My First Attempt at Studio Photography | Hazel's Dance Photos

Dance Photography | DIY Studio Setup — Here is a “Behind the Scenes” photo Erica snapped while I was taking some of Hazel’s dance portraits!

A few months back, one of my dearest friends, Erica, asked me if I would take some dance photos for her daughter, Hazel. It was December, so it was already pretty cold out. She asked if I could do some studio-type photos inside, and even though I have some studio equipment, I don’t have a studio or space big enough to set up my paper white backdrop. However, they have a basement in their home with a big open space, so I said I’d bring over my backdrop and lighting equipment and we could have a little fun!

Over the last few years, I have “inherited” some studio equipment from other photographers and friends, including a paper white backdrop, lights, light stands, and a backdrop stand. I have used the backdrop once before in my own garage with my family and friends, but never for a paid photo session. I am more of an on-location, natural light photographer. But I love trying new things and was willing to give it a shot! We set up the backdrop in the open space of their basement, and I set up two lights on either side to eliminate shadows on the backdrop. Then I used an on-camera flash, which I pointed up at their white ceiling, to add some fill. I wasn’t sure if that was the exact way to set up the lights, but I took several test shots to try to make sure the lighting was as flattering as possible, and I think it worked fairly well!

Hazel has been dancing for five years, and this is her second year in competitive dance. She dances with Fascinating Rhythm Studios, and she says she loves tap dancing and tumbling most. Hazel has always affectionately been known as “Hot Mess Hazel” to her mom and friends. She has a spunky, sassy personality, and she has the curliest, most beautiful red hair! (I am so jealous of that gorgeous hair!) I have taken family photos and portraits of her several times before, and she loves being in front of a camera. But she absolutely lights up when she dances!

I came over on a Sunday afternoon and got my equipment set up while Hazel was getting her hair and makeup done by the wonderful Callie Hudak. As is always typical, it takes a few minutes for children to warm during a photo shoot, but Hazel definitely knows how to work a camera! And it didn’t take long for her to let go of her inhibitions and have some fun! We started with some more posed dance photos (we looked at Pinterest to find some good dance pose ideas), then took a few headshots in her “normal” clothing, and finally, we got to have some FUN!

Hazel’s reaction when her mom shot off the confetti popper were hysterical. (It really was loud!) So note to anyone who is using these in a photo shoot—be prepared for the shocking pop!

Hazel’s mom had bought several confetti poppers to use during the session, so after we did the more formal photos, we got ready to make a mess. When Erica shot off the first popper, Hazel’s reaction was hysterical! Her instinct was to duck and cover, because it was LOUD! It took a few times before she didn’t react. Some of those outtakes are my favorite!

Then Hazel let down that gorgeous hair and we just played. It was so much fun for me as a photographer, and I think she had just as much fun! I think we were able to capture some good dance photos as well photos that show off Hazel’s bubbly and spunky personality! Be sure to check out the gallery below for some of her formal dance photos, headshots, and her fun personality portraits!

So what did I learn from this experience? If you don’t have your own studio and have to bring your own equipment, it takes much longer than on-location photography. There is setup and teardown time involved. The editing process was also a bit different, especially with a white backdrop! Making sure I kept shadows to a minimum, extending the background when needed, and removing scuff marks we made throughout the process took a good bit of time. I also worked hard to make sure the white in the background was consistent in all of the photos! White is such a tricky color! So is this (studio photography) something I would try again? Absolutely, with the right client and a good space to work in! I don’t think I will ever own my own studio, but I’m always down for new adventures, and this was a fun learning opportunity! I would love to learn more about studio lighting and how to best light different types of portraits.

Erica shared that “Hazel says dance makes her feel pretty, and gives her a place to be herself. She also said that the photoshoot let her have fun, and show off her skills.” And ultimately, that’s what I love most about photography: capturing sweet moments and helping people feel beautiful and have fun in front of a camera.

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