions effortlessly makes you realize just how much strength goes into making art look this graceful.

Where to Find Her This Year

Jocelyn isn’t waiting until graduation to make her mark on the dance community. If you want to keep up with her journey or catch her in action, here is where she is spending her time:

Summer Classes: She is currently sharing her talent and teaching summer classes over at Vibe Dance Academy.
Fall Plans: As the new semester rolls around, she is looking to join the team at East Coast Dance in the fall, balancing her studio time as her college schedule permits.

Give her a follow on Instagram at @jocelyn.denne to see her journey unfold and catch a few behind-the-scenes glimpses of her incredible talent!

I’ve uploaded some of my absolute favorite images from our latest session below. Take a look and let me know which artistic portrait stands out to you the most!

A Star in the Making: Vasilia’s Audition-Worthy Powder Debut!

Posted on July 20, 2026 by dabourphoto

If you’ve spent any time around Dabour Photography, you definitely know Lily, one of my incredible dance ambassadors. But during this powder session, it was time for Lily’s younger sister, almost nine-year-old Vasilia, to step into the spotlight!

Vasilia has made it no secret that she has big dreams of following in her sister’s footsteps and becoming a dance ambassador herself. In a lot of ways, having her join the powder experience felt like the ultimate “audition” session—and let me tell you, she did not disappoint!

Stepping Out of the Studio

While I’ve photographed Vasilia before during regular recital portraits at her dance studio, this was her very first time doing a specialized, creative session with me outside of that setting.

Even though she is young, it is incredibly clear that all those years of watching her older sisters dance have paid off. Vasilia brought serious focus, grace, and an understanding of movement that is way beyond her years.

A Change of Plans (and a Seamless Solo)

Initially, Vasilia was invited to the powder session to accompany her good friend Claire, who is one of my brand-new dance ambassadors this year.

Unfortunately, busy schedules got in the way, their calendars didn’t sync up, and they ended up having to attend separate sessions. Stepping into a big, dynamic shoot like this without your friend can be intimidating for any young dancer, but Vasilia didn’t miss a beat.

Because we already knew each other, she was incredibly comfortable with me and took direction like an absolute pro.

[INSERT GALLERY OF VASILIA’S INDIVIDUAL SHOTS HERE]

A Secret Weapon in Her Corner

Of course, it doesn’t hurt when your biggest cheerleader is also a dance expert! Vasilia’s mom—a local dance studio owner and highly experienced dance teacher—was right there by her side. Having her mom’s encouraging presence and expert eye nearby definitely added an extra layer of comfort and precision to the shoot.

Together, we captured some truly stunning, dynamic images of Vasilia that prove she is a force to be reckoned with in the dance world.

Will Vasilia Become an Ambassador?

She certainly proved she has the talent, the work ethic, and the star power to join the team. But is a spot in the ambassador program in her future?

You’ll just have to keep reading future blog posts to find out! 😉

Watch this space!

Scroll down to see some of my favorite shots of Vasilia proving she is ready for the big leagues in her beautiful powder debut!

[INSERT FAVORITE GALLERY IMAGES OF VASILIA HERE]

Elevating the Art: Dance Ambassador Ellery’s Stunning Return to the Powder Studio

Posted on July 18, 2026 by dabourphoto

When you have a dancer who is as passionate about the creative process as she is about the movement, magic is bound to happen. That is exactly what went down when one of my amazing dance ambassadors, Ellery (@its_ellevalentine), stepped back in front of my camera for her second go-round with the powder experience!

If Ellery looks familiar, it’s because she is no stranger to this setup. Last year, she braved the powder alongside some of her talented friends from the West Jersey Youth Ballet. But this year? Ellery wanted to up the ante, push her creative boundaries, and take her imagery to a whole new artistic level.

Preparation Meets Performance

To create truly breathtaking, high-fashion powdery art, we didn’t just wing it. Before the session, Ellery and I sat down to review potential poses, discuss angles, and plan out how to get the absolute most dynamic movement out of every cloud of powder.

That preparation paid off in a massive way.

[INSERT GALLERY OF ELLERY’S INDIVIDUAL SHOTS HERE]

Because we had a game plan, Ellery was able to focus entirely on her execution. She did her usual fantastic job—combining her technical ballet precision with dramatic, expressive shapes that made the powder look like an extension of her own body.

A Triple Threat: Dance, Theater, and Modeling

Watching Ellery work, it’s easy to see why her photos look like they belong in a high-fashion editorial. She is a truly versatile artist. Beyond being a gifted dancer, Ellery has a deep appreciation for modeling and is actively looking to pursue opportunities in the industry.

