Tag Archives: Studio Dance Photography

Scarlet Sisters: Red‑y to Dance

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A Bold Winter Fine Art Dance Portrait Session

Two dancers in red bodysuits and red wigs posing artistically against a bold red backdrop for a fine art dance portrait session.
A study in red, rhythm, and connection. Ellery and Sydney brought a presence that turned this concept into something striking and unforgettable. Proud to have these two as part of my dance ambassador team. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

Every now and then, a photo session comes along that feels like pure creative play — the kind where the concept, the dancers, and the energy all line up in the best possible way. My recent winter fine art dance portrait session with two of my dance ambassadors, Ellery (@its_ellevalentine) and Sydney (@squidneykdancer), was exactly that.

The spark for this session came from Ellery’s mom, Ariana. When she first shared the idea with me — red backdrop, red bodysuits, red wigs — I’ll admit I had a few reservations. It was bold. It was specific. It was a LOT of red. But the more we talked through the vision, the more it clicked. By the time we stepped into the studio, the concept had transformed into something striking, dramatic, and beautifully editorial.

What made the session truly unforgettable, though, was the friendship between these two dancers. Ellery and Sydney are best friends, and their connection shows up in every frame. My favorite part of the entire shoot — beyond the art we created — was the near‑constant laughter. They brought a joy and ease to the studio that elevated every moment.

And then came the finale.

By the end of the session, the tights had taken a beating. It was clear they weren’t going to survive another round, so the girls decided to go full Hulk Hogan and rip them off with all the dramatic flair they could muster. It was absolutely priceless — the perfect ending to a session already overflowing with personality.

Below are 10 of my favorite hero images from Scarlet Sisters: Red‑y to Dance — a concept that started as a spark and turned into something unforgettable.

Ellery and Sydney posing together in red wigs and red bodysuits against a bold red backdrop during their Scarlet Sisters dance portrait session.
Ellery and Sydney posing together in red wigs and red bodysuits against a bold red backdrop during their Scarlet Sisters dance portrait session.
Sydney performing an expressive dance pose in red wig and bodysuit during the Scarlet Sisters session.
Sydney performing an expressive dance pose in red wig and bodysuit during the Scarlet Sisters session.
Ellery and Sydney posing together in red wigs and red bodysuits against a bold red backdrop during their Scarlet Sisters dance portrait session.
Ellery and Sydney posing together in red wigs and red bodysuits against a bold red backdrop during their Scarlet Sisters dance portrait session.
Ellery and Sydney posing together in red wigs and red bodysuits against a bold red backdrop during their Scarlet Sisters dance portrait session.
Ellery and Sydney posing together in red wigs and red bodysuits against a bold red backdrop during their Scarlet Sisters dance portrait session.
Fine art dance portrait of Ellery in red, showcasing strong lines and dramatic lighting on a red backdrop.
Fine art dance portrait of Ellery in red, showcasing strong lines and dramatic lighting on a red backdrop.
A study in red, rhythm, and connection. Ellery and Sydney brought a presence that turned this concept into something striking and unforgettable. Proud to have these two as part of my dance ambassador team. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

As a New Jersey dance photographer, these are the sessions that remind me why I love what I do — the blend of artistry, trust, personality, and the freedom to create something truly unique.

This session is part of my Winter Fine Art Dance Portraits, available now through the end of March. Sessions are limited, and once they’re gone, they’re gone.

Reserve your spot:
https://proofs.dabourphoto.com/booking/winter-fine-art-dance-portraits

A Winter Dance Portrait Session with Giules — Artistic, Bold, and Full of Heart

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A female dancer in a white leotard and flowing red skirt performing an expressive, mid-motion pose against a professional gray studio backdrop.
Artistic movement meets bold color: Giules’ Valentine-inspired artistic dance portrait in the studio.

There’s something special about photographing a dancer you’ve worked with for years — the trust, the creativity, and the freedom to push ideas a little further each time. This past weekend’s dance portrait session with Giules (@dancergiules) was the perfect example of that magic.

We started the session on a clean white backdrop, focusing on movement, lines, and the artistic flare that Giules brings so naturally. From there, we shifted into a Valentine‑themed series — soft reds, expressive shapes, and a mood that blended elegance with emotion. To finish, we moved onto a bold red backdrop, creating a dramatic contrast that highlighted her strength, control, and presence.

As a New Jersey dance photographer, these are the sessions I love most — the ones where a dancer’s personality and artistry shine through every frame. Giules always brings that spark, and this session was no exception.

Below are seven of my favorite images from the day, each capturing a different facet of her movement and style.

Artistic and Valentine Dance Portraits for Giules on February 14, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

If this session inspires you, now is the perfect time to book your own. My Winter Fine Art Dance Portraits are available for a limited time, and once they’re gone, they’re gone.
Reserve your spot here:

https://proofs.dabourphoto.com/booking/winter-fine-art-dance-portraits

Mia’s Dance Audition Portrait Session | Dance Audition Photos & Senior Dance Portraits

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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.

Mia's dance audition headshot for college dance program applications, photographed by Dave Dabour Photography.
Action shot from Mia's dance audition portrait session with Dave Dabour Photography, showing strength and flexibility.
Professional dance audition portrait of Mia by Dave Dabour Photography, showcasing technical lines and artistic expression.
Dance audition portrait of Mia by Dave Dabour Photography, showcasing professional technique for university dance program applications.
Dance audition portraits for Mia with some artistic and senior portraits mixed in too. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
Dance audition portrait of Mia by Dave Dabour Photography, captured for university dance program applications.
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.
Artistic dance portrait of Mia in a white outfit, performing a dynamic standing pose with one leg extended and arms reaching upward against a white studio background.
Mia creating a dynamic and sculptural dance shape in a studio setting, demonstrating artistic expression and movement.
Artistic dance portrait of Mia in a white outfit, performing a strong horizontal pose while balancing with her arms on a white studio block.
Artistic dance portrait of Mia in a white outfit, performing a deep backbend floor pose with one leg reaching toward the ceiling in a studio setting.

