In the competitive world of dance, first impressions are everything. For many ballet schools, these impressions are formed through your audition photos. It’s astonishing to think that after years of rigorous training and countless hours refining the smallest details of your technique, the first round of selections at many prestigious institutions is often based solely on a set of images. Beyond auditions, high-quality dance photography also plays a crucial role in building a professional and captivating social media presence. In today’s digital age, where visibility can be a powerful asset, investing in professional images can create new opportunities and leave a lasting impression on a dancer’s career.
The Role of High-Quality Photography in Audition Portfolios
Dance is an art form defined by precision, grace, and emotion. A strong portfolio should capture these qualities, showcasing a dancer’s technical ability, lines, and artistry. Audition panels and artistic directors often review hundreds—if not thousands—of applications, making it vital for dancers to stand out with images that highlight their strengths and reflect their commitment to their training.
For programs like the Royal Ballet Intensives, clear, well-lit photos demonstrating strong technique and pure lines are a must. Many prestigious institutions have specific requirements regarding angles, attire, and poses, so dancers should familiarise themselves with the guidelines before scheduling a shoot. Practising the required poses in advance ensures a polished presentation. While professional photography isn’t mandatory for audition applications, it provides a significant advantage by capturing a dancer’s best features, meeting technical requirements, and alleviating much of the stress associated with the application process.
Finding the Right Photographer
Choosing the right dance photographer is just as important as selecting the right dance coach. Not all photographers understand the nuances of dance technique, so working with someone who specialises in dance photography is crucial. Here are a few key things to look for:
Understanding of dance technique: A skilled dance photographer, preferably with a strong dance background, will help with correct alignment, posture, and placement, ensuring that each pose reflects pure technique.
Experience in audition photography: A photographer familiar with audition requirements will know how to produce images that meet strict application standards.
Ability to give direction: A great photographer helps dancers feel comfortable, offering corrections and posing suggestions that enhance the final product.
Portfolio quality: Review a photographer’s previous work—do their images showcase correct technique from a flattering angle with well-balanced lighting? Do they effectively highlight the dancer’s strengths and artistry?
Maximising a Budget for a Photoshoot
Professional photography is an investment, but there are ways to make it work within different budgets. Here are a few strategies:
Split a session with a friend: Some photographers (myself included) offer better rates for their larger packages. Instead of booking a smaller, more expensive session, consider sharing a larger session with a friend to get more value for your money.
Book in advance: Audition deadlines can be strict, and photographers need time to edit images. Last-minute bookings often come with rush fees, so scheduling a session well ahead of time can help avoid extra costs.
Organise a mini shoot day: If multiple dancers at your school need audition photos, consider coordinating a mini shoot day. Many photographers offer discounted rates for group bookings, making it an affordable way to get professional-quality images.
Making the Most of Your Photoshoot
Once the shoot is booked, preparation is key. Here’s how dancers can ensure they make the most of their session:
Know your audition requirements: Research the specific photo guidelines for your target schools or intensives so you don’t waste time on unnecessary shots.
Choose the right attire: Classic lines, cuts, and colours are ideal for audition photos. If no specific colours are required, pastel leotards for girls and monochrome tights, socks, and shoes for boys are recommended. Soft tones enhance alignment, while monochrome attire elongates leg lines.
Warm up properly: It may seem obvious, but many dancers skip warming up before their shoot. A proper warm-up not only reduces the risk of injury but also enhances posture and flexibility—I’ve seen dramatic improvements in photos simply from warming up the dancers if they haven’t done so prior.
Work on the poses in advance: Spend time in front of a mirror or take practice photos to refine your technique and train your muscle memory.
Trust your photographer: A professional will guide you to capture your best moments—be open to their suggestions and direction.
Do’s and Don’ts of Dance Photography
Do’s:
- Do wear form-fitting, classic attire: Ill-fitting leotards, with fancy straps or gathers, can obscure lines and detract from your physique.
- Do prioritise clean technique: Focus on precise, well-placed lines rather than extreme extensions with poor form. Prestigious schools look for a solid technical foundation they can build upon, not bad habits they need to correct.
- Do keep facial expressions natural: Over-exaggerated expressions can appear unnatural; instead, focus on conveying genuine artistry.
- Do review images as you go: Taking breaks to check images helps make adjustments in real-time for better results. I always shoot tethered, meaning you’ll have the opportunity to see your images on a laptop as we go.
Don’ts:
- Don’t rush through poses: Stay calm and take time to create your purest, clean, intentional lines.
- Don’t over-edit your photos: Trust your photographer’s expertise. Applying additional edits after receiving your images can lead to an unnatural, over-processed look, which can be a major disadvantage for audition submissions.
- Don’t choose a photographer solely based on price: A cheap session with a photographer inexperienced or unfamiliar with dance may not provide the quality needed for a standout portfolio.
DIY Dance Photography: Capturing Strong Images Without a Professional
- Prioritise natural light: Soft, even lighting (such as early morning or late afternoon) will enhance clarity and definition. Stand in front of a large window if you can.
- Opt for a clean, uncluttered background: A plain wall or a well-lit studio ensures the focus remains on the dancer. Avoid positioning yourself in front of a barre, as it can unintentionally draw attention to alignment in a way that may not be flattering.
- Shoot from the right angles: A slightly lower angle can elongate lines and enhance poses.
- Review and refine: Take multiple shots and adjust placement, posture, and angles as needed.
A strong dance photo portfolio is a dancer’s visual résumé—it represents technique, artistry, and professionalism. Investing in high-quality photography can significantly impact audition success and online presence. By understanding what makes a great photo, preparing thoroughly, and making informed choices, dancers can elevate their portfolios and confidently present themselves to the world.
In dance photography, every image is a reflection of your artistry and dedication—make sure yours leaves a lasting impression. 
Jacqueline is a former professional dancer, experienced dance teacher, and the founder of Everline Imagery. She now combines her deep understanding of dance with her passion for photography to capture and empower dancers through her business Everline Imagery and on Instagram.