Members of ITO & the Moonlight Hippies rocked out with music at VegFest in Easton on Saturday September 12, 2020
I recently crossed paths with members of ITO and the Moonlight Hippies in Easton, PA at VegFest 2020. VegFest is a street fair that features food and music. I already had plenty of images of food and now I needed music. Unfortunately, the band was only just setting up and not scheduled to play for nearly an hour. I chatted with them and they were extremely cool and proceeded to give me a preview!
Members of ITO & the Moonlight Hippies rocked out with music at VegFest in Easton on Saturday September 12, 2020Members of ITO & the Moonlight Hippies rocked out with music at VegFest in Easton on Saturday September 12, 2020Members of ITO & the Moonlight Hippies rocked out with music at VegFest in Easton on Saturday September 12, 2020Members of ITO & the Moonlight Hippies rocked out with music at VegFest in Easton on Saturday September 12, 2020
Their music was great and I highly recommend catching them if you can.
Photo commemorating the 9/11 anniversary at Liberty State Park on 9/11/2020. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
Well, it’s 2020, and 9/11 has come and gone once again. I’ve visited the lights and shapes that commemorate 9/11 at Liberty State Park several times. People ask me why I go back more than once. “Don’t I see the same thing every time I go?” Never. This year was special.
Photo commemorating the 9/11 anniversary at Liberty State Park on 9/11/2020. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
Maybe it was because it’s the year of COVID 19 and a pandemic. Maybe it’s because the weather was beautiful this year on 9/11 – just like our weather was on 9/11/01. Maybe it’s because I’ve always lived in the NY/NJ area my entire life. Maybe it’s because I’m a member of my local fire department. Maybe it’s because I love creating images. Maybe it’s because of something else…
World Trade Center Steel on display at the 9/11 anniversary at Liberty State Park on 9/11/2020. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
There’s steel from the World Trade Centers on display in many places including the Greenwich Emergency Squad right here in Stewartsville, NJ. Every time I see it, it gives me chills and goosebumps. I start to think of what this steel must have gone through to look like this. Then I think of what all the people that were in or under the towers must have gone through. Then I think of the families of the survivors…
NYC sky line at the 9/11 anniversary at Liberty State Park on 9/11/2020. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
The NYC sky line is what I’m drawn to first. Even though it’s very familiar to me, it hold a special importance. But this year I also wanted to create some images to put a spiritual connection to what happened here.
Dance portraits for Lucille at SBK in August 2020. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
It felt soooo good to have a dancer in front of my camera again. My Spring is normally filled with recitals but not in Covid 2020.
Lucy’s mom said this was the first year she was on the dance competition team and was so looking forward to her recital. She had all the outfits and wanted some nice photographic memories. I don’t blame her.
When Lucy started posing in her first costume, she said it was from the Dalmations. I said “Oh your a dog? Let’s see you beg?” And this is the adorable pose she did for me
Dance portraits for Lucille at SBK in August 2020. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
From there the cuteness went even higher if that’s even possible!
Dance portraits for Lucille at SBK in August 2020. Photo by DAVE DABOURDance portraits for Lucille at SBK in August 2020. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
Then we settled into the session and went for more candids and artistic poses. I love this one!
Dance portraits for Lucille at SBK in August 2020. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
Lucy and her Mom left with many great images they will treasure forever.
Want some of your own? I’m offering in studio dance portraits for a small deposit that gets applied to your order. Contact me today at dave at dabourphoto.com or 908.995.7273 ti setup your appointment!
Summer Camp photos at the Thomas Stewart Park are finished. Thank you to everyone that showed up for dance portraits!
Did you still want some dance portraits? You can still get them. Simply contact me for a session at my home studio. You will pay a small deposit for the session that then gets applied to your order!
dave@dabourphoto.com or 908-995-7273.
To schedule your appointment at Summer Camp click here.
Dance Portraits in my home studio
Studio Session – available in my home studio in Bloomsbury/Stewartsville area. This will allow the dancer to have a more personalized session, giving the ability to change costumes/outfits in a more relaxed and comfortable setting. $49 session fee (up to 1 hour) that gets applied to your order! Interested? Please email dave@dabourphoto.com or call 908-995-7273 to schedule a time slot
Dave
Original post:
Great news: there will be an opportunity for dance portraits at the SBK Summer Camp this week! I really missed seeing everyone this Spring and creating some dance portraits of the talented SBK dancers!
I will be at the SBK Camp this Wednesday (5 – 6:00 pm) and Thursday (5 – 7:30 pm). These will be outdoor portraits with a natural background. There’s a signup list here I’ll be more than happy to photograph any dancer that wants portraits, however, priority will be given to those who signup in advance. If interested, I can also photograph dance friends and group photos as well.
