Dance photography can be
an interesting and challenging subject, even in the studio. With over 25 years
of experience I still find this dynamic subject interests me. I have danced for
years and have a daughter who is now a dance teacher and still find this to be
a rewarding subject. Here are a few tips of the trade I have learned with my
experience.
Dance Studio Owners
When you first meet with the owner, find out if they want
a commission on each package and figure that amount into your
pricing. Some studios will and some won't.
Order Forms Help!
I use the BRI money envelope/order forms, which work
great. I offer two packages plus lots of add-ons like traders, buttons, magazine
covers and all the fun stuff the lab offers. One form has to be filled out
for each photo taken, so if they have multiple costumes, one for each costume
photographed.
Offering Discounts
I give a discount if they have more than one photo
taken. Say they have four costumes and want pictures in each, but don't
want a full package in each. One costume has to be a package and the
others have a minimum dollar amount, which is lower than the package price that
they can order from the add-ons.
Dress Rehearsals
If you have to shoot at dress rehearsal, it is very good
if you can have a room just for photos. I only let the student and parents in
while I am shooting their child. It is way too chaotic if lots of people are in
the room, especially with the younger ones. If you have to use a hallway, try
to have folding screens or something to block your area off.
Having Help Makes a Difference
Have a helper at the door to answer all the questions that
people have not read from the notes sent home prior to picture day. People just
do not read. Also, make sure they have the form filled out before they come to
you. No form, no picture, get back in line! I mark the frame
number on the order form as I shoot them. This is my log and the most important
part, as you don't know these kids and if they get out of order, what a mess.
Have lots of forms there on picture day. Even if you sent them home
earlier, most of them forget to bring them. I have gone to not sending them
home early, just having them there on picture day. They have plenty of
time to fill them out.
No Cameras Allowed
No point and shoot cameras allowed on my background. Allow parents to take
all you want in the hallway or outside.
Take Props
I have a few props I take to all dance studio
shoots. A white step ladder, about five cubes (white, gray and black sides
in different heights) a black stool and maybe a silk rose for ballet if they
don't have good arm positions.
Less is More
If you do group shots of the classes, try to have arms down and simple. A pose
that looks great on stage is just too busy for a photo. Ballet and Jazz
teachers always want lots of arms up and the group to be all spread out. If
they insist, only the back row, as the front rows with arms up casts bad
shadows on the ones behind. It's fun to use the props for groups also,
especially hip hop groups. They love the ladder and cubes.
The Pose
If you don't have some sort of dance background it is a
good idea to borrow a costume catalog from the studio to get posing
ideas. Teachers are usually picky on feet and arm positions, especially if
they are a serious ballet studio.
Have fun with the kids!
I love photographing dancers. They are usually so easy to
pose and I am always willing to do the fun shots, like jumps and action shots,
with them. They are so used to being told to smile all the time on stage and in
class so that comes very natural to most of them. The little 3 and 4 year olds
do take some patience, as they can be a bit scared with everything that's going
on in the studio.
Show Samples
Have samples of all that you offer. People just have to see a trader or
magazine cover or whatever before they will order. I also have started to do
the composites the last couple years and people really like those.
Lightening
The biggest challenge for many photographers is lighting. I use a two-light
(Alien Bees) set up with umbrellas. Using one to each side of the subject about
45 degrees I find this to work best for me in a variety of shoots.
I hope these tips will help you in your next dance studio
shoot. Remember that the more challenging the subject, the more rewarding the results
will be!
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