Elegant, energetic, and dramatic dance photography is both a visual treat and a study of movement. Aiming to convey the spirit and skill of their graceful subjects, photographers often opt to shoot dancers mid-motion, showcasing their graceful gestures by freezing a moment in time. Here, we explore the work of 11 of our favorite dance photographers, paying particular attention to the unique ways each captures their muses' exquisite movements.
To put a contemporary twist on traditional dance photography, many of the featured photographers—including Omar Z. Robles, Mohamed Taher, Lisa Tomasetti, and Dane Shitagi (of the Ballerina Project)—place dancers outdoors, in everyday environments. Others, like Vadim Stein and Ken Browar & Deborah Ory (of NYC Dance Project), have a more minimalist approach to the craft. And some, like Eric Paré and Alexander Yakovlev, inventively employ unique props that more clearly trace each dancer's motions. Regardless of style and no matter the method, this group of photographers perfectly presents the style and grace of dancers in motion.
See the ways in which the dance photographers study of the movement of dancers below.
Vadim Stein
Read more: Striking Black & White Portraits of Elegant Dancers Caught in Captivating Motion
Ken Browar and Deborah Ory of NYC Dance Project
Read more: Stunning Photo Series Spotlights the Graceful Movements of Dancers
Eric Paré
Read more: Portraits of Dancers and Acrobats Creating Hypnotic Light Patterns Around the World
Jordan Matter
Read more: Interview – Fearless Dancers Bare All to Strike Vibrant Poses Under City Lights
Jan Masny
Read more: Dancers in Motion
Omar Robles
Read more: Breathtaking Portraits Capture Ballet’s Finest Dancing on the Streets of New York
Alexander Yakovlev
Read more: Powerful Dance Portraits Capture the Elegance and Intensity of the Human Body in Motion
Mohamed Taher
Read more: Liberating Portraits of Ballerinas Elegantly Dancing in the Streets of Cairo
Lois Greenfield
Read more: Interview – Dynamic Photos of Dancers Frozen Mid-Movement by Lois Greenfield
Lisa Tomasetti
Read more: Beautifully Elegant Dancers Pose Along City Streets
Dane Shitagi of the Ballerina Project
Read more: Stunning Photos Document Ballet Dancers Gracefully Exploring Their Cities
