Please join me in welcoming Makenley (@dancingwith_makenley) as our newest dance ambassador! Makenley dances at Showbiz Kidz Dance Studio, and while this was our first official session together as ambassador and photographer, I’ve actually been photographing her for years — both at her studio and at various special photo experiences I’ve offered.
Makenley is talented well beyond her years, and these sunflower field shots prove it. I can’t wait to see what we create together in the year ahead.
Meet Becky, our newest dance ambassador! Becky dances at West Jersey Youth Ballet (@westjerseyyouthballet), and even though this is her first time joining as an ambassador, her posing skills are far from beginner level — it shows in every frame.
Most of this set was shot in the sunflower field, with one bonus image from a nearby wooden gazebo just next door.
So glad to have Amelia (@ameliarosedancer) back as one of our dance ambassadors! Amelia dances at West Jersey Youth Ballet (@westjerseyyouthballet), and this was her very first time out in the sunflower field for a session. She did a fantastic job adapting to the outdoor setting, and the results speak for themselves.
Please join me in welcoming Kayley (@kayleyinmotion) as our newest dance ambassador! Kayley dances at West Jersey Youth Ballet (@westjerseyyouthballet), and she comes from serious dance lineage — her older sister Sydney is a current dance ambassador, and another sister, Zoey, is a past dance ambassador who has also helped out as a photo assistant.
One thing that makes Kayley unique: alongside dance, she also performs with a local youth circus. You can spot her Lambertville Youth Circus t-shirt in a few of these shots, right before she traded it for her dance costume.
We even got a shot of Kayley with her sister Sydney together in the sunflower field — always a treat when siblings can share a session.
I’m so glad to have Sydney (@squidneykdancer_2012) returning as one of my dance ambassadors this year. Sydney dances at West Jersey Youth Ballet (@westjerseyyouthballet), and this session took us out into a sunflower field at golden hour, then over to a nearby wooden gazebo to keep the fun going a little longer.
I’m so happy to have Elijah (@elijahinthearts) returning as one of my dance ambassadors this year. Elijah dances at West Jersey Youth Ballet, and on top of that, he’s also a model and an actor.
One nice thing about being a guy who dances: there’s always a long line of talented dancers ready to pair up for a duet. These images are some of our favorites from a recent sunflower portrait session with a few of my dance ambassadors — Sydney, Becky, and Lenora out in the sunflower field, and a bonus stop in the wooden gazebo next door with Kayley, once everyone was up for a bit more.
Lenora (@watercolor.ballet) is one of our newest dance ambassadors, and this was our first session together outside the studio — a sunset shoot in a full sunflower field. She did a fantastic job adapting to an outdoor setting for the first time, and I’m already looking forward to many more sessions with her in the year ahead.
Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how the shot came together, thanks to a photo from Lenora’s mom, alongside the finished portrait.
Sunflower portraits are available now, for a very limited time — the season won’t last, so reach out soon if you’d like to book one!
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.
