Before the Shoot

I always think of a dance shoot as a performance, which means it is always good to prepare beforehand.

The week before your shoot, I will get in touch and discuss what you'd like to achieve from the photoshoot. For example, are these photos going to be presents for family members or are they for you to use on Social Media to promote yourself?

• A dance shoot can come in a variety of styles. It could be pure to just one genre, i.e. Ballet, or a fashion shoot with dance positions incorporated into it, or it could be more about the dance tricks you can do.
• I always suggest looking at Pinterest and Instagram for ideas so that you can practise some poses beforehand, but don't worry I can always help with posing.

Things to think about:

• Backdrops - urban or rural?
• What outfits do you love? I'd recommend not having clothing with big logos on unless you'd like to use them to advertise the company. Avoid bold patterns as these can be distracting to look at.
• Do you have a colour scheme?
• Bring a coat or blanket to wrap up in between photos as it's important to keep muscles warm so you don't injure yourself..
• Hair styling is important. Bring hair spray, brush etc. Many dancers like the idea of their hair being long and loose and this can look very beautiful, but remember, with an outdoor shoot you can never predict the weather! Wind blowing hair into the face doesn't produce a professional look. Also, when jumping, hair has a habit of forming weird and wonderful clumps and therefore can ruin what could have been an amazing leap shot.
• I advise using a small suitcase on wheels if you have one - it is so much more relaxing than lugging a bag on your shoulder.

Day of the Shoot

My first objective is to make you feel completely at ease, have FUN and make you look AMAZING.

We will meet at the discussed location, have a chat and look at the outfits you have chosen and possible poses you'd like me to capture.

• If it is a cold day I always start with the least warm clothing as the buzz of the shoot will make you forget the elements that we are faced with. As we tire I will always finish with the warmest outfit as a comfort for all the hard work you have done.
• I will start with simple poses to get you to relax and feel comfortable in front of the camera.
• I have a big sheet for you to change behind for privacy.
• When hitting a pose, whether it be an Attitude or a Leap, I will count you in so that we work as one and I can click at just the right moment.
• I will always ask you to repeat a pose just so that it gives you the opportunity to think not only about the leg lines, arm lines and upper body but also whether your face looks relaxed and you haven't closed the eyes. It is hard work -- but fun. As dancers we are very critical of ourselves and it's important for me that I check you are positioned correctly and looking FABULOUS. Giving ourselves options so that we ensure we capture the perfect photo is far better than being disappointed.