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.
Senior dance photography of Mia by Dave Dabour Photography, featuring custom graduation props and dance studio highlights for a 2026 senior portfolio.

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.

Valentine-Themed Dance Portraits with Vivi (@balletvivi)

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dancer on pointe holding a be my valentine heart

There’s something special about photographing dancers you’ve worked with for years. The trust is there. The understanding is there. And the growth—both artistic and personal—becomes impossible to miss.

ballet dancer on point holding a be my valentines heart
dancer on point holding some valentine flowers
dancer on pointe with one leg raised with rose petals on the floor
Ballet dancer striking a beautiful pose with rose petals on the floor

This Valentine-themed session featured one of my long-time dance ambassadors, Vivi (@balletvivi), and as always, she never disappoints in front of my camera. Vivi brings a combination of strength, grace, and emotional awareness to every shoot, which makes creating with her both easy and inspiring.

Over the past few years, I’ve had the privilege of watching Vivi grow tremendously as a dancer. Her movement has become more confident, more intentional, and more expressive. That growth shows not only in her technique, but in how she connects to the camera and tells a story through still images.

For this session, we leaned into a Valentine-inspired aesthetic—soft romance balanced with strong, elegant lines. Subtle reds and pinks paired beautifully with artistic studio lighting designed to sculpt movement while maintaining a timeless, fine art feel. The goal wasn’t just a “holiday theme,” but imagery that feels elevated, emotional, and lasting.

Valentine sessions like this are a reminder that themed portraits don’t have to feel gimmicky. When approached thoughtfully, they can highlight a dancer’s individuality while adding a seasonal layer that enhances the story rather than distracting from it.

ballet dancer on point with her arms raised standing in the middle of a valentine

Working with ambassadors like Vivi is one of the most rewarding parts of my work. These sessions aren’t just about creating images—they’re about documenting growth, celebrating dedication, and building something meaningful over time. I’m incredibly proud of how far Vivi has come and can’t wait to see where her journey takes her next.

If you’re a dancer interested in creating something artistic, expressive, and uniquely you, Valentine-themed sessions are a beautiful way to do just that.

Valentine Portrait Sessions: A Celebration of Movement, Heart & Art

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Valentine’s Day is about love in all its forms — passion for dance, confidence, self‑expression, and joy. At Dabour Photography, Valentine Portrait Sessions are designed to celebrate those moments with a fine‑art approach that blends movement, emotion, and a touch of whimsy.

This year, I created a series of Valentine‑themed dance portraits with Lucy to showcase what these sessions can look like. Using flowing costumes, heart‑inspired props, and clean studio lighting, each image highlights both artistry and personality.

Whether added onto a full Fine Art Portrait Session or booked as a short Valentine Mini Session, these portraits are perfect for dancers who want something expressive, elegant, and fun.

What Are Valentine Portrait Sessions?

Valentine Portrait Sessions are studio portraits styled around themes of love, movement, and emotion. Think reds, pinks, soft whites, flowing fabrics, and heart‑inspired props — all designed to complement dance technique and storytelling.

These sessions are:

  • Perfect for dancers of all ages
  • Great as a keepsake or gift
  • Styled with professional lighting and artistic direction
  • Designed to feel playful, confident, and timeless

Featured Valentine Portraits with Lucy

Below are six sample portraits created during Lucy’s Valentine session. Each image highlights a different mood — from graceful and elegant to playful and bold.

Young dancer in a white and red flowing dress holding a red heart prop in a Valentine themed studio portrait.
Valentine Grace in Motion. A flowing red‑to‑white skirt and heart prop come together in a graceful dance pose, capturing movement and Valentine elegance.
Smiling young dancer holding a red heart frame around her face in a Valentine portrait studio session.
Framed by Love
A joyful close‑up portrait of Lucy framed by a sparkling red heart, highlighting expression and confidence.
Young dancer seated on the studio floor holding red roses with a red and white flowing skirt arranged around her.
Roses & Romance
A serene seated portrait of Lucy with red roses and flowing fabric, creating a soft Valentine mood.
Smiling dancer holding a small heart near her face while wearing Valentine themed garland in a studio portrait.
Playful Valentine Sparkle
Caption: A lighthearted portrait of Lucy with festive Valentine garland and a heart accent, full of personality.
Young dancer lying on the studio floor surrounded by pink heart shaped garland arranged in a Valentine design.
Heart Shapes in Motion
Caption: A creative floor pose surrounded by pink heart garland, blending dance and Valentine design.
Dancer performing a high leg extension while holding a pink heart prop during a Valentine themed studio photo session.
Strength, Balance & Love
Caption: A powerful standing pose holding a pink heart, showcasing balance, strength, and confidence. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

Interested in a Valentine Portrait Session?

Valentine Portrait Sessions take place at the Dabour Photography studio and are available on a limited basis. Sessions can be added to a full Fine Art Portrait Session or booked as a short, themed mini session.

Dancers are encouraged to bring:

  • Red, pink, or white costumes
  • Valentine‑themed accessories
  • Outfits that reflect their personality

Props are provided, and each session is guided with artistic direction to ensure a relaxed, fun experience.

If you’re looking for something unique, expressive, and meaningful this Valentine’s season, these sessions are a beautiful way to celebrate dance and self‑expression.

For availability and details, visit Dabour Photography or follow along on social media for announcements.