Ballet dance photoshoot is not an ordinary portrait session – it’s a form of art. To capture dancer’s movements and facial expressions in a genuine way, a lot of experience is required.
Natasha’s expressive pictures highlight her movement and her dancing talents beautifully. Our photographer aimed to create a photography session that was uniquely her own.
Movement and dance photoshoots seem to represent a person’s character in a more creative way. Ballerinas are often very gentle and soft-hearted females who are also very artistic and flexible.
As Sacramento’s dance and movement photographers, we have experience working with ballerinas and different dancers. Every photoshoot is different, not only in terms of the pictures but also in the overall experience.
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Equipment that I use: Cameras: Canon EOS R5; Canon EOS R6
Lenses: Canon RF 85/1.2L; Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L; Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L
Light: Profoto B1 500 | Computer: Apple MacBook Pro | Photo by © Sergey Bidun
PREPARING FOR THE DANCE PHOTOSHOOT
Time spent preparing for the photoshoot is equally important as the session itself. It’s crucial that both photographer and the client create a mood board of inspiration images when preparing for a dance photoshoot.
During this time, we spend time preparing for the ballet dance photoshoot by discussing photoshoot ideas, outfits, and locations. Together, we will be able to tailor a beautiful custom ballet photo session.
As a talented ballerina, Natasha was instantly at ease in front of the camera. From the very beginning of her session and to the end, her energy level didn’t drop. Her confidence and joyful personality made her fun to photograph.
PLANNING FOR A FOGGY MORNING BALLET PHOTOSHOOT
With this ballet photoshoot, we wanted to capture the beauty and elegance of the talented dancer. We planned to photograph at a gorgeous location in the pure morning glory with some dreamy fog on the ground.
But how do we guess when the desired nature setting is going to come along? It took us some time doing internet research and personal observations to figure this out.
The highest chance of us having a foggy morning would be if there was rain the day before. Having lived in California for a while, we knew that rains don’t last for weeks here, and we can trust a weather forecast.
We scheduled the dance photoshoot on one very early morning in November, right after having some rain the day before.
DANCE PICTURES TIME
The morning came, and the weather turned out exactly as we had hoped for! We met up at one of my all-time favorite portrait photography locations – the American River Park.
American River is the biggest river that flows through Sacramento, California. There are so many beautiful park locations and trails alongside.
The park that we chose for this beautiful ballet dance photoshoot was William B Pond Recreation Area. This spot is located just 20 minutes away from Downtown Sacramento. This park always provides the most beautiful backdrops for any type of photoshoot, especially during the fall season.
The beautiful golden trees and grass with a little frost in it created a magical setting for pictures. The slightly crispy fall air and the dreamy fog – everything came together for our creative ballerina portraits.
Natural light photos are in high demand among youth, as they allow for outdoor photoshoots at the golden hour. Golden hour shoots take time around sunset time or right as the sun starts to rise in the morning.
Equipment that I use: Cameras: Canon EOS R5; Canon EOS R6
Lenses: Canon RF 85/1.2L; Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L; Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L
Light: Profoto B1 500 | Computer: Apple MacBook Pro | Photo by © Sergey Bidun
INCORPORATING PERSONALITY INTO PICTURES
Natasha was such a trooper and got into the photoshoot mode right away. She didn’t let the chilly morning stop us from creating the desired ballet dance pictures.
During our photoshoot, we tried to incorporate Natasha’s personality and character, as well as the artistry of movement and dance. We experimented with different dance pictures poses while trying to include the surrounding nature into the photographs.
Natasha has been doing ballet for many years, and it was her dream to take amazing outdoor dance pictures. She used the preparation tips that we shared with her, and the photoshoot went by very smoothly.
Some of our favorite ballet pictures were the dance images with reflections – thanks to the rain puddles. The photos on an empty trail with the foggy and misty backdrop were exceptional as well.
Once we discovered more colorful fall trees, we knew that the golden trees would make gorgeous backdrops. Will a little bit of creativity, we managed to snap some cool ballerina shots with falling golden leaves.
Our client wasn’t afraid to use character and expression to create moody, interesting poses. It made her ballet dance photoshoot experience so much more special! And, all that gorgeous hair added so much movement and drama to her portraits.
RELAXED AND EASY-GOING BALLET PHOTOSHOOT
Natasha is a beautiful girl, an amazing dancer, and an incredibly flexible ballerina. We had so much fun coming up with interesting, stretchy ways to fit her and her ballet pointe shoes into the gorgeous natural fall backdrops for her Sacramento girl dance pictures!
Natasha’s long blonde hair and natural smile made her a dream to photograph. She was more than willing to try any ideas and dance picture poses that we threw at her.
Different photoshoots require a different approach to client posing, and it’s very important. At Bidun Photography, we know ways and poses that help create flattering pictures for our clients.
She chose ballerina outfits that complemented her spirit and coordinated so well with the fall foliage in the morning. Every picture came out unique and unlike the others.
CAPTURING PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL STRENGTH
Dancers have a lot of similarities with sports players. Both require a lot of physical and emotional strength during their practices. Ballerinas wouldn’t be as successful if they wouldn’t put in a lot of time and effort into their dance.
We believe that ballet dance photoshoots are a way for us to highlight both the dancer’s graceful movements as well as her emotional strength.
Natasha rocked every minute of her creative ballet dance photoshoot, despite the chilly temperature! Her physical and emotional strength are both visible in her dance photos, shining through like the star that she is.
Bidun Studio Photography was honored to meet such a talented dancer and to capture authentic senior ballet pictures for her. If you are a dance or ballet instructor or student and are considering having a professional dance and movement photos taken, we would love to be the photographers for you!
Equipment that I use: Cameras: Canon EOS R5; Canon EOS R6
Lenses: Canon RF 85/1.2L; Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L; Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L
Light: Profoto B1 500 | Computer: Apple MacBook Pro | Photo by © Sergey Bidun
BALLET-STYLE SENIOR PICTURES
It’s not unusual for high school seniors to incorporate their skills and talents into their graduation photoshoot. Senior pictures become much more meaningful and unique when they include a piece of your personality.
Including ballet dance into your senior pictures is a fantastic idea. We could take a good amount of creative portraits and finish the photoshoot with artistic ballet dance pictures.
You can find a lot of ideas and inspirations for senior photography in our detailed guide.
MODERN & FASHION INSPIRED PORTRAITS
Bidun Studio Photography is an award-winning boutique photography studio that specializes in providing a boutique portrait photography experience in the Sacramento, California, and surrounding areas.
At Bidun Studio, we specialize in modern, fashion-inspired custom dancer portraits. Our team makes every ballet and dance photoshoot fun and a creative experience for you. We capture authentic pictures that reflect the unique personality of each client.
As one of Sacramento top ballet portrait photographers, we aim to take photos that will take your breath away and an experience that you will remember for years to come.
