Dance Photoshoot at Home: What Do You Need
2020 has been pretty much a ‘stay home’ kind of a year. It taught us to love home workouts, cooking, home-learning and even taking images without getting out of the house. Whether you are a dancer wishing to create some DIY dance photos, or a photographer wondering how to set up a dance photoshoot at home, you’re in the perfect place and perfect time. Keep on reading!
If you’re a photographer
Let’s be honest, you don’t actually need a big fancy studio to produce stunning action dance images. A large portion of my work has been shot at home, to be more specific in the kitchen. Check out some backstage below!
If you’re a dancer
So you want some new photos but you can’t leave the house (thanks to Covid)? You could ask your flatmate or a partner to take some dance photos of you, or speak to a photographer you know if they do FaceTime photoshoots! It’s fun, creative, and can actually look pretty awesome for a dance photoshoot at home! Check out my blog post Dance Portraits via FaceTime if you need some inspiration.
I understand, not everyone is blessed with a spacious kitchen like I am, so I will share with you some awesome tips for dance photoshoots at home using what you have. Let’s dive right in!
Dance photoshoot at home: what do you actually need
Space
Small space accompanies a couple of challenges. For instance big explosive movement is a luxury when it comes to tight spaces, so think smaller moves and still dance poses. Less space also means less lighting options (I can hardly fit 2 lights in my space!). Though, it shouldn’t be a problem, 1-2 light sources are enough. 99% of the time I’m shooting with a single light source, whether it’s an umbrella or a little soft box.
Check out this blog to learn how to make the most of the small space for dance photoshoots at home.
Background
Declutter & DIY! Shooting at home is not necessarily quick and convenient – yes, you do need to move some stuff away (first, to create more room; second, in order to get some nice and clean dance shots). Honestly, if you’re capturing your signature flexibility trick and there’s a pile of clothes lying in the corner, everyone will look at the pile not your incredible skill. Try moving everything out of the room where you intend to do your dance photoshoot, and bring it back in when you’re done. Simple!
Now let’s talk about backdrops! Do you have a solid colour wall in the house? Then you’re sorted (bonus point if there are no framed photos or paintings hanging).
Simple white bedsheets are great option for a backdrop (cost nothing, and you likely already have them), or fabrics from a textile shop/market. You can either tape a fabric to a wall, or tuck into the curtain railing. Voila! Now you have a cool backdrop with a bit of texture to it!
Are you planning to set up your own photography space at home? Learn how to set up a home studio on a budget HERE.
Bed sheet as a backdrop
Light
Light is probably the most important element when it comes to dance and action photography. In order to freeze the movement you need to have enough light available (a lot of light if you’re using a phone or an entry-level camera), otherwise any movement you try to capture will be a blur.
Daylight for dance photography is perfectly fine as long as it’s strong. If you intend to use window light for you home dance photoshoot, do it while the sun is still high in the sky.
Do you feel stuck with camera settings? Brush up on your camera settings for dance photography knowledge!
Speed lights are great for home photoshoots. So if you can spare £30-40, you can get a decent off-camera flash that does the job. Neewer has a range of budget speed lights available on Amazon.
That is all for today. Thanks for checking out this week’s blog! In case you have any questions regarding dance photoshoots at home feel free to drop them in the comment section below and I’ll be sure to answer them. If you would like me to cover a specific topic in one of my future posts, again drop the comment below or message me.
