Tag Archives: outdoor dance portraits

Kayley NYC Skyline Adventure

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I am so excited to officially introduce one of our newest Dabour Photography Dance Ambassador: Kayley!

Kayley dances out of West Jersey Youth Ballet (@westjerseyyouthballet). Shooting on location in the city can be intimidating, but Kayley stepped right into the spotlight with incredible confidence, poise, and energy.

Following in Great Footsteps: A Sister Trio

Kayley is in good company—she happens to be the youngest sister to two of our established Dance Ambassadors, Zoey and Sydney!

Having two older sisters who share her passion for dance means Kayley has incredible role models to look up to both in the studio and in front of the camera. Watching all three sisters support, inspire, and pose alongside each other during this session was a total highlight.

From striking powerful trio poses inside the historic train terminal to creating individual magic against the skyline, this talented trio proved that brilliance definitely runs in the family.

High Fashion, Dynamic Lines, & Golden Hour

Kayley brought so much versatility to her individual portraits!

Whether she was flowing in a vibrant blue dress that caught the wind perfectly against One World Trade Center, showing off clean lines on the grass, or catching the soft golden hour light along the waterfront, she brought her absolute best to every shot.

Kayley’s dedication, technique, and joyful personality make her such a valuable addition to our ambassador team, and I can’t wait to capture even more of her journey this year!

Ready to Capture Your Own City Session?

Our NYC Skyline Sessions offer a one-of-a-kind urban backdrop for dancers of all ages to showcase their technique and personality.

Book Your NYC Skyline Session

Happy Birthday, Zoey!

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Happiest of birthdays to Zoey (@zoeydoesdance) — one of the most creative, passionate, and joy‑filled dancers I’ve ever had the privilege to photograph. Zoey has been part of my world for years now, not just as a dancer in front of the camera, but also as someone who’s stepped behind the scenes as my photo assistant. She brings the same energy, curiosity, and fearlessness to both roles, and it’s been incredible watching her grow.

This is Zoey’s third year as a Dabour Photography Dance Ambassador, and she’s already made her mark with her bold ideas, adventurous spirit, and willingness to try anything to make a photo unforgettable. Whether she’s climbing to a spot I casually point out or diving into a neon‑paint concept without hesitation, Zoey shows up ready to create.

She’s a standout dancer with a huge heart, a sharp artistic eye, and a personality that makes every session better. I’m grateful to have her as part of the ambassador team — and even more grateful to celebrate her today.

Happy Birthday, Zoey! Here’s to another year of creativity, courage, and unforgettable moments.

It was difficult to pick on a few of the many great images I’ve created with Zoey but here they are:

Dance audition portraits for Zoey and Sydney with some artistic valentines mixed in too. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
Dance audition portraits for Zoey and Sydney with some artistic valentines mixed in too. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

Golden Hour & Grand Jetés: Limited Sunflower Portrait Sessions Are Back!

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Capturing Magic in the Fields: Sunflower Sessions Return!

There is something purely magical about the vibrant golden hues of a sunflower field in full bloom. Paired with graceful lines, dramatic leaps, and radiant smiles, it makes for some of the most striking portraits of the entire year.

Dance ambassador Lily performing a pose in a vibrant sunflower field during golden hour.
Dance ambassador Vivi performing a pose in a vibrant sunflower field during golden hour.
Olivia doing dance portraits in a vibrant sunflower field during golden hour.

I’m thrilled to announce that Sunflower Portrait Sessions are officially back for the season!

Whether you’re a dancer looking to capture stunning action shots against a breathtaking natural backdrop, or you simply want vibrant, sun-drenched portraits, this is one of my favorite annual traditions.

A 2x3 grid composite image of dancers posing and leaping in a vibrant, golden sunflower field during golden hour.
Limited-edition golden hour sunflower portrait sessions return for dancers and portraits.

⚠️ A Very Brief Window: Only 2 Weeks Available!

Because of my busy upcoming shooting schedule and the brief natural blooming window of the sunflowers, these sessions will only be available for a strict two-week period this year.

Once these two weeks are gone, we’ll have to wait an entire year for the fields to bloom again!

Why book early?

  • Prime Lighting: We schedule around peak golden hour for that soft, ethereal glow.
  • Limited Spots: Because the window is capped at 14 days, spots fill up fast.

What to Expect During Your Session

Whether we are creating dynamic dance imagery with leaps and extensions or striking classic portraits, my goal is to make your session fun, comfortable, and tailored to you.

