Tag Archives: Portraits

Celebrating 2024: A Year in Photography and Creative Projects

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I’d like to start off by thanking each of my wonderful clients in 2024 for making this the best year in my photography business! I had a busy year to say the least. I created over 213K images (and this does NOT include what I created for photojournalism).

I had the pleasure of working with over ten dance studios in 2024. They were all fantastic to work with and I look ahead to working with them in 2025 as my schedule permits. Two of them have already booked their recital portraits for 2025. Please get on my calendar if you are not one of them!

Voorhees High School Drama Club presents ‘Addams Family’ November 2024. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

I continued working with Voorhees Regional High School Theatre in 2024. Their Spring show was phenomenal (Les Miserable) followed up by their fall musical Addams Family. My photos from the show were used for publicity and resulted in all performances being almost sold out! I look ahead to working with them again this year!

I started my official Dance Ambassadors program in 2024. There have always been a select group of dancers that I’ve always considered my ambassadors. In fact when I asked one of them if they would be interested in doing this they replied ‘I though I already was! LOL’ We had some great sessions and made some fantastic art. I look forward to working with them in 2025

I continued working with Lehigh Valley Youth Phantoms ice hockey league! I also created banners for their seniors and now working on a yearbook fundraiser for their organization.

The video side of my business also continues to do well. So well that I’m almost running out of online storage space on my platform!

My photo booth was very busy in 2024 as well! Schools love it at dances and special occasions like Sweet 16’s and weddings.

Looking ahead to 2025 and my schedule is already beginning to fill up. I urge everyone to get on my calendar sooner rather than later, especially during peak time from April into July. Please contact me ASAP.

I plan on offering snow portraits again next year. Our weather looks to turn cold and snowy in the new year so hopefully there will be opportunities to create some beautiful art! I have a list started of dancers that are interested. To sign up and find out more about snow portraits please visit here.

Another reminder to please get on my schedule for your dance studio, sports league, theater show, senior portraits for Spring 2024 as soon as possible. Some key dates are already full and I want to make sure I can fit in as many existing clients as possible!

My rain machine experience was VERY popular in 2024 and will be back again in the summer of 2025! To get on my list so you will be the first to find out about dates for the 2025 rain machine please visit here. I will be offering groups specials this year as well as expanded sport portraits in the rain machine!

Let me wrap up my 2024 summary by saying I will be having a couple of model calls in early 2025 to test out some new portrait photography sessions I want to start offering. I can’t share any details yet but I’m sure you will love at least one of them if not all three! Please contact me if interested and I will reach out to you if selected.

5 Ways to Get Your Senior and You Ready for Their Last Year

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New Jersey and Lehigh Valley Senior Portrait Photographer

5 Ways to Get Your Senior and You Ready for Their Last Year

The final year of high school is a monumental time for both students and their families. It’s a year full of excitement, reflection, and preparation for the next big step. Here are five ways to help your senior (and yourself) get ready for this milestone year:

1. Start Early with College Prep

The college application process can be overwhelming, so getting a head start is crucial. Encourage your senior to research schools, prepare for standardized tests, and begin drafting their personal statement over the summer. This will ease the pressure once the school year begins and allow them to focus on maintaining their grades1.

2. Plan a Senior Year Calendar

Senior year is packed with deadlines, from college applications to scholarship submissions, extracurriculars, and all the senior events like prom and graduation. Sit down with your senior and map out these important dates. A well-organized calendar will help keep everything on track and reduce last-minute stress1.

3. Discuss Finances

Whether it’s tuition, living expenses, or budgeting for senior activities, having an open conversation about finances is essential. Talk about savings, scholarships, financial aid, and even the cost of senior year activities like class rings, trips, and graduation parties. This will help your senior understand financial responsibility and make informed decisions1.

4. Encourage a Balanced Schedule

Senior year can be academically challenging, with advanced courses and college applications. Encourage your senior to strike a balance between academics, extracurriculars, and downtime. Help them build a schedule that allows for studying, hobbies, and relaxation to avoid burnout1.

5. Cherish the Moments

This is the last year of high school, so make time to celebrate the small moments. Attend their games, performances, or whatever they’re passionate about. Plan a few family outings or even a weekend getaway. Encourage time with their friends before they are separated by college. And, even if they hate you for it, take lots of pictures! These memories will be cherished long after graduation1.

