A school photo day gives every dancer a lovely portrait in costume, gives your school fresh images for the website and socials, and gives families something they will frame. With a bit of planning, it runs like clockwork around your normal timetable.
I run dance school photo days alongside my dance and theatre show filming in Liverpool. Here is how to plan one.
The short version
- Pick the right date. Costumes ready, close to show season.
- Build a timetable. Class by class, around your normal lessons.
- Plan three kinds of shot. Portraits, class groups and costume frames.
- Tell families early. Hair, makeup and costume notes.
- One private gallery. The same one families use for the show film.
1. Choose the date
The best time is when costumes are ready but before the show, so dancers are excited and everything still looks perfect. Many schools run the photo day a week or two before show week, or on a dress rehearsal weekend.
2. Build a simple timetable
Plan it class by class, starting with the youngest so they are fresh. Allow time for individual portraits, a class group and a few costume frames per class. I work around your normal timetable so lessons can carry on.
3. The shots to plan
Individual portraits in costume, class group photos, and costume frames that show off the routine: a pose, a leap or a signature move. Older students often love a few dynamic shots for their own portfolios too.
4. The space
A studio or a hall with a clear wall and a little room to move is all I need. I bring lighting and a backdrop, so the photos look consistent whatever the room is like.
5. Let families know
Send a note home with the date, the time for each class, and what to bring: costumes, hair tied back or styled for the show, tights and shoes. Consent works the same way as show filming, so include your usual permissions.
6. Getting the photos to families
All the photos go into a private, password protected gallery, the same one your families already use for the show film. You decide who gets access, and families can view and download their photos themselves.
Your photo day checklist
Before the day
- Date booked around costume readiness
- Class by class timetable
- Room with a clear wall
- Note sent to families
- Consent list shared
On the day
- Costumes, tights and shoes ready
- Hair styled for the show
- One helper to bring classes through
- Any special requests noted
Questions principals ask
How long does a photo day take?
It depends on how many classes you have. Tell me your class list and I will suggest a timetable that fits your day.
Can we combine the photo day with the show?
Yes. Production stills from the dress run and show pair nicely with photo day portraits, and everything goes to the same private gallery.
Can the school use the photos for marketing?
Yes, within your consent list. Nothing goes public without your written permission.
More guides for dance schools: How to get your dance show filmed and Live streaming your dance show.
Got a show coming up?
Send me the date and let’s make it one to remember
Tell me the show, the venue and what you would like filmed or photographed, and I will come back with availability and a clear quote.