  • For Dancers: We’ll utilize the unique height and texture of the sunflower stalks to showcase your lines, turns, and jumps.
  • For Classic Portraits: We’ll capture authentic, joyful moments surrounded by sea-of-gold blooms.

Ready to Claim Your Spot?

Don’t miss out on these exclusive golden hour portraits. Let’s create something extraordinary together before the blooms fade!

250 in Motion: An American Spirit Dance Portrait Series

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This is a once-in-a-generation patriotic portrait series for dancers, built around movement, strength, joy, and American spirit.

In honor of America’s 250th birthday, I’m excited to introduce a new limited dance portrait series: 250 in Motion: An American Spirit Dance Portrait Series.

This concept was created especially for dancers. It combines a large American flag backdrop, red, white, and blue styling, and expressive movement to create portraits that feel bold, celebratory, and timeless.

The goal of this series is simple: to celebrate the spirit of the moment through dance.

Option 1 (Descriptive): Dance ambassador Olivia performing a graceful pose during the 250 in Motion portrait series, set against a large American flag backdrop.
An American Spirit Dance Portrait Series. Three of my dance ambassadors model for the concept photo session! Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
Dance ambassador Elijah performing a strong, athletic pose in front of a large American flag backdrop for the 250 in Motion dance portrait series.
An American Spirit Dance Portrait Series. Three of my dance ambassadors model for the concept photo session! Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

These sessions are not about costumes, props, or novelty. They are about movement, strength, personality, and creating something memorable during a once-in-a-generation milestone year. Dancers can keep the look clean and classic with a simple red, white, or blue leotard, or add more movement with a skirt, fabric, or other dancewear that fits the patriotic theme.

A limited dance portrait experience celebrating America’s 250th birthday through movement, strength, and patriotic style.

The first test session brought this idea to life beautifully. We created everything from strong standing portraits to dramatic leaps, flowing fabric images, ballet-inspired poses, and fun Americana-inspired moments. The result is a series that feels energetic, proud, artistic, and very much centered on the dancer.

250 in Motion is a great fit for dancers who want something different from a traditional recital or studio portrait. It can work for ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, musical theater, or any dancer who wants a patriotic portrait with personality.

Session availability will be limited due to my spring and early summer schedule. If you are interested in creating your own 250 in Motion portraits, please reach out for details and available dates.

More of my favorite images from the initial session:

Dance ambassador Elijah performing a powerful leap in front of a large American flag backdrop for the 250 in Motion dance portrait series.
Dance ambassador Olivia performing a graceful pose during the 250 in Motion portrait series, set against a large American flag backdrop.
Dance ambassador Olivia performing a graceful pose during the 250 in Motion portrait series, set against a large American flag backdrop.
Dance ambassador Rylea performing a graceful pose during the 250 in Motion portrait series, set against a large American flag backdrop.
Dance ambassador Rylea performing a graceful pose during the 250 in Motion portrait series, set against a large American flag backdrop.
Dance ambassador Olivia performing a graceful ballet-inspired pose in front of a large American flag backdrop for the 250 in Motion dance portrait series.
Dance ambassador Rylea performing a graceful pose during the 250 in Motion portrait series, set against a large American flag backdrop.
Dance ambassador Elijah performing a graceful pose during the 250 in Motion portrait series, set against a large American flag backdrop.
Dance ambassador Elijah performing a C jump during the 250 in Motion portrait series, set against a large American flag backdrop.
Dance ambassador Olivia performing a graceful pose during the 250 in Motion portrait series, set against a large American flag backdrop.

Dance Ambassador Spotlight: Lily (@lilyana.en_pointe)

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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.

A young ballet dancer, Lily, performing a graceful pose on a wooden bench in a vibrant sunflower field. She is wearing a light green leotard and white pointe shoes, with one leg extended and an arm raised, surrounded by tall yellow sunflowers under a clear blue sky.
Sunflower dance portraits with Lily and Vivi on Aug. 9, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

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.

Dance portraits with some of my dance ambassadors at the Silk Mill in Easton, PA. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

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.

A young ballet dancer, Lily, posing against a towering, narrow standing stone at Columcille Megalith Park. She is wearing a floral patterned leotard and a light purple skirt, standing on pointe with one arm reaching up the textured rock face and the other extended gracefully toward the forest path.
Dance ambassadors visit Columcille Megalith Park on Oct. 16, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

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.

