Corporate & event photographer
New York · New Jersey · Connecticut

Studio
  • New York City
  • Westchester & Hudson Valley
  • New Jersey & Connecticut
  • (914) 482-5333

Dance performance photography · New York City, New Jersey & Connecticut

Dance Photography

Recitals, showcases, competitions and company performances photographed from the wings and the house, plus action portraits for dancers who need photos that actually move. Across New York City, Westchester, the Hudson Valley, New Jersey and Connecticut.

Location

Stages across NYC, NJ & CT

Services

Recitals · Shows · Dancer portfolios

Dancer with red braids in a striped jersey mid-move, dance performance photography
Dancer whipping long red braids into the air on stage
Dancers in red hats performing a group routine on stage

Performances

Dance recital & performance photography

Stage light is dim, fast and changes every few seconds. I shoot without flash from spots agreed with your stage manager, timing each frame to the peak of a jump, a turn or a lift, so the photos look the way the show felt.

I have photographed dancers everywhere from the stages of Lincoln Center and Alvin Ailey to small private studios, and I shoot video as well, so a performance can be covered in stills and film.

  • Recitals, showcases and year-end shows
  • Competitions and company performances
  • No flash, nothing to distract dancers or the audience
  • Online galleries organised by routine, easy to share with families
Dancer flipping upside down in mid-air on stage, dance photography

Dancers

Dancer portfolios & action shots

Agency submissions, audition packages and social media need dance photos that show technique as well as personality. We work on a black backdrop, on stage or on location, and I direct each jump and extension until the line is right.

  • Leaps, flips and extensions frozen sharp
  • Clean black, studio or city backgrounds
  • Headshots and full-length shots for auditions
  • Retouched files ready for agencies and social media

Recent dance work

Hip-hop crews, company finales and solo moments from New York stages. Tap any photo to see it larger.

Who I work with

Dance studios, schools & companies

Most dance work comes from people who need the same thing every season: reliable coverage and photos that arrive while everyone still remembers the show.

  • Dance studios and schools: recitals, showcases and photos for studio marketing
  • Dance companies and choreographers: performance documentation and promotional images
  • Competitions and festivals: on-stage coverage across many routines
  • Theatres and venues: dress rehearsals and press images
  • Individual dancers: portfolios, audition photos and content for social media

Reviews

From my Google reviews

5.0

average across 24 reviews

“What sets him apart is his creativity in regards to lighting, editing, and the positioning of the person(s) he is photographing.”

Chris Mattiolo
Artist portfolio · Google review

“The lighting, composition, and editing were all top-notch, making the final photos look absolutely stunning.”

Hannan Sayed
Portrait session · Google review

“Hundreds of incredible photos in our 30 minute session… Clear, high quality photos, and such a quick turnaround time.”

blake bramlett
Portrait session · Google review

FAQ

Dance photography questions

What studios, companies and dancers ask before booking Michaels Photography.

Call (914) 482-5333

Yes. Michaels Photography photographs dance recitals, showcases, competitions and company performances in Manhattan, Brooklyn and the rest of New York City, as well as Westchester, the Hudson Valley, New Jersey and Connecticut.

No. Performances are photographed using the stage lighting only, with fast lenses and cameras built for low light, so neither the dancers nor the audience are distracted.

Often, yes. A dress rehearsal lets Michael move around the theatre freely, which means more angles and closer shots without disturbing the audience. Many studios book both: the rehearsal for action shots and the show for the atmosphere.

Photos are delivered in an online gallery organised by routine, so the studio can share a single link and families can find their dancer quickly.

A session for an individual dancer that produces action shots, full-length photos and headshots for agency submissions, auditions, college applications and social media. Michael directs each move until the line, timing and expression are right.

On a black or studio backdrop, on a stage, or on location around New York City, such as rooftops, parks and city streets. The location is chosen to suit the dancer and the style.

Call (914) 482-5333, email info@michaels-photography.com or use the form on this page. Share the date, the venue and roughly how many routines or dancers there are, and Michael will get back to you with a quote.

Let’s talk

Tell me about your show or shoot: the date, the venue and roughly how many routines or dancers. I’ll get back to you with a quote, usually within a day.

(914) 482-5333
New York City · New Jersey · Connecticut

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Dancer smiling mid-routine at a dance show, recital photography