One of my most important tasks as a dance photographer is to translate the three-dimensional art of dance into a two-dimensional photograph.

As a dancer diving into audition season, taking dance photos can seem like a daunting task. Different summer intensive programs and dance companies have different requirements for submitting photographs. For example, the Royal Ballet School requires three other poses besides the well-known first arabesque.

From finding a photographer to figuring out what to wear, preparation is key to looking your best in your audition photos. Be sure to schedule a time to take your audition photos well in advance of when your audition materials need to be submitted. With that being said, here are a few tips to help the audition photoshoot process run smoothly.

Have your photographs taken by someone who “knows” dance. While it can be an exciting opportunity, it is definitely not a requirement to have your photographs taken by a professional dance photographer. You can ask your dance teacher for help! In addition to knowing when to capture the moment you need, your dance teacher can provide valuable feedback on your technique and expression in the photograph.

If you have a real camera at your disposal or can borrow one from a friend, don’t use a phone to take your audition photographs. Modern smartphones have come a long way in terms of image quality, but they are still not a replacement for a digital camera. Smartphone cameras tend to have wide angle lenses, which can distort your lines. Additionally, a digital camera is capable of capturing photographs at the speed necessary to freeze motion in mid-air without blur. If you don’t own a digital camera, ask around and see if you can borrow one from someone you know.

Don’t forget to warm up! You wouldn’t walk into a dance class without warming up; don’t skip your warmup before taking audition photos. This will allow you to perform your best for the camera while avoiding injury. Warming up is especially important if you are not taking your photographs in a dance studio with a sprung floor and is crucial to preventing sprained ankles, shin splints, and fractures while jumping or wearing pointe shoes.

Wear what makes you feel best, but avoid wearing patterns. Do you have a leotard that makes you feel like a million bucks and that you love to take ballet class in? Try donning it for your audition photos! Bring multiple outfit options with you when take your photos; if one leotard doesn’t photograph well, then you have other options as backup.

Velvet, shiny fabric, and small patterns - such as polka dots, thin stripes, and flowers - tend to photograph poorly and can hide your musculature. If you’re unsure what to wear, a simple black leotard is always a classic and flatters everyone. Your hair should be pinned back and away from your face, so that your facial expression is visible. Don’t forget to take any hair ties off of your wrist if you put them there while getting ready!

The background of your audition photographs should be free of distractions. If you are taking your audition photos at your dance studio or at home, make sure there aren’t any unwanted objects in the background. If there are posters or photographs on the wall and they can be taken down, remove them before being photographed.

If you get to pick your pose, avoid shapes that foreshorten your limbs! Foreshortening occurs in dance photography when your limb comes towards the camera, making your legs or arms look short in the photograph. During a dance photoshoot, the subject will often hear me tell them to turn their movement to profile or to over-cross their working leg. This makes the dancer’s lines look longer.

Remember, if the thought of modeling for dance photos stresses you out, take a deep breath! Don’t be afraid to ask for help. With these tips and tricks in your back pocket and with a little bit of preparation, you’ll be well on your way to looking your best in your upcoming audition photos.