Author: believerkate

summer-dance-photoshoot-city

Tips for Action and Dance Photography

dance photography

It’s been said time and again that the best camera is the one that’s in your hands, and for the most part, that’s true. BUT, there are a few things to consider to ensure that you are capturing stellar action shots.

1. Equipment. Every photographer will have their personal preference and equipment of choice. The camera and lens that I currently use have been around for a bit, and there are mirrorless cameras out there that in many ways can outperform my DSLR, but for now, my trusty Canon 5D Mark IV and 24-70mm f/2.8 lens are my go-to choice when it comes to capturing dance and action photos. The Canon 24-70 f/2.8 is a fast lens that grabs and holds focus and has been reliable time and again for capturing and freezing motion. The Canon 70-200mm is also an excellent sports lens, but is quite heavy and not for everyone. Camera settings that are essential for capturing action shots are high speed continuous shooting and high shutter speeds. I set my shutter speed at a minimum of 1/500 (preferably 1/1200+ if the lighting allows). The faster shutter speeds freeze the motion, so your dancer’s action is sharp and not blurred.

2. Choose a location that does not compete with the dancer. The focus of your image is the dancer. Choose locations that enhance and allow the dancer to be the main focus. Architecture and cities are my go-to location of choice for dance photography. The dancer doesn’t get “lost” in abundant florals in nature but rather stands out and strikes a beautiful balance of strength and grace among tall buildings and architecture.

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3. Focus on their strengths. Every dancer is unique and will have different strengths that they want to accentuate and have captured. Ask them what their favorite moves, jumps, leaps, or poses are, and highlight those strengths in the images you capture for them.

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4. Anticipate the movement. Communicate with the dancer and plan what motion or jump they are going to be doing, so you can anticipate where they will be performing the move. This allows you to have your focus points and settings selected ahead of time, which will prevent your dancer from having to repeatedly jump and pose before the perfect shot is accomplished.

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5. Count down for them. This is another step that helps both you as the photographer and the dancer to prevent the necessity of repeated jumps and more. You are both in sync with the motion and timing, so it can be perfectly captured. Are you ready to get out there and capture some dance photos? 5, 6, 7, 8, GO!

What to Wear to a Senior City Session

What to Wear

Closeup-of-senior-girl-wearing-sage-green-top-in-city-setting-parking-deck

What to Wear

for Your Senior

City Session

One of the biggest concerns that is expressed time and again when seniors book their senior photo session is that they don’t know what to wear. The options are endless, and finding the perfect outfits can be a daunting task, but I’m here to help! Here are my top 5 suggestions when planning outfits for your senior city session. If your session is located in nature, you can read my what to wear guide for senior nature sessions here.

  1. Bring a leather jacket or vest. Black is classic, but don’t shy away from other options. Feel free to bring a pop of color to your session. In the summer season when a leather jacket is too toasty, opt for a vest with fringe or texture to add an element of interest.
  1. Add a hat. Hats level up any outfit and can be used as an accessory and a prop. Whether it’s a fedora, a beret, a newsboy/fiddler cap, or another style of your choice, hats bring a great variety to your photos. Choose one that makes you feel comfortable and confident.
senior city photo session
  1. A patterned or floral dress, romper, or jumpsuit. Depending on the season, you can layer this look if needed during the colder months. A pattern of some sort makes you stand out amongst the architectural city backdrop.
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  1. A solid color that “pops.” Hot pink was all the rage this summer. That will change with seasons and fashion trends, so choose a color that is currently trending or that you feel fabulous in, and have some fun making a statement.
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  1. Jeans and a basic T or top. You can’t go wrong with this classic wardrobe staple, and it works with essentially any backdrop throughout the city, allowing you to get a wide variety of photos in a short period of time. Choose a style that you love, and you’re good to go!

Looking for more ideas on what to wear and how to prepare for your senior session? Check out the session guide at the link below.

session guide

What to Wear for a Senior Nature Session

What to Wear

What to Wear

for a Senior

Nature Session

One of the biggest barriers to overcome when planning your photo session is coming up with what to wear. Whether it’s figuring out how many outfits to bring, or not knowing what will look best at the location, it’s all a bit daunting. Fear not. Following are my top five recommendations that will have you ready to rock your session in no time!

Senior summer photo session
  1. Bring a sunhat or fedora. A hat is the number one accessory that takes any outfit to the next level. Sunhats are gorgeous for the warmer seasons, and fedoras are fabulous once the cooler weather hits. Whether used as props or accessories, hats provide great variety to your photos.
  1. Add a dress. Dresses are the outfit of choice to add an element of movement to your photos. Choose a style that fits your personality and that you feel comfortable and confident in. Whether it’s a mini, midi, or maxi, dresses are a go-to outfit, particularly in warm weather seasons.
  1. Make a statement with a solid color that “pops.” Hot pink was all the rage this summer. That will change with seasons and fashion trends, so choose a color that is currently trending or that you feel fabulous in and have some fun! Bonus tip: complementary colors naturally “pop” when put together. For example, a red dress in a field of green or a purple outfit next to yellow wildflowers will naturally grab your attention.
  1. Throw in a patterned or floral dress, romper, or jumpsuit. Depending on the season, you can layer this look if needed during the colder months. Patterns and florals can be tricky at times when photographing in nature, as we don’t want the backdrop to compete with our look. Location and outfit planning is key to ensure that the best floral or patterned outfits are selected to be in harmony with the surrounding beauty in nature. When done right, it’s gorgeous!
  1. Don’t forget your jeans and a top of choice. Jeans are a wardrobe staple and can be dressed up or down and worn with a variety of tops to achieve countless looks with ease. The seasons will determine what type of tops you pair with your jeans. Whether it’s a basic T or a faux fur jacket, you can’t go wrong.

For more helpful tips on wardrobe options for each season, check out the pro seasonal tips in this session guide. Want to see more images from stellar senior sessions? Click the link below.

show me more senior sessions