I’m also offering photo sessions at my home studio. This will allow the dancer to have a more personalized session, giving the ability to change costumes/outfits in a more relaxed and comfortable setting at a very affordable fee. More info below
All of the portraits will be posted in an online gallery where you will be able to “favorite” the ones you love. I’ll forward the link when available.
Prints, print packages and composites (like I do for the candid’s – more info here: Candid Dance Photos) along with digitals are available for purchase. More info below.
Best news of all: no order forms required in advance! Please contact me with any questions.
To schedule your appointment at Summer Camp click here.
Dance Portraits in my home studio
Studio Session – available in my home studio in Bloomsbury/Stewartsville area. This will allow the dancer to have a more personalized session, giving the ability to change costumes/outfits in a more relaxed and comfortable setting. $49 session fee (up to 1 hour) that gets applied to your order! Interested? Please email dave@dabourphoto.com or call 908-995-7273 to schedule a time slot
Products
Prints 3.5×5 $2.99 4×6 $4.99 5×7 $7.99 8×10 $10.99 Plus a lot more!
Packages (available to order via desktop computers only) – starting at $20. Contact me for more options
Composites – love lots of photos? Let me create a composite of several of them together! Starting at $59. Contact me for more information
Digitals $9.99 (web) $49 (full res) each or all photos of dancer $149
All of the premier print lab partners we use to create your photos are back to running at full capacity. Now’s a great time to order any prints/composites you want! We’re ready to make your print dreams come true!
The year is 2020 – the year without the Freddy Awards. Or sort of. Because of the CoronaVirus quarantine, many schools were not able to perform their high school musicals.That would make it unfair to compare them to one another.
Photos of the opening performance at the 2015 Freddy Awards. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
But that doesn’t mean I can’t go back into my archives to relive some of the great moments I’ve experienced since I’ve been photographing them since 2013.
Photos of award presentation at the 2015 Freddy Awards. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
There’s so much to love about the Freddy Awards. The excitement of being in the audience during the live awards is indescribable. The love of theatre and energy in the air is unmeasurable.
Photos of Bangor High School performing “Hairspray” at the 2015 Freddy Awards. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
I always love action photos and there are plenty to choose from
Photos of the “Peep” having extra stage time and attention than what was planned at the 2015 Freddy Awards. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
There’s the special unexpected moments….
Photos of Freddy Awards rehearsal on Saturday May 21, 2016. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
And the special guests
Photos of the 2017 Freddy Award rehearsal on Sunday May 21, 2017. Photo By DAVE DABOUR
The awards show make it all look easy but there are days and hours of rehearsals…
Photos of Freddy Awards rehearsal on Saturday May 21, 2016. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
And the special moments the kids really enjoy!
Photos of the May 21 rehearsal for the 2018 Freddy Awards. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
Did I mention the fantastic lighting? Yep we got that too.
Photos of the 2017 Freddy Award rehearsal on Sunday May 21, 2017. Photo By DAVE DABOUR
There’s alumni that come back on a regular basis and visit the show
Photos of the 2017 Freddy Award rehearsal on Sunday May 21, 2017. Photo By DAVE DABOUR
And so many kids, happy to be there. How they all fit on the stage at once is a miracle at times
Photos of the Freddy Awards 2014 dress rehearsal on Wednesday. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
Put it all together and you have some fantastic moments captured for a lifetime of enjoyment.
I have all of my Freddy Awards photography on my website for viewing and purchase at https://www.dabourphotography.com/Freddy-Awards from 2013 to last year. Sadly there will be no photos from this year. Keep your fingers crossed and prayers for next year.
I invite you to tune into WFMZ tonight at 7 pm to relive memories of past Freddy Awards and scholarship presentations. The broadcast will also be streamed online at http://www.wfmz.com
Here are some additional memories to enjoy. Many, many more on my website!
Photos of the opening performance at the 2015 Freddy Awards. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
Photos of the opening performance at the 2015 Freddy Awards. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
Photos of the opening performance at the 2015 Freddy Awards. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
Photos of the opening performance at the 2015 Freddy Awards. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
Photos of the opening performance at the 2015 Freddy Awards. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
Photos of the opening performance at the 2015 Freddy Awards. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
Photos of the Freddy Awards 2014. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
Photos of the Freddy Awards 2014 dress rehearsal on Wednesday. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
Photos of the May 21 rehearsal for the 2018 Freddy Awards. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
Photos of the May 21 rehearsal for the 2018 Freddy Awards. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
Photos of the May 21 rehearsal for the 2018 Freddy Awards. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
Photos of the May 21 rehearsal for the 2018 Freddy Awards. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
Photos of the 2017 Freddy Award rehearsal on Sunday May 21, 2017. Photo By DAVE DABOUR
Photos of the 2017 Freddy Award rehearsal on Sunday May 21, 2017. Photo By DAVE DABOUR
Photos of the 2017 Freddy Award rehearsal on Sunday May 21, 2017. Photo By DAVE DABOUR
Photos of the 2017 Freddy Award rehearsal on Sunday May 21, 2017. Photo By DAVE DABOUR
Photos of the “Peep” having extra stage time and attention than what was planned at the 2015 Freddy Awards. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
Photos of Freddy Awards rehearsal on Saturday May 21, 2016. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
Photos of Freddy Awards rehearsal on Saturday May 21, 2016. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
Photos of Freddy Awards rehearsal on Saturday May 21, 2016. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
Photos of the 2015 Freddy Awards Opening Number. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
Photos of the 2015 Freddy Awards. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
Photos of Parklan High School performing “Into The Woods” at the 2015 Freddy Awards. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
Photos of award presentation at the 2015 Freddy Awards. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
Photos of award presentation at the 2015 Freddy Awards. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
Photos of Bangor High School performing “Hairspray” at the 2015 Freddy Awards. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
Photos of Bangor High School performing “Hairspray” at the 2015 Freddy Awards. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
Photos of award presentation at the 2015 Freddy Awards. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
Dancers – if your considering going pro and pursuing a career in dancing, I highly recommend you talk to dancers that are doing it today! This is a limited opportunity to listen and perhaps chat with a professional ballet dancer.
