Dancing in Nature | Los Angeles Dance Photograher
Capturing the Magic: Tips for Dancers and Photographers for a Cinematic Dance Photoshoot in Nature
I recently had the privilege of capturing Jacque Forman in my lens for a third time. I take it as am absolute compliment when dancers come back to me time and again to create imagery for them. Jacque is an extraordinary contemporary dancer on a mission to capture the the raw passion and organic beauty, aiming to freeze those fleeting moments and bring forth something that feels like it has jumped off of a movie screen.
Collaborating with a dancer like Jacque who understands the movements and nuances of their craft allowed me to create mesmerizing images that truly depict the raw emotions and essence of each moment. Every click of the camera revealed a story of passion, dedication, and artistic genius.
Witnessing the captivating artistry of this dance unfold through the lens of my camera is always a powerful and awe-inspiring experience. I believe in the transformative power of collaboration and the ability of art to transcend boundaries. As a photographer who has a dance background both as a performer as well as an educator, I know I have a unique perspective and ability to talk to dancers in their language, but that doesn’t mean that if you are not a dancer, you can’t collaborate with a dancer. See the tips below for a successful collaboration. Dancers keep reading. There are some great tips below for you as well.
1. Educate Yourself: Take the time to learn about different dance styles, terminology, and movements. Understanding the basics of dance will not only help you communicate more effectively with your dancer but also allow you to anticipate and capture movements more accurately.
2. Establish Clear Communication: Prior to the shoot, have a detailed conversation with the dancer about their vision, goals, and preferences. Ask for input on poses, and themes to ensure a collaborative and productive session. If you are inexperienced with dance, you want to make sure that you are showing the dancer the back of your camera to ensure you are capturing their technique correctly. No dancer wants an image out in the world where the technique of their style is not accurately represented.
3. Provide Direction, But Allow Freedom: While it's important to provide guidance and direction during the shoot, also give the dancer space to express themselves creatively. Encourage experimentation and improvisation, and be open to capturing unexpected moments of magic.
4. Think in shapes. You can ask them to make a circle or a line, right angles are always interesting. An experienced dancer will be able to translate those shapes into a movement that you are able to photograph.
5. Be Patient and Supportive: Remember that dancers are artists in their own right, and each one has their own process and pace. Be patient and supportive throughout the shoot, offering encouragement and feedback to help them feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera. Make sure you always keep your dancer safe. No incredible image is worth a dancer’s career.
Want to learn more from me about dance photography, you can find my course within the walls of Unraveled Academy Come join me there!
By approaching the collaboration with respect, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn, you can create beautiful and compelling dance images that capture the essence of the art form.
Dancing in nature adds an extra layer of magic to the mix. The beauty of the outdoors serves as a breathtaking backdrop, enhancing the emotional depth of each movement. Here are three tips to help you bring your most artistic self to your next outdoor dance session:
1. Embrace Natural Light: Let the sun be your spotlight. Experiment with different times of day to capture the perfect lighting for your dance. Pay attention to how the sunlight dances across the landscape and use it to accentuate your movements.
2. Blend Movement with Nature: Allow the elements to become part of your dance. Incorporate the wind, the trees, or the water into your movements, letting nature inspire your choreography. By dancing in harmony with your surroundings, you'll create performances that are truly mesmerizing.
3. Tell a Story: Infuse your dance with a narrative that speaks to the heart. Use props or symbolic elements to convey emotions and themes. Just like we incorporated a mirror into Jacque's session to symbolize self-discovery, find elements that resonate with your own story and weave them into your performance.
Have you ever been captivated by dance photography? Share your thoughts, questions and experiences in the comments below! I would love to hear your stories and perspectives or answer any of your questions.
Ready to capture your dance journey amidst the beauty of nature? Contact me HERE today to schedule your own dance session. Let's create magic together!
