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How to Pose Dancers: Tips for Stunning Dance Photography

Writer's picture: Kate WhatmanKate Whatman

Capturing dancers on camera is a unique challenge. It requires understanding movement, artistry, and technique, all while creating a visually striking image. If you’re a photographer who’s new to dance or looking to sharpen your skills, learning how to pose dancers effectively is a game-changer.



Here’s a guide to help you pose with confidence and bring out the best in your subjects.

1. Understand the Basics of Dance

  • Research Dance Styles: Whether it’s ballet, contemporary, or jazz, familiarize yourself with the specific movements and aesthetics of each style. This will help you guide poses that feel authentic and natural.

  • Know the Terminology: Simple terms like plié, arabesque, or attitude can go a long way in establishing rapport with dancers and understanding their movements.

2. Highlight Strength and Artistry

  • Focus on poses that showcase the dancer’s strengths, whether it’s flexibility, strength, or emotion.

  • Encourage dancers to express themselves through their movements, aiming for poses that feel dynamic rather than stiff.

3. Guide with Confidence

  • Dancers are often used to taking direction, so don’t be afraid to step in and offer clear guidance.

  • Use tools like The Dance Photo Playbook to stay inspired and confident with poses that highlight artistry and technique.

4. Emphasize Lines and Angles

  • Strong lines are essential in dance photography. Pay attention to the dancer’s arms, legs, and posture to create clean and elegant shapes.

  • Shooting from a slightly lower angle can often enhance the lines and make the dancer appear taller and more striking.

5. Capture Emotion

  • Technical perfection is important, but emotion takes your photos to the next level. Encourage dancers to connect with the story or feeling behind their pose.

  • Experiment with expressions and fluid movements to capture authenticity.

6. Make Corrections with Care

  • When offering technical corrections, be supportive and positive. Suggest adjustments in a way that feels collaborative rather than critical.

  • Use language that emphasizes refinement, like “Let’s lift that arm a little higher for a stronger line.”

7. Plan for Variety

  • Mix it up with a combination of dynamic action shots and elegant still poses. This gives dancers and clients a range of options to choose from.

  • Include both close-ups and wide shots to showcase details and the full movement.

8. Use Props and Costumes

  • Leverage props like chairs, ribbons, or even just the dancer’s costume to add visual interest to the poses.

  • Work with the dancer’s outfit to ensure it flows or enhances the pose. For example, capturing a skirt mid-spin can create a dramatic effect.

9. Review and Adjust on the Spot

  • Take a moment to review your shots during the session to make sure the poses translate well on camera.

  • Be ready to adapt and try new angles or adjustments based on what you see.


Posing dancers is an art form in itself. By combining knowledge of dance with a collaborative and creative approach, you can produce stunning images that dancers and studios will treasure. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, having a toolkit of poses and techniques will help you stand out as a photographer.


Looking for more inspiration? The Dance Photo Playbook: A Library of Poses for Your Next Shoot is your ultimate guide to mastering dance photography. With 50+ curated poses, detailed descriptions, and tips for both group and solo shots, it’s designed to help you feel confident and capture incredible images every time. Get your copy today for just $22 and transform your dance photography sessions into works of art!

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©2024 by Picture This by Kate Whatman

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