Dance Photography | Kaila’s Ballet Audition Photoshoot

Like all good and devoted athletes, Kaila began looking into summer dance programs (ballet to be specific) right after winter break ended;  one of the ballet programs required a series of photos to accompany the application packet.   Specifically, the application asked for a headshot, two specific ballet poses and one or two leaps or free form moves of the dancer’s choosing.

The photos were needed within a few days and with the sun disappearing at a depressingly early hour (it was January), we set up in the dance studio’s ballet room.  We started off with the headshots while Kaila’s hair was looking its best; there was going to be much leaping coming up for the freeform poses and her hair was eventually going to be put into a bun for the ballet poses.

After the headshots, Kaila went off to change into her first costume while I changed to studio around for the full body shots.  We started off with her leaps and jumps in her lyrical costume, once again, to take advantage of her hair being down so that the movement could be captured.  To help make sure we achieved the optimal photograph, I set up my laptop to display the images as I was shooting.  This also helped keep Kaila from unnecessarily wearing out.

A quick costume change and a bun later, we were photographing ballet arabesques and pointe shoes.  I tried to inspire Kaila by doing my own rendition of some of the dance moves, but I think all I did was injure my pride (and back).

I delivered the photos a few days after the shoot. A few months later, I was pleased to hear that Kaila had been accepted into the ballet camp, not that I had any doubt that she would breeze on in.  Way to go Kaila!