At hushXpose in Las Vegas, we work with dancers to create masterful dance photography sessions that you can use for auditions and dance applications for a while to come. You want to be sure that these images are the best quality possible! While we’ll help you on the photography side of things, there are a few things dancers should know going into their photoshoot that will make for more incredible dance images. As a former dancer who now shoots photography, there’s a lot of insight into both worlds that can make your dance photography session at hushXpose that much more spectacular. Here are the top 5 things dancers should do at photoshoots to get the most out of it.
1. Think 2D While Posing
Dancing is a 3D art that is incredibly sophisticated. When you watch a dance performance live, there is a lot going on that you can see depending on where you are seated in the theater, but when it comes to dance photography, the camera lens is the only audience that matters. It’s important to think about how your body and arms look in relation to the camera while you pose. Positioning your body for the camera can ensure that you don’t accidentally conceal parts of your arms or legs while posing.
2. Treat Your Shoot Like a Show
If you want to achieve the highest quality dance audition photographs, you need to get into the same headspace that you would get into before a live dance performance. One way you can do this is to treat your photoshoot as a performance day. Starting the day before the shoot, get the right food in your body, and get plenty of rest. Don’t schedule plans before or after the shoot to make sure that getting the perfect performance is the only thing that is on your mind. If you show up with your A-Game, you don’t leave room for mistakes or lethargic poses.
3. Try Different Lines and Angles
Come prepared to your photoshoot with your best poses, but don’t be afraid to test out different lines and different angles. Posing for the camera is a little different than your standard dance recital, so it’s important to do plenty of test shots to see which angles work best for the camera.
4. Have an Open Mind
A dance photography session can be a challenging experience, but it is an incredibly rewarding one. You will be working with a photographer with a background in dance, so be open to suggestions that help you get the most out of your dance photography session.
5. Communicate With the Photographer After the Shoot
Once your shoot has wrapped up, don’t be afraid to communicate with your photographer. If they have raw images that they can show you before any editing has been done, ask them to see them and let them know which ones you loved and which ones need better. This will give you a much-needed sense of expectation after your photoshoot that you just leave immediately after your photoshoot!