Senior year is a time of transition, not just for your student but for the whole family. By staying organized, communicating openly, and taking time to enjoy this special year, you can ensure that both you and your senior are ready to take on the next chapter with confidence.

I hope these tips help you and your senior make the most of their final year of high school! Do you have any specific plans or traditions for this special time?

Dave Dabour Photography offers senior portrait session in my studio, on-location or both!

http://www.dabourphoto.com/portraits

Rayleigh Did Great in her first dance portrait session

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Rayleigh’s mom contacted me to have her daughter in a dance photo session as many moms do. I asked her how old her daughter was, and she said ‘three!’ I photographed young dancers before but not usually by themselves. She told me while she’s a little shy, she thought she would be good for the portrait session.

And we did have a great portrait session and created several different images for them both. I think it was a little too much for her (completely understandable) and after about 10 minutes wasn’t too interested in continuing anymore.

New Jersey dance Portrait Photographer

If you’re interested in getting dance portraits for the young dancer in your life, let me know. I offer many different types of dance portrait sessions for all ages and abilities

First Holy Communion Portraits

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Holy Communion images created just for Sophia K. Photo by DAVE DABOUR

First Holy Communion is a momentous time in your child’s life. The moment needs to be captured to mark the occasion and to look back on it in the future.

What to wear for first holy communion portraits

Traditional attire for girls. Girls usually will wear the dress or outfit they will be wearing at the service. Typically, this is a white dress that can be suited to your style and budget

Traditional attire for boys. Boy will put on a suit perhaps for the first time in their life! If not a suit, then whatever they will be wearing at the service. Simple shirt and slacks is fine if a suit is not appropriate

Holy communion photos for Tia in 2018. Photo by DAVE DABOUR

Where to take first holy communion portraits

Indoor options. The ideal location is my photography studio. This is ideal because it’s weather independent and the lighting and backdrop will be perfect. If that’s not an option, then someplace with good lighting, near a large window that faces north

Outdoor options. If an outdoor location is desired, you need to think about lighting and backdrop. Try to avoid direct sunlight. A nice, shaded area works well. Then concentrate on what the background of the photo will be. Look for something that is not distracting from your beautiful child.

How to prepare for first holy communion portraits

Skincare and grooming tips. Make sure their hair, face and exposed skin is clean and well groomed. Avoid too much sun leading up to the day of the portrait.

Tips for posing. Besides having a traditional pose of them looking at the camera, try some poses with them looking to the side and up. Also, if they have any props like rosary beads, they can look at them.

Tips for getting the perfect shot. Have the pose on the floor, sitting as well as standing. Kneeling is also another favorite and something they will most likely be doing at the church. Of course, you must keep in mind their attention span. Take too long and you will not have treasured memories. This is why using a professional photographer is recommended. They know how to pose and move quickly. Besides your child is more likely to cooperate with someone they don’t (yet) know.

Creative ideas for first holy communion portraits

Including family members and friends. This is a wonderful time to include other family members in the photo once you get enough of your child by themselves.

Incorporating religious symbols and props. Rosary beads, a bible and or a prayer book make wonderful props for these types of memories.

Candid shots versus posed shots. In between posed shots, get some photos of your child just being themselves. Also get some images of them not looking at the camera and/or interacting with other people

I realize all of this sounds like a lot of work and time. It can be. But it’s an important milestone in your child’s life they will enjoy looking back on when they get older. They will realize the importance of family and recognize these accomplishments and want to pass them onto their family.

Does all of this sound wonderful but you don’t have the expertise to do it yourself? I’m running a limited time special on first holy communion portraits. Contact me today to schedule your session!

Holiday Portraits for Kayla

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New Jersey – Lehigh Valley Dance Photographer

I had another great dance session with the beautiful and talented Kayla. This time with a holiday flair!

Kayla loves her LaDuca boots!

© 2022 Dave Dabour

Ready for your holiday portraits? Now booking session. Contact me for more information

All photos © 2022 Dave Dabour.

Holiday Portraits

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I’ve always wanted to create some unique and fun holiday portraits for dancers. I’m usually way too crazy this time of year to do it but this year I decided to give it a go.

The result is some fantastic images were created!

