Behind the Brand: Inside Photo Sessions for Creative Movement Pros

Are you a dancer or teacher thinking about brand photos? If you’re pitching yourself as a choreographer, running classes, auditioning, or building a name for yourself, strong, personal imagery isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a tool that helps you show up with clarity, confidence, and consistency. Here’s a look at what it can actually feel like to create something that’s aligned with you and the work you’re putting into the world.

In this post, I’m sharing two real sessions with two movement artists: Lauren and Jackie. While they both work in the world of dance and somatic practices, their sessions looked completely different—because they’re different. That’s the beauty of this kind of work: brand photography isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s about capturing your energy, your presence, and what you uniquely offer as an artist, teacher, and professional.

Let’s take a peek behind the lens.

Lauren: Upbeat, Grounded, and Multifaceted

Lauren is a professional dancer who also teaches yoga and Pilates. She’s one of those people whose energy instantly makes you feel at ease—upbeat, positive, and motivational, like the big sister you’d want in your corner. That energy was a big part of what I wanted to capture in her session—but like most artists, Lauren has range.

Asbury Park was the perfect setting for Lauren’s session—it’s a multifaceted backdrop that mirrors her own personality. From bright murals and textured boardwalks to gritty buidlings and moodier jetty scenes, the location gave us everything we needed to reflect the full range of who she is.

We also moved indoors to a sun-drenched Pilates studio, filled with natural light and classic props. Here, Lauren’s professionalism and polished teaching style came through. She wore clean, traditional workout looks that felt true to her brand, and would prove versatile across platforms.

Key session elements:

• Variety of outdoor backdrops, from colorful murals to grungy, vintage buildings

• Light-filled indoor studio setting with classic Pilates props

• Traditional fitness wear that felt polished but approachable

• A blend of smiles, softness, stillness, and quiet strength

  
  

Why It Works: Lauren’s session reflects the full spectrum of who she is—teacher, performer, motivator. Whether she’s applying for an audition, introducing herself on a studio website, or promoting a new class, her photos give her the flexibility to show up in a way that feels real and recognizable every time.

Jackie: Raw, Expressive, and Quietly Magnetic

Jackie is a contemporary dancer, choreographer, and educator who leads grounded, intuitive movement classes rooted in emotion and exploration. She came into her session with a clear vision: no traditional headshots, no forced smiles—just images that feel honest. I happen to know Jackie well: her energy is quiet but strong, intense but generous, and I wanted that nuance to come through in the images we created.

We shot indoors in our old ballroom studio, with hardwood floors, ballet barres, and mirrors—elements that brought a nostalgic, almost sacred atmosphere to the space. It was an overcast day so I incorporated an umbrella light to carve out contrast and shadow, giving the images depth and a layer of soft drama.

Instead of dancewear, Jackie styled the session herself with a handful of items: a velvet red dress, an embroidered vest, low rise jeans, and a pale yellow dress she paired with sheer fabric as a prop. Every look felt effortlessly cool and artistic—it was less about movement technique and more about being in the space.

Key session elements:

• Warm, moody studio with rich wood tones and reflections

• Purposeful use of shadow and light

• A wardrobe of real clothes that give insight into who she is

• A focus on presence, not perfection

  
  

Why It Works: Jackie’s session is a perfect reminder that you don’t need to “perform” for brand photos to be effective. Her gallery radiates intention, grounded creativity, and emotional clarity—qualities that reflect her work as both a choreographer and guide. It’s less about showing everything, and more about revealing something true.

I love doing shoots like these. Movement artists, teachers, creatives—you’re my favorite kind of people to work with. These sessions are always the most fun to plan, the most inspiring to shoot, and honestly? The most satisfying to edit afterward! If you’re ready for a session that feels like you from start to finish, I’d be so excited to create something together.

Let's start planning your shoot!

xx Rachel