Ballet headshots and audition photos, made for the panel.
You've spent years on your line. Your audition photos have a few seconds to show it to someone who's never seen you dance. Let's make those seconds count.
- Official portrait photographer for The Ballet School in Walnut Creek
- CPP Certified by Professional Photographers of America
- See your images right after your session, before you leave the studio
- Private studio in San Ramon, serving the whole Bay Area
What are ballet audition photos?
They're the photos ballet schools, summer intensives and companies ask for with an application, usually a headshot and a first arabesque. Some programs also ask for a tendu à la seconde or a full-length shot in first position. The faculty use them to judge your line, placement and feet before they ever see you in the room.
Every program sets its own list, so always start with their guidelines. Send them to me and we'll build your session around exactly what they ask for.
The shot list, and what the panel is really looking at.
I'm the official portrait photographer for The Ballet School in Walnut Creek, so I look at a dancer the way her teacher does, not only the way a photographer does. Here's what each photo has to prove.
The ballet headshot
This is the panel's first hello. It should look like you on a good day in class: clean, calm and present.
What they're checking
- A neat bun and a face they'll recognize at the audition
- A long, lifted neck and open shoulders
- Eyes that look engaged, not nervous
The arabesque
This is the one that gets studied. One small change in camera height can make an extension look lower than it is, so I shoot from the angle that tells the truth about your line.
What they're checking
- Height and length of the working leg
- A square, lifted standing hip
- Pointed feet and the line through the fingertips
The full-length position
Many programs add a tendu à la seconde or a first position. It's quieter than an arabesque, and that's the point. It shows your foundation.
What they're checking
- Turnout that's honest, not forced
- Alignment from head to heel
- Feet, every single time
How to prepare for your audition photos
Simple wins here. The panel wants to see your body and your technique, not your wardrobe.
What to wear
- A plain leotard in the color your program asks for, or black if it doesn't say
- Pink tights, or black tights and a fitted white top for male dancers
- Clean pointe shoes and flat shoes, so we can shoot both if needed
Hair and makeup
- A smooth classical bun with no flyaways
- Light, natural makeup that looks like you in class
- No jewelry unless your program allows it
What to bring
- A brush, pins and hairspray for quick touch-ups
- Your makeup, so you can refresh between shots
- Any extra leotards or outfits you'd like to wear
- That's it. The studio is kept warm and the snacks are on me 😊
How your session works
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We talk first
Before you book, we'll have a quick call about where you're applying, your deadlines and what you need from the day.
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We plan your shot list
Send me every program's photo requirements. I'll combine them into one plan so a single session covers all your applications.
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You dance, I watch your line
Come warm to the San Ramon studio. I'll guide the angles and catch the small things, like a sickled foot or a dropped elbow, so you can focus on dancing.
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You choose your images
Right after your session, we look through your images together and pick your strongest frames. No waiting and wondering while a deadline creeps closer. I then prepare your favorites to fit each program's submission requirements.
"She was amazing to work with, and knows the perfect poses and angles to capture the perfect shot. I would definitely recommend her to everyone!"
Shreyaa Karan, dance headshot client
Ballet audition photo questions
What photos do ballet summer intensive auditions ask for?
Most ask for a headshot and a first arabesque. Some add a tendu à la seconde, a first position or a full-length shot. Requirements change from program to program and year to year, so always check each one's current guidelines before your session.
When should I book my audition photo session?
As soon as you know where you're applying. Summer intensive applications open in the winter, and booking early gives you time to choose your images and submit without a last-minute rush.
How soon will I see my audition photos?
Right after your session. We review your images together in the studio before you leave, so you know exactly what you're submitting.
Should my arabesque be en pointe or in flat shoes?
Follow your program's guidelines. Many ask dancers who are on pointe to show the arabesque en pointe. If the guidelines don't say, we can shoot both so you're covered.
Can I use a phone photo for a ballet audition?
Some programs accept them. The trouble is that home lighting, a busy background and a camera held at the wrong height can hide a beautiful line, and the panel only judges what's in the frame. A studio session gives your technique a fair chance.
Can one session cover photos for several programs?
Yes. Send me each program's requirements and I'll plan one session that covers every photo on every list.
Where is your studio?
My private studio is in San Ramon. Dancers come from San Jose, Walnut Creek, Danville, Pleasanton, Dublin, Lafayette, Oakland, San Francisco and across the Bay Area. From San Jose, it's an easy drive up 680, usually under 45 minutes.
Looking for portraits that celebrate your dancer rather than audition photos? See my fine art ballet and dance photography in the Bay Area.
Serving San Ramon, Walnut Creek, Danville, Pleasanton, Dublin, Lafayette, Orinda, Oakland, San Jose and San Francisco
Your audition starts before you walk into the room.
Tell me where you're applying and when it's due. I'll take care of the rest.
Or call: (925) 967-4245