I’ve been photographing Blake for years. He’s becoming a great dancer! He was also a good spirit. I had this crazy idea in my head for a pose and he went ahead with it:

I wanted to capture someone trying to put light on a tree and the next thing you know there’s more light on you than the tree! LOL

I’ve also had the pleasure of photographing Penny for several years. Not only a talented dancer but also does some modeling in NYC. Penny wanted to try a few jumps. Normally I love jumps but with lights? She managed to pull it off!

This was the first time I photographed Julia and Emily. They are sisters that both dance. They did a great job!

While I was photographing them together, I had this vision in my head for a photograph. It wasn’t dance related per say but definitely holiday related:

Holiday Light dance portraits 2022. Photo by DAVE DABOUR

I LOVE this image and glad I took some time to create it!

Ready for some holiday portraits for the dancer in your life? Now is the time! Here’s a secret: it doesn’t have to be dancers. Athletes and families do just great too!

Mention you saw my blog posting here and I’ll honor the 50% session fee discount!

Portrait sessions are available on the first two weekends in December. Interested but need another time? Just contact me regarding availability!

For more information, please visit here: https://bit.ly/HolidayLightsPortraits

Dance Portraits for Larkin

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Dance Portrait Photography

I only had a brief time to create some dance portraits for Larkin but it was worth it. I had an image in my mind of her standing near a window and she did wonderful!

Dance portrait for Larkin

Her friendly demeaner and striking blue eye resulted in working with her being a pleasure

Dance portraits for Larkin

Then we ventured outside to a nearby park.

Dance portraits for Larkin

And a bridge!

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

10 Tips on how to prepare for your session (for girls)

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Dance portraits of Amy. Part of the series “Dancers in unusual locations.” Photo by Dave Dabour

Preparation Tips for Senior Girls

Now that you’ve booked your session, we have a few tips for you to help you get ready for your close up. Follow these guidelines the weeks leading up to your session and we’ll take care of the rest!

  1. Choose two to three outfits to wear during your session and lay them out so they are ready to go. Make sure they are clean and wrinkle-free.
  2. Also, don’t forget to pack any accessories you’ll want for each outfit – jewelry, scarves, headbands, etc. Bring matching socks/tights, and shoes for each outfit if one pair won’t go along with all of them.
  3. While you’re at it, if you plan on bringing any props – your ballet shoes, favorite book, softball gear, etc. – go ahead and lay that out as well. If you are going to bring your car to the session and want it to be in photos with you, be sure to wash it the night before/day of your session.
  4. Get a good night’s rest the night before so you can look well rested for your session.
  5. Get your hair cut about one to two weeks prior to your session. Don’t drastically change it from your normal style in case you don’t like it. Have the hair stylist show you some easy styles you can do during outfit changes to switch it up a bit.
  6. Practice your makeup the week leading up to your session so you can get it just right the day of. We do offer professional makeup artist services with several of our packages. This is something we strongly suggest you look into for your session.
  7. If you wake up two days prior to your session, or the morning of, and acne has appeared on your face – don’t pick at it and make it worse while trying to get rid of it. Apply some makeup over the area (not too heavy) and leave it at that. We offer basic retouching, which includes blemish removal; so don’t even worry about it.
  8. Get a manicure the day before or day of your session to ensure your nails look their best. Don’t forget that the color needs to match all of your outfits. For this reason, and to keep a clean appearance, we suggest going with the French manicure or just a clear coat of paint.
  9. Practice a nice natural smile and cute poses in a mirror or send us over some things we can talk to you about that will help you relax – your favorite movie, your boyfriend, etc.
  10. If you are doing a session with your BFF or BF, don’t forget to coordinate an outfit with them so you guys don’t clash.

Firefighter Portraits

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For some time now I’ve wanted to try taking some portraits of local firefighters. I didn’t want these to be formal photographs. I wanted them to be gritty – show the true meaning and depth it takes in volunteering to be a firefighter.

I had three local firefighters volunteer to be models and photographed them recently. Some were in front of a green screen and used to create a composite. Others were taken in front of one of the engines.

I wanted these to be lite differently and on the dark side.

Additional photos are available here.

Christmas Portraits

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I had the pleasure to take some Christmas portraits of Vince and his cousin recently. He looks so handsome doesn’t he! Those eye look right thru you. He was great although I don’t see modeling in his future!

Additional photos here