2022 Year in Review

2022 made with a long exposure of sparklers

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.
  • 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!

Dave

Headshots for Imani

New Jersey – Lehigh Valley Portrait Photography

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.

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!

Family Portraits on a Cold Day!

New Jersey Family Portrait Photography

2022 Family portraits for the Travisano family in Clinton on a blustery day in November 2022. Photo by DAVE DABOUR

I’ve had the pleasure of photographing this family for the last several years. It’s a pure joy watching the kids grow up.

2022 Family portraits for the Travisano family in Clinton on a blustery day in November 2022. Photo by DAVE DABOUR

The story behind these photos is the weather. There were gusty winds with unseasonably chilly temperatures that day. I must say everyone did a great job!!!

When was the last time your family portraits were updated? Let’s schedule some time and get ‘er done! We can pick a warmer day than this or better yet in my studio.

Family Portraits for the Wolcott Family

New Jersey & Lehigh Valley Family Portrait Photographer

Family portraits for the Wolcott family in December 2022. Photo by DAVE DABOUR

Family portraits in the fall and around the holidays are the best! The Wolcott family has been trusting me with them for years. Watching the handsome boys grow up is a treasure!

Photographing a 2 1/2-year-old does have its challenges. And rewards.

What started out with a nice portrait of Blake and Kyle quickly turned into a “what about me?” moment for Colby! LOL

Family portraits for the Wolcott family in December 2022. Photo by DAVE DABOUR

But the portrait at the end is the reward!

Family portraits for the Wolcott family in December 2022. Photo by DAVE DABOUR

When was the last time you updated your family portraits? Now booking family portrait sessions. Contact me for more information and to book your session!

Holiday Dance Portraits for Molly

New Jersey & Lehigh Valley Dance Photographer

Holiday Light dance portraits for Molly and Jordin. Photo by DAVE DABOUR

I’ve been lucky enough to photograph Molly for several years now. At first, she wasn’t crazy and portraits. Now she jumps at the chance! 🙂

Molly’s long-time friend Jordin also had holiday dance portraits done at the same time. We got some fantastic group poses!

Ready for your holiday dance portraits? Now booking sessions. Contact me for more information and to schedule yours!

Holiday Dance Portraits for Jordin

New Jersey – Lehigh Valley Dance Photographer

Holiday Light dance portraits for Molly and Jordin. Photo by DAVE DABOUR

Jordin did a great job with her holiday dance portrait session. She did the session with a long-time dance friend of Her’s

Holiday Light dance portraits for Molly and Jordin. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
Holiday Light dance portraits for Molly and Jordin. Photo by DAVE DABOUR
Holiday Light dance portraits for Molly and Jordin. Photo by DAVE DABOUR

Molly and Jordin. I believe this was the first try! We took several more, but this was the keeper!

Ready for your holiday dance portraits? Now booking sessions. Contact me for information and to schedule now!

Best Images of 2022 Winner

© 2022 Dave Dabour

I am so honored to have one of my images selected and featured in Behind the Shutter magazine as image of the year!

To see some of the other wonderful images selected, please click here.

Are you ready for your family holiday portrait? Now booking sessions. Contact me for details.

Dance portraits for Natalee

New Jersey – Lehigh Valley Dance Photographer

© 2018 Dave Dabour

I love creating dance composites. This one popped up in my memories recently for one I created for Natalee. I love going into the same dance studio year after year and creating these and watching the dancers grow up!

Dance portraits sessions available. For more information please contact me.

The Name of My Reindeer?

New Jersey – Lehigh Valley Family Photographer

At the end of a family portrait session with one of my favorite families who’s also a dancer, on the way out he turns to me and says, “what’s the name of the reindeer?” I replied hesitantly “while I don’t know. I don’t think he has a name. What name should I give him?” Blake thinks a moment and then says “Dancer!”

Of course, it’s Dancer! Not only because he’s always dancing around in the wind, but I photograph a lot of dancers!!! LOL