Dance photography sessions are a wonderful way to celebrate the skill and technique you’ve developed in your dancing. Having two dancing daughters I love to see the more advanced dancers – it gives me a real buzz of excitement for what my girls might get to one day if they want to keep up their dance training! Getting the chance to photograph a dancer is something that I love. A dance photo session can be a wonderful way to capture the beauty and expression of dance through visual art. Whether you’re a professional dancer or simply passionate about dance, it’s an opportunity to showcase your talent and creativity. Working as an Aberdeen family photographer, offering dance sessions is another opportunity for my clients to capture precious memories of their young dancers as they develop their skills in dance and performance.
I can’t wait to show you some highlights from our session.
Click the link to join my waiting list for dance mini sessions or to book your full session
LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT LYNDSAYMAY!
Bright and bubbly, I met Lyndsaymay one morning in May! I gave her a lift to our location in Aberdeen. We chatted on Whatsapp the night before to organse what to wear as well as hair and makeup plans. Her presence and enthusiasm were just delightful. Her passion for dance was clear to see. I can’t recall how many hours of classes she takes or how many hours of rehearsals but it sounded intense but her love of it was clearly visible.
After Summer Lyndsaymay is off to study dance at London Conservatoire (London Studio Centre)
Aged only two years old she started local dance classes in Huntly where she grew up. At sixteen years old and showing enormous potential she moved to Aberdeen to take her training further at Danscentre Aberdeen.
Danscentre, is where my own daughters dance and have done since they were three years old! It’s a prominent dance school in Aberdeen and offers a wide range of dance classes and training for children, teenagers, and adults. The school caters to various dance styles, including ballet, tap, modern, jazz, hip-hop, and contemporary dance. Danscentre has a really strong reputation in Aberdeen’s dance community and has been nurturing young dancers for many years. The school provides opportunities for students to develop their dance skills, perform in amazing showcases and productions at all of the top performance venues in the city including His Majesty’s Theatre and the Aberdeen Music Hall. The school develops confidence and creativity and allows dancers to participate in examinations and competitions.
BRIDGE OF BALGOWNIE
We set off to the beautiful Bridge of Balgownie or Brig o’ Balgownie as it’s known locally. Spanning the River Don since Medieval times this is one of the oldest bridges in Scotland. The unique architecture and historic charm make it really popular for artists and many Aberdeen family photographers. It’s been mentioned in literature, including in the works of Lord Byron. We picked the bridge because of the variety of backdrops including the magnificent blossoms at this time of year! I love placing dancers in outdoor settings in beautiful light. We picked a quiet spot but the passers by took great delight in watching a little of Lyndsaymay’s performance for the camera. it’s not every day you meet a beautiful dancer gracing the view as you take your morning walk!
THE OUTFITS
As an Aberdeen family photographer this is one of the most fun parts of working with a dancer for a photo session . We collaborated to plan two outfits for Lyndsaymay. We could have done endless outfit changes as she has an amazing selection of leotards! It was so hard to choose. In the end we went with the beautiful blue straight tutu which was kindly lent by her dance school, Danscentre, and for other pictures we switched over to a beautiful floaty chiffon skirt. The colours worked so well in the location with its beautiful pink blossoms, the granite and the exquisite light we were lucky to capture.
TAKING TIME TO GET IT RIGHT
As a photographer I’m looking for the best light and composition. I also want to build a real connection with the dancer so that they feel confident and creative in their session. Precision and control is extremely important in ballet. It is highly technical with so many precise movements and control of the body. Together we want to capture poses and movements executed with accuracy, alignment, and control. I work with the dancer to achieve the desired aesthetic qualities of ballet – fluidity, grace, and strength.
Of course, we always find some time for a break from pointe shoes and to capture some stunning portraits.
TECHNICALITY
In the ballet world, a high level of technical proficiency is often a prerequisite for auditions, competitions, and roles. Ballet companies and choreographers search for dancers with exceptional technique as it ensures a high standard of performance and facilitates the execution of complex choreography. Lyndsaymay was so enthusiastic and told me all about her determination and dedication and how driven she was during her auditions which ended up with her being offered so many places to further her dance training! So, London Studio Centre is lucky to have her!
To find out more and to book your session make your way to my contact page or email me at donagh@donaghcostellophotography.co.uk
