Dance FAQs
Here are some of the most common questions I get from dancers, dance families, and studios.
General FAQs
Do you shoot in-studio or on location?
I do both! It all depends on what type of dance photos we’re taking.
I typically take recital photos or competition photos on-location at the dance studio. Individual dance portraits can be done in my studio or on-location (at the dance studio or out in the community).
What age of dancers do you work with?
I love working with dancers of any age! I photograph tiny dancers in their first tutus, adults who have been dancing for decades, and everyone in between.
There’s something so special about building relationships with the dancers over the years, watching as they grow in knowledge, skill, and, most importantly, confidence.
Do you specialize in photographing a certain style of dance?
I do it all! Jazz, hip hop, pom, ballet, pointe, lyrical, tap… you get the idea. I’ve photographed just about every style of dance.
What backdrops do you have?
I have solid black or high-key white, which I typically use for recital portraits, competition team photos, or high school team photos. I work with the dance studio or team coach to determine what background color will suit the dancers’ costumes best.
I also have professional marley dance floors to match the backdrops (white and black) that I set up on location for the safety of the dancers.
For 1-on-1 spotlight sessions, my studio in downtown Cedar Rapids (the old Smulekoff’s building) is a popular choice. The exposed brick walls and original wood flooring create a warm, rustic background that still lets the dancer shine as the focal point of the photos! I have a marley floor set up there, too.
We can also take your dance skills out into the real world and let our community be the background! There are so many places in Cedar Rapids and the surrounding areas where we can combine your talent with the scenery to create stunning, artistic images.
What is the best way to contact you?
I am easy to get ahold of! I respond to text, phone, or email - but the fastest way to reach me will always be text. (Seriously, don’t be afraid to text me!)
Phone: 319-366-8689
Recital Photo FAQs
Are parents allowed in the room during dance recital photos?
I like to treat dance photos like a normal dance class - just the instructor in the room, no parents. I know parents have good intentions, but I’ve found that having them in the room tends to distract the dancers (especially the little ones!).
It also tends to slow down the process, and with dozens of dancers to get through, it’s important to stick to the photo schedule as closely as we can. With the large backdrop, the room is often already fairly crowded, too.
Rest assured that between the instructor and I, we know what to look for to make sure your dancer looks their best!
I’m a dance parent, and my dancer is pretty shy. Should I be worried?
Everyone gets shy in front of the camera sometimes! But there’s no need to be worried.
Over the last 20 years, I’ve had plenty of practice helping dancers relax and find their confidence in front of the camera. Together, their instructors and I can coax out those smiles and make sure I capture their personalities on camera!
I run a dance studio, and I’m looking for a photographer to take recital portraits or competition team photos. Where do I start?
I’d love to chat about partnering with you! Get in touch and we can discuss all the details.
Phone: 319-366-8689
Email: jillchristinephotography@gmail.com
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Other FAQs
What do I need to bring to my dance photo session?
Bring everything you would normally bring to the recital!
That includes…
- Your costume(s)
- Dance shoe(s)
- Tights
- Costume accessories (earrings, hairpieces, etc.)
- Recital makeup products (for touchups)
- Recital hair products/tools (for touchups)
Should I have my hair and makeup done before I arrive for my session?
No matter what type of dance session we’re doing, I strongly recommend that all dancers have their hair and makeup done before arriving at the shoot. That way, we can maximize the dancers’ time in front of the camera!
I always tell dancers to bring their hair and makeup products and tools to the session, just in case. You never know when you’ll need to touch up lipstick or reapply hairspray to control flyaways.
What types of poses will we shoot?
That’s entirely up to the dancer, the type of session we’re doing, and the style(s) of dance we’re shooting! I’ve done everything from standard recital photos - where each dancer has the same, still pose - to less posed shots, like airborne images captured mid-leap.
Every dancer is unique, so before I can capture shots to emphasize your athleticism and skill, I need to get to know a bit about your strengths as a dancer. Do you excel at jumps and leaps, or is floor work your forte? Is flexibility your thing? What style of dance do you love most? Based on that conversation, we’ll narrow it down to 3-5 moves that you feel confident doing in front of the camera.
No matter what pose or jump you’re doing, it’s important to stretch before hopping in front of the camera!
After the session, will I get the rights to the edited images? Where can I use them?
If you purchased digital images, then you have the rights to use them as you wish! Post them on Facebook for your friends and family to enjoy, hand them out to grandparents, or frame them and hang them as wall art.
Learn more about Dance Photography