Dance portraits with Molly in the early morning after an overnight snowfall. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
I’ll start this story by pointing out that I have had the privilege of photography Molly for several years.
Molly has been dancing for many years as her older sisters also dance.
I’ve always wanted to create some snow dance portrait images. So, I started collecting names of interested dancers. Then waited. And waited. And waited some more on this snowless winter of 2022-23!
Then finally snow was in the forecast. Several dancers replied they were interested but ONLY if school was closed (it was an overnight snowfall). One of the dancers. Molly said if she only had a delayed opening, she would be willing to get up early for this! A teenager who would be willing to give up sleep in the morning to go outside and freeze for the art of dance photography. How can I say no to that! She’s a trooper!
New Jersey Dance Photography – Lehigh Valley Dance Photographer.
Regular readers of my blog know that I specialize in dance photography, but I wanted to let others know what types of dance photography services are available.
Holy Communion images created just for Sophia K. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
First Holy Communion is a momentous time in your child’s life. The moment needs to be captured to mark the occasion and to look back on it in the future.
What to wear for first holy communion portraits
Traditional attire for girls. Girls usually will wear the dress or outfit they will be wearing at the service. Typically, this is a white dress that can be suited to your style and budget
Traditional attire for boys. Boy will put on a suit perhaps for the first time in their life! If not a suit, then whatever they will be wearing at the service. Simple shirt and slacks is fine if a suit is not appropriate
Holy communion photos for Tia in 2018. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
Where to take first holy communion portraits
Indoor options. The ideal location is my photography studio. This is ideal because it’s weather independent and the lighting and backdrop will be perfect. If that’s not an option, then someplace with good lighting, near a large window that faces north
Outdoor options. If an outdoor location is desired, you need to think about lighting and backdrop. Try to avoid direct sunlight. A nice, shaded area works well. Then concentrate on what the background of the photo will be. Look for something that is not distracting from your beautiful child.
How to prepare for first holy communion portraits
Skincare and grooming tips. Make sure their hair, face and exposed skin is clean and well groomed. Avoid too much sun leading up to the day of the portrait.
Tips for posing. Besides having a traditional pose of them looking at the camera, try some poses with them looking to the side and up. Also, if they have any props like rosary beads, they can look at them.
Tips for getting the perfect shot. Have the pose on the floor, sitting as well as standing. Kneeling is also another favorite and something they will most likely be doing at the church. Of course, you must keep in mind their attention span. Take too long and you will not have treasured memories. This is why using a professional photographer is recommended. They know how to pose and move quickly. Besides your child is more likely to cooperate with someone they don’t (yet) know.
Creative ideas for first holy communion portraits
Including family members and friends. This is a wonderful time to include other family members in the photo once you get enough of your child by themselves.
Incorporating religious symbols and props. Rosary beads, a bible and or a prayer book make wonderful props for these types of memories.
Candid shots versus posed shots. In between posed shots, get some photos of your child just being themselves. Also get some images of them not looking at the camera and/or interacting with other people
I realize all of this sounds like a lot of work and time. It can be. But it’s an important milestone in your child’s life they will enjoy looking back on when they get older. They will realize the importance of family and recognize these accomplishments and want to pass them onto their family.
Does all of this sound wonderful but you don’t have the expertise to do it yourself? I’m running a limited time special on first holy communion portraits. Contact me today to schedule your session!
Holiday Lights dance portraits for Alexandria. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
It’s never too late for some holiday lights themed dance portraits!
Here’s a sneak peek at some from Alexandria dance portrait session. Alexandria is a member of the Phillipsburg HSDance team and also attends dance at Art of Dance in Bethlehem, PA
I’ve had the pleasure of photographing ShowKids Invitation Theatre (SKIT) for over 25 years! They’re a wonderful community theatre group that features youth actors.
I had an absolute blast creating these publicity photos. All three of these actors are great and this will be a must-see show!
By many standards, 2022 was a wonderful year! It finally felt like things were back to normal in many (but not all) ways!
2022 had me creating over 130,000 images. These do not include the freelance images created for photojournalism. I keep them on a separate laptop.
I transitioned all my video delivery to online only. This allowed me to deliver higher quality video that can be seen on more platforms. My videos had over 1600 views from over 700 unique viewers of which 1000 of them were on mobile devices! Total time watched amounted to 63 days, 19 hours, 38 minutes and 13 seconds worth of content!
Notable highlights:
In 2022 I added two new dance studios and greatly expanded my rain machine offering. I also offered new types of dance portraits sessions and continued with some tried and true.
It was a year of change as well. I will be dropping an existing dance studio and most likely another.
I was honored to have one of my images selected as Best of 2022 for Behind the Shutter magazine!
I attended two professional photography training conferences (Imaging USA and Pas De Deux). I believe in staying up to date and current as much as possible.
I provided photography services for Fairleigh Dickerson University, a new client
I expanded my volume sports photography coverage and picked up a new softball league, new field hockey league, and a new soccer league.
The 2022 Freddy Awards was back to in-person which was great!
I photographed my first Bat Mitsvah as well as an event photographer for “Make Your Mark” for another temple.
One of the highlights of the year was the popularity of my expanded rain machine experience! Everyone who participated enjoyed themselves. This will be expanded even further next summer!
My photo booth was very popular in 2022 as well despite losing one school dance I’ve done for years
I provided commercial still and video images for an illusionist at the State theatre in Easton, PA
In late summer I offered my first ever “skirts and scarves” sessions which was a blast to do and another big hit!
There were plenty of headshot sessions, theatrical performances, dancers, recitals, senior sessions to name a few.
So, what’s ahead for 2023? Plenty!
Plan on having a dance portrait session in NYC with a group of pre-professional dancers
As long as mother nature cooperates, we look forward to having some dance portraits created in the snow!
My rain machine experience will be expanded and offered earlier and more often this summer
I plan to attend more professional training in Chicago as well as photograph dancers while there from across the US.
More dance portrait sessions of various types
I would be honored to have you come along for the journey! Let me know what I can do for you or your organization as far as photography or videography is concerned. Contact me for more information. I can’t wait to meet you!
Head shot for Imani in November 2022. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
I’ve had the pleasure of photographing Imai for many years. She’s a musical theatre major in college. I first met her in Middle School theatre and then community theatre.
Head shot for Imani in November 2022. Photo by DAVE DABOURHead shot for Imani in November 2022. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
Actors need to keep their headshots up to date – especially if they want to go for a different part.
I now offer headshot resumes. You 8×10 headshot on one side and your acting resume on the back.
Contact me for more information and to setup your session!
Dabour Photography 