As the daughter of a professional ballet dancer, I have always had a profound respect for la danse. Dancers and photography is a natural fit – I just love dance portraits.

As it turns out, Manhattan is chock a block with talent, so dance photography is one of my favorite genres.

I’m so impressed with the strength, grace, and discipline of dancers. The shoots are full of passion and energy, and always a good time.

Locations for Dance Portraits

Dance shoots can happen anywhere. NYC is full of wonderful locations (like the Downtown Manhattan, Upper East Side or Times Square or Greenwich Village), but you don’t need a vibrant city backdrop to get gorgeous photos. One of my favorite shoots was on a rainy evening in a deserted parking lot in Worcester, MA. I’m based in NYC and East Hampton, but am open to other locations.

I also offer studio dance portraits in Manhattan.

If you’re got a request, I want to hear it!

Types of Dance Photography

I work with all types of dancers, and at all levels. Ballet, tap, jazz, modern, hip-hop, and even gymnastics. All types of movement and expression make for great portraits.

You certainly don’t have to be a professional dancer in order to do a dance photo shoot. Dance photo shoots are perfect for all levels of dance as well. Whether you are a hobbyist wanting unique portraits that capture your passion for dance, or a professional dancer needing images for comp cards, a dance shoot is always a good idea! This is a great way for actors and models to diversify their portfolios.

Many dancers do dance portraits as part of a headshot shoot, and some want dance portraits only. Whether you are a professional dancer, or someone who takes classes for fun, it’s a wonderful to capture your dancing on camera.

We can do a mix of traditional dance photographs, portraits, and more offbeat images. We will capture action photos of you in midair, and bold, posed images.

What To Wear for a Dance Photo Shoot

Whatever you’d like!

Dancers wear all sorts of outfits: leotards, tutus, tights with a sweater, etc. You name it. The elegance of a pancake tutu worn in Manhattan makes for striking images, and a soft skirt photographs beautifully as well. New York City dance photography is instantly eye catching because of the unexpected backdrop, and a range of outfits works well.

Some dancers are sponsored by dance wear companies, and want images to promote the clothing on social media. That’s fine too! Shoots are also a great way to catch the eye of dance wear companies, if you are looking to go that route.

Editing/Retouching Dance Photography NYC

Your images are edited and gently retouched to perfection. I’m open to requests, so if you have something you want to discuss before your shoot, please don’t be shy. Enjoy your shoot and be confident knowing you will look your best!

How To Prepare for a Dance Shoot

1. Be well-rested
2. Be hydrated
3. No dry skin
4. No chapped lips
5. Plan your clothing in advance
6. No chipped nail polish
7. Consider getting your makeup done

These tips are paraphrased from my headshot tips but apply for dance shoots.

I’m happy to chat before your shoot, so you are totally prepared. The tips above are a great start however. Give some thought to the location, and consider what outfits and looks will be most effective. I’m happy to chat about this, and plan something great together.

Best Time to do a Dance Shoot

It’s great to do dance photography in warm weather, but we can do dance shoots all year round. Check out my cold weather photography tips here. The photo below was from a freezing day in February in Harvard Square, Cambridge. We didn’t let a little cold weather stop us.

The best time of day is during “golden hour” – the hour right before sunset, or the hour right before sunrise. The early morning sunrise hour has the advantage of having fewer people around on the street. The disadvantage of starting around 5am is, well, pretty obvious…Despite not being a morning person, some of the best shoots take place in the early hours – so I’m game for anything.

If you’re wondering what it’s like to work with me, please feel free to check out my reviews page so you can hear a bit about the experience, first hand.

Book your Dance photo shoot!

Want dance portraits of your own?

Have a question or request?

Contact the studio to book your shoot – I can’t wait to work with you!

Behind the scenes at any NYC Ballet shoot on 5th Avenue:

About Daisy Beatty

Daisy Beatty is a portrait photographer based in Manhattan and East Hampton NYC.

She specializes in NYC dance photography, as well as vibrant, stylish images of families, children, newborns, maternity. And eye-catching headshots for actors, models, dancers, performers, executives, and online dating.

Her award winning work has been featured extensively in both online and print publications.

For more information, please contact her studio here or visit her website.