🩰 Ballet Audition Shoot:
It’s that time of year again! To ensure we get the absolute best results from your session, please review the following tips on wardrobe, hair, makeup, and physical preparation. 2025-26 rates below:
Audition session guide and pricing below
To book a session, hit the contact page, or call anytime.
1. Wardrobe: Clean Lines are Key
The Leotard: Solid colors work best. Black is the industry standard and may be required for auditions because it shows the line of the body most clearly. Avoid busy patterns or distracting straps. Make sure it fits perfectly—gaping fabric requires extra retouching!
Tights:
Bring a fresh, new pair of pink tights. Make sure they are not too small, they will expose the gusset.
Check for holes, runs, or pilling.
Pro Tip: If you wear convertible tights, ensure the roll at the ankle is neat or tucked inside your shoe.
The Skirt: If you plan to wear a bullet skirt for some shots, bring one that is sheer/mesh so the leg line is still visible.
Undergarments: Ensure bra straps do not show and that leotard leg lines are secure (high-cut legs elongate the line but need to stay in place).
2. Shoes: The Most Important Detail
Cleanliness: Scuffed, gray, or dirty pointe shoes look very obvious in studio lighting. Please clean your satin or pancake them (matte foundation) prior to the shoot.
Ribbons & Elastics: Check that ribbons are not fraying. Tuck ends securely.
Dead Shoes: Do not bring "dead" shoes. You need full support to hit your best arch.
3. Hair & Makeup
Hair:
Zero Flyaways: Studio lights catch every loose hair. Use plenty of gel and hairspray to create a sleek, professional bun.
Bun Placement: Ensure the bun follows the line of your cheekbone (not too high, not too low) to elongate the neck.
Makeup:
"Audition Ready": Studio lighting washes out features, so wear slightly more makeup than your "everyday" look, but less than full "stage" makeup.
Skin: Matte powder is your friend! It prevents "hot spots" (shiny glare) on the forehead and nose from the flash.
Eyes: distinct eyeliner and mascara help your expression connect with the camera.
4. Physical Preparation
Warm Up Before You Arrive: We want to spend our session shooting, not stretching. Please arrive 15 minutes early to do your own warm-up routine so you are ready to hit a full arabesque immediately.
Know Your Poses: Review the specific requirements for the auditions you are submitting to (e.g., croisé vs. effacé). Practice these in a mirror beforehand so you know your best angle.
5. What to Bring (The "Emergency Kit")
Water bottle & light snack.
Thera-band, roller, or warm-up booties.
Towel (to wipe sweat/shine).
Hairbrush, extra bobby pins, and hairspray.
Sewing kit (just in case a ribbon pops!).
Lipstick/powder for touch-ups.
I look forward to working with you and capturing your best work!
Ballet Audition & Portfolio Rates
The Experience My sessions are designed to capture the precision of your technique and the unique quality of your artistry. We use professional studio lighting, ensuring your lines are clean, defined, and impactful for audition panels.
1. The Audition Essential – $250
Perfect for specific summer intensive or company audition requirements.
Session Time: 30–45 Minutes
Looks: 1 Outfit (Leotard/Tights)
Deliverables: 2 Professionally Retouched High-Res Digital Files
Standard mix: 1 Headshot + 1 First Arabesque (or pose of choice)
Includes: Real-time image review.
2. The Portfolio Expansion – $350
Recommended for dancers needing a variety of poses (Tendu, Dèveloppè, Contemporary) alongside their headshot.
Session Time: 60 Minutes
Looks: Up to 2 Outfits (e.g., Classical & Contemporary)
Deliverables: 4 Professionally Retouched High-Res Digital Files
Includes: Posing coaching, lighting changes for mood, and real-time review.
2. Full Session – $450
Session Time: 2 Hours
Looks: No limit (e.g., Classical & Contemporary, tutu). For dancers who want their standard audition photos (Headshot + Arabesque) plus "creative shots" for Instagram or a more extensive portfolio. Outdoor sessions weather permitting.
Deliverables: Up to 12 Professionally Retouched High-Res Digital Files
Includes: Posing coaching, lighting changes for mood, and real-time review.
Add-Ons & Extras
Additional Retouched Images: $50 per file.
Expedited Editing (24-hour turnaround): +$75 flat fee.
Details & Policies
Retouching Philosophy: All selected images receive professional high-end retouching. This includes color correction, skin smoothing, stray hair removal, and background cleaning. Please Note: In accordance with professional dance industry standards, I do not warp or liquefy bodies to artificially alter physical anatomy or technique (e.g., foot arches or leg height).
Turnaround Time: Proofs will be sent a day or two after the shoot. Final retouched images are delivered within 3-5 business days after selection.
Give me a call or hit the contact button to schedule! -Scott
