Rounding out the River Experience session is Vasilia, a dance ambassador in training who continues to impress with her posing ability well beyond her experience level. She dances at West Jersey Youth Ballet, right alongside her sister Lily.
Vasilia was also the only dancer brave enough to try a hair flip in the water — and the result speaks for itself.
Returning dance ambassador Lily (@lilyana.en.pointe) joined me for a session with a twist — dance portraits in a nearby river. Lily dances at West Jersey Youth Ballet, and she brought the same control and presence to the water that she brings to the studio, turning every splash into part of the composition.
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.
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.
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.
Lily has been part of my Dance Ambassador team since August, and every session with her reveals something new. She brings:
Her Asbury Park portraits highlight not just her talent, but her growth, her confidence, and her ability to bring emotion into every frame.
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.
Some dancers step in front of the camera with a quiet confidence that grows stronger every time you work with them. Lily (@lilyana.en_pointe) is one of those dancers. This is her first year in my Dance Ambassador program, and I’m genuinely glad she joined. She also happens to live very close to me—so when inspiration strikes or I need someone to test a new idea, she’s often the first person I reach out to. And if she’s available, she’s always up for it.
My earliest sessions with Lily were at her home studio, West Jersey Youth Ballet, where her technique and discipline were immediately clear. But it was our first out‑of‑studio session—sunflower portraits—that really showed me her dedication. Even in a completely different environment, she carried herself with the same focus and artistry she brings to the studio.
Her mom has been an incredible presence as well. As the Executive Director at WJYB and a dance teacher with over 30 years of experience, she brings a deep understanding of movement, lines, and artistry. Having her nearby during sessions is always a bonus.
One of the moments that stands out most for me was our outdoor dance session at the Silk Mill. Lily absolutely shined there. One of the portraits from that day remains one of my favorites of her—full of strength, grace, and that spark that makes her unique.
Because Lily is homeschooled, she has a flexibility in her schedule that many dancers don’t. That opened the door for several outdoor dance portrait sessions this year, taking full advantage of the beautiful weather. One of those sessions took us to Columcille, where she blended seamlessly into the natural, almost mystical landscape.
Most recently, we wrapped up an artistic dance portrait session that highlights her growing talent and expressive ability. Each time we work together, she brings more confidence, more creativity, and more of her own voice to the images.
I’m excited to share several of my favorite images of Lily in this spotlight. She’s had a fantastic first year as an ambassador, and I’m looking forward to seeing how she continues to grow as both a dancer and an artist.