An artistic studio dance portrait of Lily posing on white geometric blocks against a solid deep red background. She is wearing a maroon leotard and standing on pointe with one foot on a block, creating sharp, angular lines with her arms and legs in a high-fashion, contemporary dance pose.
Artistic Dance Portraits for Lily with some Valentine theme too! Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

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.

A young ballet dancer, Lily, performing a high leg extension (developpé) while standing on a forest path at Columcille Megalith Park. She is wearing a purple dance skirt and floral leotard, surrounded by tall trees and stone monuments.
A professional close-up headshot of Lily, a young ballet dancer, with a soft, natural smile. She has light hair and is wearing a dark dance leotard against a simple studio background.
Head shot for Lily on February 10, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
Artistic dance portrait of Lily kneeling on a white studio block against a deep red background. She is wearing a maroon velvet leotard and looking toward the camera with a focused, dramatic expression.
Artistic dance portrait of Lily kneeling on a white studio block against a deep red background. She is wearing a maroon velvet leotard and looking toward the camera with a focused, dramatic expression.
Artistic dance portrait of Lily kneeling on a white studio block against a deep red background. She is wearing a maroon velvet leotard and looking toward the camera with a focused, dramatic expression.
A high-fashion dance portrait of Lily leaning back against a white block on a reflective studio floor. The monochromatic red background highlights her maroon leotard and athletic silhouette.
A high-fashion dance portrait of Lily leaning back against a white block on a reflective studio floor. The monochromatic red background highlights her maroon leotard and athletic silhouette.
Lily performing a graceful ballet pose on a wooden bridge at the Easton Silk Mill. She is on pointe, wearing a maroon leotard, with one arm extended toward the industrial brick architecture in the background.
Lily posing at the Easton Silk Mill. She is on pointe, wearing a maroon leotard
A young ballet dancer, Lily, performing a standing pose with one foot on pointe on a white studio barrel. She is wearing a maroon leotard and creating a striking vertical line against a deep red background, with her other leg in a high retiré position.
Dabour Photography dance ambassadors, including Lily, posing together in the ornate lobby of the State Theatre of the Arts. The dancers are in various ballet poses against the gold-leaf and velvet decor.
Dabour Photography dance ambassadors, including Lily, posing together in the ornate lobby of the State Theatre of the Arts. The dancers are in various ballet poses against the gold-leaf and velvet decor.
Dabour Photography dance ambassadors, including Lily, posing together in the ornate lobby of the State Theatre of the Arts. The dancers are in various ballet poses against the gold-leaf and velvet decor.
Ballet dancer Lily performing a standing pose among tall sunflowers. She is on pointe with her arms in an elegant fifth position, wearing a green leotard that complements the natural greenery of the sunflower field under a bright sky.
Ballet dancer Lily performing a standing pose among tall sunflowers. She is on pointe with her arms in an elegant fifth position, wearing a green leotard that complements the natural greenery of the sunflower field under a bright sky.

🌿 Dance Meets Stone: Outdoor Portraits at Columcille Megalith Park 🩰📸

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New Jersey Dance Photographer

🌿 Dance Meets Stone: Outdoor Portraits at Columcille Megalith Park 🩰📸

Dance ambassadors visit Columcille Megalith Park on Oct. 16, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

There’s something magical about blending movement with nature—and our recent outdoor dance portrait session at Columcille Megalith Park was the perfect canvas for that magic. With ancient stones, winding paths, and a forested backdrop, the setting offered a timeless stage for three of my incredible dance ambassadors: Vivi, Lily, and Elijah.

The morning started off chilly, but spirits were high and layers came off as the dancers warmed up—both physically and creatively. Each ambassador brought their own energy to the session:

Dance ambassadors visit Columcille Megalith Park on Oct. 16, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

✨ Vivi danced with quiet grace and strength, her lines echoing the natural curves of the landscape.

Dance ambassadors visit Columcille Megalith Park on Oct. 16, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography


🌬️ Lily embraced the wind and the wild, moving with fluidity and fierce emotion that made every frame feel alive.

Dance ambassadors visit Columcille Megalith Park on Oct. 16, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography


🪨 Elijah grounded the session with bold shapes and confident presence, creating contrast against the ancient stones and soft moss.

Together, we created portraits that feel like they belong to another era—timeless, earthy, and full of soul. Columcille’s mystical energy paired beautifully with the dancers’ artistry, and the results speak for themselves.

Stay tuned for more ambassador spotlights and behind-the-scenes stories as we continue to explore new locations and push creative boundaries.