Mar 17, 20232 min read

5 Tips to Rock Your Next Dance Photoshoot

Updated: Mar 18, 2023

Don't know how to get ready for your dance photoshoot? Dance sessions are a little different than a regular portrait session and require different steps to prepare. Here are 5 tips to make sure you totally rock your next round of dance photos!

1) Experiment with posing BEFORE your session!

Feeling underprepared is never a great feeling and while your photographer may be able to help you with posing, it's always a good idea to have a few great poses ready to go. You can use Pinterest, etc. to help you compile photos for inspiration but the best thing you can do is take lots of selfies! This will help you find your best angles and will help you feel more comfortable being in front of a camera.

2) Know your strengths

Before choosing posing, take a look at what you're best at and make sure you're showcasing those things. Focusing on poses that require a lot of flexibility when that isn't one of your strengths may lead to unflattering photos. Maybe you don't have a lot of flexibility but you're great at jumping, balancing, or strongly emoting when you perform. Find the things that make you look your best (and don't be afraid to experiment!).

3) Warm Up (I repeat, PLEASE WARM UP!)

You would never waltz into an important performance without properly warming up so why would you for your dance photos? Warming up properly will help you look your best, reach your full range of motion, and more importantly, will help you avoid injury.

4) Dress appropriately

This point is actually a two-for-one. First, it's important to wear clothing that keeps your body warm while you're on your way to your session. You may have to sit through hair and makeup, etc. and it's important to keep your muscles nice and warm to avoid any injuries. Layers are your friend!

Second, make sure you thoroughly check the wardrobe for your session. You should be able to move comfortably and freely without any costume malfunctions. Sometimes wardrobe can appear to have adequate coverage until you start moving around so it's important to test things out before the day of your session.

5) Make a playlist

Music makes the world go 'round! But seriously, music can really set the tone for your session so you should definitely create a playlist that gives you the vibe you're going for. It will help you relax in front of the camera and get you in the dancing mood.

I hope these tips help you slay your next dance photo session! Do you have other favorite ways to get ready for dance photos? Drop them in the comments below!