If you own a creative business like a dance studio, a portfolio is more than just a collection of photos—it’s a powerful way to showcase your brand, artistry, and energy. Whether you’re attracting new students, marketing classes, or promoting performances, professional photography can capture the essence of what makes your studio special. We have had the pleasure of creating these series of images for Chrysalis Dance Space recently. Here are five essential shots every dance studio should include to make your portfolio stand out.
1. The Hero Shot: A Signature Dance Pose or Group Shot
Every dance studio needs a high-quality image that captures your dancers in action. Whether it’s a group shot or a dancer frozen mid-leap, this image should represent the artistry, athleticism, and style of your studio. It’s a great way to highlight your dancers’ skills and grace, whether it’s ballet, hip-hop, contemporary, or ballroom. We usually add on additional lighting to emphasize movement and highlight key moments, like jumps or turns. We also take into consideration a clean or dramatic background that complements the energy of the dance.
In the example below, we felt that the flamenco dance is really energetic and full of colour. This is the reason we chose to play with coloured light gels for a more dramatic look. After taking some stylised shots, we also decided to photograph a few more natural looking images for multiple usage purposes. This gives the dance studio a variety of images that they can use on their website, brochure or buntings.
2. Behind The Scenes Shot: The Unseen Process
A behind-the-scenes shot of dancers getting ready, hanging out after class or rehearsing provides a glimpse into what daily life looks like at the studio. If there are rehearsals for performances, it also showcases the hard work, dedication, and passion that takes place before any event. Whether it’s an intimate moment between a teacher and student or a group working through choreography, these shots tell the story of your studio’s creative process.
We love to capture candid moments, utilising natural lighting to maintain authenticity. We also focus on expressions and body language to convey emotion and dedication. Behind-the-scenes shots help viewers connect with your studio on a deeper level. They give a glimpse to the hours of hard work and the community spirit that’s built within your classes.
3. The Studio Environment Shot: Showcasing Your Space
Your studio space is a reflection of your brand. Whether it’s a brightly lit room with mirrors and barres or a stage where performances come to life, capturing the environment is essential. A studio shot sets the stage for what potential students and parents can expect when they walk through the doors. It can create a sense of excitement or exude warmth. We like to capture the studio from different angles, including wide shots that give a sense of the space and more focused shots that show the details, like the décor or lighting.
4. The Instructor Portrait: Putting a Face to the Studio
A professional portrait of your instructors is a must-have for any dance studio portfolio. Your instructors are the heart of your studio, and featuring them prominently helps potential clients feel more connected. Place yourself in your potential client’s shoes: Would you gravitate towards a dance studio that has an “About Us” page but only shows an empty dance studio, or one that shows portraits of the founder and instructors? These portraits can be posed or candid, reflecting their teaching style and personality.
Other than a beautiful portrait with eye contact, we could also capture instructors in a setting that feels natural—whether it’s on the dance floor, or demonstrating a move. A great portrait helps build trust and showcases the expertise and personality behind your teaching team.
5. The Performance Detail Shot: Close-Ups of Costumes, Movement, and Expressions
Detail shots are key to capturing the essence of dance. These can include close-ups of costumes, pointed toes, expressive hands, or dramatic facial expressions that highlight the artistry behind the movement. Detail shots help viewers appreciate the finer aspects of dance and the beauty of the craft.
We can capture intricate costume details like textures, sequins, or flowing fabric to emphasize movement. The photos could also focus on key moments in choreography, such as footwork or hand gestures, that convey emotion and storytelling. These close-up shots allow potential students and clients to appreciate the artistry and attention to detail in both the performance and the overall studio experience. They convey the emotion and technical precision that make dance captivating.
We hope that these tips will help you plan the photos for your dance studio. Your portfolio should be a true reflection of the passion, creativity, and community within your dance studio. Let us know if you would like us to capture these images for you. Drop us a message and we’ll be happy to send a quote to you.
