Thomas BadrockProfessional Photos for Auditions and Applications
Good audition photos should show more than what a dancer looks like. They should show posture, expression and current dance abilities while still looking authentic.
Different applications require different types of photos: portraits, clearly defined ballet positions, movements and jumps, as well as freer dance images. Before the photo shoot, we therefore discuss what the photos are needed for and what the particular application requires.
Dance takes many forms here as well. In front of my camera are dancers from classical ballet, Modern and Contemporary Dance, but also, for example, rhythmic gymnastics or acrobatics. The photos should therefore not follow one fixed formula, but suit you, your abilities and the purpose for which they are needed.
During my audition photo shoots, we first make the photos required for the application. If it fits, we can also go beyond that. A shoot like this is therefore always a chance not only to photograph a series of correct positions, but also to create images that show something of the personality in front of the camera. You can also try something you have always wanted to do.
This often results in additional dance images and portraits for your own website, social media, a portfolio or simply for yourself.
Natsuki YamadaThe Shoot in Karlsruhe or at Your Location
Audition photos can be taken in Karlsruhe or directly at your location.
For my shoots in Karlsruhe, I use a well-suited dance studio at the Ballettverein Karlsruhe. I keep the necessary photography equipment there, so I can quickly transform the dance studio into a fully equipped photo studio. Depending on the type of photos you need, I can work with different backgrounds and lighting setups and adapt the setup to the images we want to create.
This story shows how a ballet studio becomes a photo studio →
TütüPreparing for Your Photo Shoot
Good preparation makes the shoot more relaxed and gives us more time to concentrate on the actual photos. It is the basis for creating the images you need or would like to have. Before the shoot, think carefully about which photos you need for a specific application and which movements, positions or jumps you would like to show.
Especially with more demanding dance positions, it is worth trying them beforehand in the clothes you plan to wear for the shoot. What feels good while dancing does not necessarily have the same effect in a single photograph. If you are unsure, ask your dance teacher or another person you trust for their opinion. You are also very welcome to bring them along to the shoot.
Think about your clothing and any different outfits in advance as well. Classical ballet audition photos often have different requirements from Contemporary Dance or photos intended for other purposes. And remember to bring some simple clothing for the portraits.
Because preparation is so important, dancer and choreographer Sarah Kiesecker and I have put together our experiences and recommendations, combining her perspective as a dancer with mine as a photographer:
Naoka HisadaFor Dance Schools, Classes and Groups
Audition photos can also be organised efficiently for several dancers at the same time. For dance schools, ballet schools, training programmes or entire classes, I can bring my photography equipment directly to your location.
This means the photos can be taken in a familiar dance studio without everyone having to travel individually to Karlsruhe for a photo shoot. Even though the shoot is organised as a group session, I photograph each dancer individually. The images we create are based on each dancer’s specific requirements, dance style and individual strengths.
Of course, you can also book me to photograph performances and shows. For annual galas and larger productions involving many students, I can offer attractive options that we can discuss individually.
Appointments and Prices
If you need audition photos or have any questions about a photo shoot, just get in touch. We can discuss in advance which photos you need, where the shoot will take place and how much time we should plan for it.
You can find the current prices for individual photo shoots and other options in my price list.
Examples from Audition and Dance Photo Shoots
