Powder & Poise: Emma’s First Powder Experience

Emma (@extendandelevate) is one of my dance ambassadors, and I’ve photographed her in more sessions than I can count — but this was her very first time at the Powder Experience. As always, she showed up and made it look easy, bringing the flexibility and control she’s known for into every burst of color.

Dancer Emma leaping mid-air in a wide switch leap as blue and orange powder explodes around her at night
Emma catches air and color in the same frame.

Emma trains at A.C.I. (@a.c.i.dance_), and it shows — every shape she hit tonight, from the mid-air leaps to the inverted holds, had that trained precision that makes powder photography actually work. The color doesn’t do the work; the dancer does.

If you’re a dancer curious about trying a Powder Experience session of your own, reach out — I’d love to create something like this with you.

Happy Birthday, Emma!

Today we’re celebrating one of the most flexible, expressive, and effortlessly dynamic dancers on our ambassador team — Emma (@extendandelevate). Even though this is her first year as an ambassador, she’s been in front of my camera for years, and every session with her is a mix of artistry, personality, and pure creative fun.

From her incredible flexibility to her ability to switch from elegant to sassy in a heartbeat, Emma brings something special to every portrait. Her Clara portraits from The Nutcracker were a standout this year, and I’m excited for all the creative moments still ahead.

Happy Birthday, Emma! Here’s to another year of growth, expression, and beautiful dance portraits together.

Emma Turns Three

New Jersey Portrait Photographer

Family portraits for the Luyben family March 2024. Photo by DAVE DABOUR

I’ve had the pleasure of photographing Emma before she was born. Wait, that sounds funny, let me explain. It started with my photographing her parents’ wedding. Then I did some maternity portraits for her. Then of course newborn portraits and ever since then on her birthday, her younger sister’s birthday and holiday portraits!

Family portraits for the Luyben family March 2024. Photo by DAVE DABOUR

There are many things I love about this family. One of them is Emma likes to “review” my photos after taking them. This probably all started when she was even younger than her sister and was maybe not happy during a photo session. I showed her the images on the back of my camera, and she was hooked.

Above photo from last year’s portrait session