I always love working with Dynamic Perception Dance Team in Westmont, IL. We photograph their company team in their competitive costumes during one photo shoot in the spring, and then follow up about six weeks later with a second photo shoot for their showcase recital. The dancers become very comfortable in front of the camera, and it’s always a lot of fun with the owner and Creative Director, Jessica Garrett.

Our outdoor portraits are usually held across the street from the dance studio at the Ty Warner Park, and then we always come back to get some shots against the brick building. We also always include outdoor head shots. As you can see below, my preference is always a non-smile head shot, as the face is relaxed and the eyes are wide open, but I always take them both ways, no smile and then their gorgeous smile, and the dancers and the company get both to choose from.

I work with a variety of ages and skill levels. Jessica, Alexa and Gwynn and I always come up with a pose or dance move that the dancer is comfortable doing for the camera, and through that collaboration, we always get some stunning images for the dancers.