Pas de Deux is hosting a free webinar with Houston Ballet principal dancer Karina Gonzalez on Wednesday, May 13, at 2 pm EDT/11 am PDT.
Karina will talk about her journey in becoming a professional dancer and what it’s like. She will also take questions during the webinar from attendees.
This is a fascinating opportunity to hear from a principal dancer from a major ballet company.
Feel free to share this info and the registration link. We are limited to 100 attendees so sign up soon.
Professional pet photographers make it look so easy! Anyone who has tried to photograph their own pet knows how challenging this can be! Here are some pet photography tips that you can use to help you get the perfect shot
If you’re relaxed so will your pet!
Relax. Your pet can sense if you’re nervous or uptight. A stressed animal will give you ‘ears flattened’, ‘concerned eyes’ look, which doesn’t look good. Take a deep breath and remember to have fun with it!
Focus on the eyes
2. Focus n the eyes and expressions. Just like in photos of humans, we always look at the eyes first. The eyes are the most expressive part of an animal’s face. So if you want to create really engaging portraits, focus on their eyes.
Clean up the area
3. Clean up the area. Plan where you want to photograph your pet and make sure it has plenty of light (natural works best – near a window) and tidy it up. Try to avoid distracting and vivid colored objects unless it’s your pet’s favorite.
Get down to their level
4. Photograph at their level. Get down to their level and try some portraits at their eye level. Yes, that might mean getting down and dirty! Or in this case, licked to death!
Photographing your pet near a window makes for great light
5. Go to the light. Light is always important along with great expressions. You want to be able to see the catchlight’s in the pet’s eyes (the white reflective parts). Avoid photographing in dark rooms. Outside is best but avoid bright sunlight as it tends to flatten the image. Shady spots or anyplace where the light is diffused are ideal
Have treats handy
6. Keep treats handy. Every model wants and needs some motivation to pay attention to you during the photoshoot. Otherwise, they will wander off and become distracted.
Plan ahead
7. Plan ahead. Create a concept and a shot list ahead of time. Sure you’re probably not going to get every photograph you plan on but you’ll be ahead of the game. Go to Pinterest or any image gallery and search on “dog/cat/your pet portraits/photographs and see what others have done that you love. There are some great options with holiday themes!
Quiet and calm
8. Quiet and Calm. This goes along with the Relax tip. Avoid giving multiple commands at them repeatedly. This tends to confuse some pets. Try communicating with your pet the way they do to each other – non verbally. Use hand signals or point to invite them ‘over here’.
Move slowly
9. Move slowly. This goes along with the Relax and Quiet and Calm tips. Unless you want action photos of your pet, move in a slow manner to avoid getting your pet all stirred up. If your goal is to get some natural photos of them doing their own thing, this is important as you don’t want to disturb them
Patience
10. Patience. Applies to life in general but like anything else is a virtue. If you are patient enough, your pet will end up being relaxed and you will have more opportunities to get a nice photograph.
What tips do you have? Leave a comment below to share with others!
Photos of the 2019 Freddy Awards on May 23, 2019. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
What we feared most has sadly come true. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, there will be no 2020 Freddy Awards. But wait – all is not lost. WFMZ and the wonderful State Theatre will be having a television special on Thursday, May 21 at 6:30 pm. Details are still being worked out on what will be in the special but I can’t wait!
My favorite photos from last year’s Freddy Awards are currently on display at the Easton Hospital Gallery inside the State Theatre. Of course, no one will be able to see them until we return a little more to the old normal and are able to re-open the theater. In the meantime, I wanted to share a slide show of my photos that are on display in the gallery.
If you see one you love they are for sale by the State Theater. Please contact them to find out how to purchase. Get in touch with me if you have any questions.
