I have photographed people doing yoga, and dance ensembles before, directors and performers, but the idea of a dancer’s headshot was new to me. I was contacted by one of the Oberlin College graduating dance majors and I figured I better get educated as to what kind of shots best serve dancers. So I called one of the dance professors – someone whom I had photographed before and picked her brain. She liked the idea so much, she sent out an email to the whole dance department to see if other dancers would like to do mini-sessions with me and have a few images to help prepare them to take on the “real world.”
What I learned was that in terms of a “normal” headshot, dancers definitely need something more dramatic. But what could serve them even better was actual photos of them dancing. I also learned that it is immensely satisfying to photograph a dancer because they know how to work with their bodies. I was in awe of these women’s sheer talent and strength. For each, as I always strive in portraiture, I captured their individual personalities because it is my belief that you have to believe in yourself and put your own self out into the world. You can’t pretend to be anyone else.
Here are some of my favorite images.
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