8 Tips for a Stress-Free Dance Photoshoot | Los Angeles Branding Photographer

As a dancer myself, I’m no stranger to being in front of the camera. It’s a skillset that serves me well as a brand photographer, because I know firsthand what’s worked - and what hasn’t - when shooting, not only for dance portraits but for other types of sessions as well. Before your next session, whether you’re shooting in studio or outdoor dance photography, check out the following tried-and-true tips to ensure a seamless and stress-free photoshoot experience!

Before Your Shoot:

1. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

This cannot be stated enough, and that’s why every photographer will suggest this long before your personal photoshoot - hydration is KEY. Not only will you feel better, but your skin will glow, your focus will be sharper during your shoot, and you’ll be able to execute your movement to the true best of your ability. Don’t skip your water!!! 

Bonus points if you limit your caffeine the day-of - I’m not saying you need to sacrifice it entirely (I love me some coffee, matcha, etc etc) but it is dehydrating and can contribute to photoshoot nerves. Extra bonus points if you skip alcohol the night before too (also dehydrating, can make you look more tired, and no one needs a headache the morning of a shoot!)

2. Work on stamina-building exercises in the leadup to your shoot.

Listen, dance photoshoots can be intense. We’ve all been there - it’s the middle of a shoot, you’ve already gotten a lot accomplished, but there’s still more outfits to capture, more movements to nail, and your energy levels are dragging. Before you reach for the caffeine (see above!), make sure you’re prepped in advance of the shoot by engaging in more stamina-building work - think a mix of cardio, strength training, and yoga or pilates. Not only will you have more energy for your shoot, but it’ll also help with injury prevention as well (tired dancers can very easily become injured dancers, and we definitely don’t want that to happen).

3. Practice your poses beforehand and coordinate a shot list with your photographer.

Dancers are used to thinking on the spot - it’s a huge part of what we do! But on a shoot day, when there’s a million other things to think of all at once, having an idea of what you want to capture already established will make the whole shoot process easier. Brainstorm some poses and movements ahead of time, and make sure to coordinate with your photographer too. At The Girl With Glass, we’ll collaborate on a Pinterest board with you and cultivate a customized shot list together to make sure you hit every single mark!

4. Pack your bag - and then some.

There is nothing - and I mean, NOTHING - worse than arriving at your shoot and opening your bag to find you’re missing that one outfit piece that tied your whole look together (and I would know from experience). Two days before your shoot, lay out all the pieces you’ll need, whether that’s clothing, shoes, props, or any other pieces critical to your shoot. Why two days? If you need time to wash something, or if your favorite shirt is missing a button, or if you realize you’re out of doublestick tape, you’ll have time to get everything together with much less stress. While you’re at it, pack a few extra pieces - another shirt, leotard, or pair of shoes. As much as we like to feel in total control of our surroundings, sometimes stains, tears, and holes happen, and having a couple backup pieces can make a big difference in making sure you achieve all your goals on shoot day!

During Your Shoot:

5. Be sure to be on time.

I know your dance educators hammered this one home, but it’s so true - punctuality is key. Being on time ensures that you have, well, enough time. Leaving the house a little early ensures that potential traffic snafus or parking difficulties don’t contribute to any pre-shoot nerves. Once you’re at your location, you’ll want time to put your bag down, stretch, lay out your outfit options so they don’t wrinkle, and fix any last-minute hair and makeup touch-ups. And this is all before the photographer starts shooting! This way, once you get in front of the camera, you’re able to feel present and settled in the moment, which will help you shine your very best. 

6. Make sure you’re warm, and that you stay warm!

No one likes a pulled muscle. This is sort of piggybacking off of #2 - not only do you need to put in the stamina-building work beforehand, you also need to make sure your muscles are staying warm while shooting. If you have a break, don’t just sit down - although rest is important during a shoot, try to make it an active rest break by incorporating some stretches. Sitting on the floor? Sit cross-legged, reach your arms up overhead, then lean forward, switching the crossing of your legs after 30 seconds. Are you standing off to the side? Work through your feet with tendus and prances, keeping all those tiny muscles stretchy instead of stiff. This helps minimize the risk of injury and again, makes sure you capture your moves at the peak of your ability!

7. Communicate with your photographer.

Broadly speaking, photographers want to know how you’re feeling throughout your shoot, and 9 out of 10 photographers will be checking in with you to make sure you’re comfortable, feeling good, and capturing all your target shots (and if your photographer isn’t checking in with you or ensuring that you feel comfortable… #redflag). That said, if something hurts, you want to try something different, or you just need a breather, please speak up, regardless of where you’re at in the shooting process! When I’m behind the camera, your comfort, happiness, and confidence are my top priority.

8. Have fun!

Having your picture taken should be a fun time for all - but most especially, for you the client! Relax your shoulders, shake it out, and be yourself - it’s the best person to be. Don’t be afraid to get a little silly too! It helps with any last nerves, and making yourself laugh is a proven boost of endorphins, which is always a good thing. There’s nobody else like you in the world, and it’s my job to capture your awesome dance artistry and all that makes you who you are.

I hope these little nuggets of advice are helpful - that said, let me know what you think! I always want to hear your feedback. You can send me a DM on Instagram @girl.with.glass, drop me a line at elizabeth@thegirlwithglass.com or message me via the Contact page. 

Until next time!

All my love,

Elizabeth