Many dancers who have dedicated years of their life to the art of dance may have seen beautiful photos of others dancers and thought, "I want a photo shoot too!" If you have experienced that thought, regardless of the kind of dancer you are here are five tips to help you feel ready for your photo shoot experience.
1. Attire
The most frequent question that is asked by dancers is a question that most clients in general wonder when going into a shoot; "What should I wear?" Keep it simple. If you were shooting with me I would tell you to come in a leotard, a simple dress, or a neutral colored shirt with dark bottoms. Unless this photo shoot is for a concept that requires a unique outfit or your dance style is one that calls for outfits out of those mentioned above then especially as a minimalist dance photographer I will tell you to again, keep it simple.
2. Location
If you have a spot that you would love to shoot at, go for it. Having said that let me tell you what I have found throughout shooting the past years: where you shoot is not as important as who you shoot. What matters far more than the location is you as the dancer, your technique and style. When you see photos on dance magazines, Instagram and Facebook which photos make you go "wow"? You may be surprised to notice that the backgrounds may be a simple backdrop or a place that does not take attention away from the dancer. The highlight is you, not the spot. If you are looking for a specific place, pick one that you would mean a lot to you, or again if this is for a concept pick a place that compliments your theme. Besides that, I would love to tell you, don't stress about it. :)
3. Time
If you are doing a photo shoot outdoors, go with the morning. What I appreciate most with my dancers is their willingness to take on the task of waking up early to shoot in the morning. Why? I firmly believe that the natural lighting for dancers is best at that time. I hold much respect to those who prefer to shoot during the afternoon, but I love the morning clouds and also would rather know that the lighting will be nice and even for the shoot even if you run late. The risk with afternoon shoots is that if the client falls behind on schedule, you may not have time or light left. Though I have had successful shoots during the day, I would recommend mornings.
4. When am I ready?
As artists, dancers often have something to express; a message they consciously or subconsciously convey through movement. The question as to when you are ready for a shoot is up to you to decide. As a dance photographer I feel that if you have found your dance style, if you have noticed that there are specific poses that you find yourself doing, you are more than ready to have your movement be photographed. The most beautiful shots I have been privileged to take are ones when the dancers have their own poses, their own movement. It is beautiful not only because of the technique but because it holds something precious to them. I want to shoot you of course as a dancer, but I want to shoot you as a person and what you have to share.
5. General Advice?
Lastly, here are a few notes of advice to you especially if you shoot with me.
If we shoot outdoors, you know it will most likely be in the morning. Bring warm socks. Bring extremely warm socks. Also if it is in the morning be ready to make the sacrifice for yourself of waking up early. If convenience is your goal then we are not a good match! I shoot mornings for the art of photography, not so much because I like the idea of making people wake up early for the sake of waking people up early. Now if we do a studio shoot or we are shooting in an area where there is even lighting throughout most of the day (like my new area here in Portland) things will be much different and we both may get better sleep :).
Prepare ahead of time. There is nothing like going into a shoot knowing that your signature poses are refined. I will definitely help your shots be as beautiful as can be, having the perspective of a dancer myself but as a photographer I always appreciate it when clients are prepared and ready for what they are investing in.
Be ready to do improvisation. Not only is it my favorite style of dance, but some of my most successful shots have been found while the dancer was doing improv. I truly love this style of dance because it helps me see who you are, and often the best shots are done through it.
I hope that this has helped you feel more prepared for your photo shoot. These tips I wanted to share with you not so much to feel generous on this Monday morning, but for the art of dance and my love for it. If you have any more questions feel free to drop them down below.
M Kat