American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance - AAHPERD

 Issue: February 2006

Moving and Seeing: Photographing Dance
Steve Clarke

Abstract:

Photography should be regarded as an art rather than as passive documentation. Those interested in photographing dance can best think of it as an opportunity not just to record what the dancer is doing, but also to explore the dancer’s personality and to stimulate the invention of movement. This exploratory approach will not only benefit the dancer more than a strictly documentary approach, but it will also yield stronger images. The most important thing in a dance photo session is to form a good relationship between the dancer and the photographer. Also important are a variety of practical considerations. This article provides suggestions and warnings drawn from the author’s experience regarding lighting, backgrounds, cameras, zoom lenses, costumes, jewelry, and tattoos. It also refers the reader to great dance photographers whose work may be inspiring.

Article category: Dance