Best Dance Photography of 2024

At Holladay Photography, we’ve always been driven by storytelling through bold, cinematic images. This year, we embraced a new challenge: dance photography. Capturing movement, emotion, and artistry in a still frame has always been the goal in our sports photography and loved the challenge of applying it to dance and ballet.

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Why Dance Photography?

The decision to branch out into dance photography was a natural extension of our commitment to creating images that move people. Dance, at its core, is a powerful expression of emotion and artistry, and the challenge of translating that into photography sparked our creativity. Working with dancers has been amazing; they play into our strengths in capturing movement and action, skills we perfected during our photojournalism career. Dancers are so in control of their bodies and can express emotion with just a strong pose—it is breathtaking when it all comes together: movement and image. Exploring this new genre has been a rewarding journey of collaboration and innovation.

The Magic of Capturing Movement

Dance photography has given us the opportunity to explore the interplay between location, architecture, and light to create striking images. By thoughtfully selecting locations—from dramatic urban landscapes to serene natural settings—we’ve been able to frame dancers in environments that enhance their movements and tell a deeper story. Incorporating architectural elements such as staircases, textured walls, or expansive windows has added layers of visual interest and depth to our compositions.

Lighting has been a key factor in bringing these images to life. We’ve used natural light to create soft, ethereal atmospheres and off-camera flash to craft bold, dramatic effects. Every shoot becomes a unique collaboration between the dancer, the environment, and our creative vision.

What We’ve Learned Along the Way

Branching into dance photography has taught us the importance of learning the language of dance. Understanding the terminology and techniques of movement has allowed us to communicate effectively with dancers and collaborate more seamlessly. Combining this knowledge with our experience in sports photography—particularly the ability to anticipate peak action—has been a game-changer. It enables us to capture the precise moments when artistry and motion converge into something extraordinary.

More than anything, working with dancers has reinforced the importance of collaboration. Every image is a partnership, blending the dancer’s vision and artistry with our technical skills and creative eye

Why Choose Holladay Photography for Dance Portraits?

Our years of experience in portraiture and other genres have uniquely prepared us for this venture. We understand how to craft images that highlight not just the subject but the story they’re telling. Dancers who’ve worked with us often share how our bold lighting and cinematic approach elevate their artistry, creating portraits they’re proud to showcase.

Let’s Create Together

We’d love to hear from you if you’re a dancer or part of a dance studio looking for striking, dynamic portraits. Contact us here and let us know about your photography needs.

Dance is an art that deserves to be captured with the same passion and precision it takes to perform. Follow us on Instagram to see more of our work, and if you’re ready to book a session or learn more, reach out today! Let’s create something extraordinary together