Ballet Audition Photoshoot for Ava

It was such a pleasure working with Ava on her audition photoshoot in my Chicago studio. She has an amazing attitude and her talent is obvious! If you are a male dancer, fret not, and check out my male ballet dancer audition photoshoot I did in Chicago, with Jackson of the Milwaukee Ballet.

Chicago Ballet Dance Audition Headshot for Ava in black and white
Chicago Ballet Audition Photoshoot by award winning dance photographer in color

Ava's Dance Audition Headshots

I always give the dancers the choice between color and black and white headshots. My personal preference is black and white, but ultimately, it's up to the dancers. If they are more confident with color images, that's what we go with. My audition headshots focus on the expression, with minimal editing. It's more important to show what you look like rather than a heavily photoshopped photo. You never want to show up to the audition, looking differently than the photos you submitted.

chicago audition photographer with blond teen ballerina in studio lighting in white leotard and pointe shoes standing upright with arms out
chicago audition photographer with blond teen ballerina in studio lighting in white leotard and pointe shoes with high arabesque position
chicago ballet audition photographer with young blond ballerina in arabesque position in white leotard and pointe shoes

Ava's Incredible Lines

Her lines did not come by accident. She has obviously trained most of her life, but during the shoot, there was a lot of repetitions. When you have only one chance to make an impression, you have to showcase your best!

chicago ballet photography session with young blonde ballerina in a light pink dress and pointe shoes in studio for audition
blonde ballerina dance photophgraphy in chicago with award winning ballet photographer leotard and pointe shoes in studio lighting
chicago ballet photographer capturing a young ballerina in a light pink dress in pointe shoes with professional studio lighting

Go with the Flow

A sheer skirt really adds something special to the images. The lightness compliments the idea of a ballerina, and the shapes it makes bring motion to still images. Ava was able to control her body in such a fashion, she's able to compose her technique while looking absolutely stunning, controlling the dress.

chicago ballet dance photography of a young teen ballerina posing in a turquoise leotard and pointe shoes
chicago dance photography of a young blond ballerina in pointe shoes, turquoise leotard standing on one leg
chicago ballet audition photography of a young ballerina in turquoise leotard and pink skirt and pointe shoes

Chicago Dance Audition Photoshoot

I don't have to emphasis how important a great first impression is. For dancers going through auditions, a professionally done headshot and a portfolio of amazing photos will make the difference between a call back and being passed on. Ballet photography is extremely niche and you should look for someone who's expertise is in dance, not wedding or family photos. Contact me if you have any questions.