Her secret weapon? She is also no stranger to the theater stage!

That theatrical background shines through in her ability to project emotion, hold tension in a pose, and understand how to tell a story without saying a word. It makes her an absolute dream to collaborate with behind the camera.

The Masterpiece in Motion

Ellery, thank you for always bringing your “A-game,” your incredible work ethic, and your artistic vision to our sessions. You represent Dabour Photography so beautifully as an ambassador, and I am so proud of the art we created together during this session!

Ready to see Ellery’s jaw-dropping gallery?

Scroll down to see the results of our planning and passion in these highlights from her second powder experience!

[INSERT REMAINING FAVORITE GALLERY IMAGES OF ELLERY HERE]

A Birthday to Remember: Rhea’s Stunning Powder Dance Debut

Posted on July 17, 2026 by dabourphoto

When you run a specialized photography studio, you get used to people asking for the impossible—like throwing colored powder around in the dead of winter!

That is exactly how my story with Rhea began. Rhea, a talented dancer who is brand new to Dabour Photography, found my powder experience on Google and reached out in the middle of a freezing winter, ready to leap into the studio.

Of course, because safety and comfort are top priorities, I had to gently explain that throwing fine powder is an outdoor-only experience reserved for the beautiful, warm summer months. Instead of losing enthusiasm, Rhea did something only a truly dedicated dancer would do: she patiently waited.

When I finally announced the warm-weather dates, she was the first to jump on the schedule. And as it turned out, the timing couldn’t have been more perfect.

The Ultimate Birthday Celebration

What made this highly anticipated session extra special? The date we locked in fell exactly on Rhea’s birthday!

Talk about dedication. Instead of a traditional party, Rhea and her family drove nearly an hour and a half to spend her special day leaping, spinning, and creating gorgeous, powdery art in front of my lens.

A vibrant dance portrait of a dancer named Rhea standing with her arms raised in a V-shape, surrounded by dramatic, cascading clouds of purple powder on the left and blue powder on the right against a black studio background. — Power, grace, and vibrant color. Rhea’s dynamic orange and yellow powder shot from our July 2026 sessions. Photo by Dave Dabour.

A dramatic dance portrait of Rhea kneeling in a dark studio, executing a powerful hair flip that sends a massive, sweeping wave of vibrant green and blue powder into the air around her. — Power, grace, and vibrant color. Rhea’s dynamic orange and yellow powder shot from our July 2026 sessions. Photo by Dave Dabour.

For her very first time in front of my camera, Rhea was an absolute natural. She took direction beautifully, brought incredible energy, and trusted the process completely. The resulting images are powerful, elegant, and the perfect celebration of her talent.

Bringing the Dance Studio Family Together

Rhea had such an amazing time during her session that her mom was already looking toward the future before they even left. She asked if it would be possible to bring more dancers from Rhea’s home studio for a group experience.

My answer? An absolute, enthusiastic YES!

I love hosting group sessions. For any studios looking to do something similar, here is how we make it happen:

Gather the Crew: All it takes is a group of 6 or more dancers from the same studio.
Pick a Date: Reach out to me with a few date options that work for your group.
Build the Team: This experience is an incredible team-building activity for dancers. Watching each other leap, cheering each other on, and sharing the excitement of creating art together builds a bond that goes right back into the dance studio.

Welcome to the Dabour Photography Family, Rhea!

Rhea, thank you so much for choosing to spend your birthday creating magic with me. You did an incredible job, and I am so proud of the artwork we created together. I hope this was a birthday you’ll never forget, and I absolutely cannot wait to photograph you again in the future!

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

Big Dreams & Bright Futures

Where to Find Her This Year

Share this:

Like this:

Stepping Out of the Studio

A Change of Plans (and a Seamless Solo)

A Secret Weapon in Her Corner

Will Vasilia Become an Ambassador?

Watch this space!

Share this:

Like this:

Preparation Meets Performance

A Triple Threat: Dance, Theater, and Modeling

The Masterpiece in Motion

Ready to see Ellery’s jaw-dropping gallery?

Share this:

Like this:

The Ultimate Birthday Celebration

Bringing the Dance Studio Family Together

Welcome to the Dabour Photography Family, Rhea!

Share this:

Like this:

Artistic Dance Portraits

Senior Dance Portraits

Looking Ahead

Share this:

Like this:

More to Come!

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

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

A Blossoming Talent

The Perfect Setting

Behind the Scenes

A Bright Future

Final Thoughts

Share this:

Like this: