Dance Session Preparation

Thank you for booking your session

I look forward to seeing you at your session!
Please read the information below to help you prepare.

Setting Expectations:
This is your shoot—but I can’t read minds, so I want to make sure I understand what you’re looking for in your final photos. These sessions are only an hour long, so coming prepared is essential.

You’re welcome to arrive up to 15 minutes early to warm up. There’s no heat in the studio, so dress warmly if this is a winter session. Printouts of poses or concepts are really helpful to keep the session moving smoothly without having to reference your phone.

I shoot directly to an iPad, so you’ll be able to review your images as we go.

Please read the details below, and if you have any questions, feel free to email me

Location: Melodic Remedy Dance Studios – 507 Quarry Rd, San Carlos
Please note the address above because Melodic Remedy has multiple studio locations. Google Maps is the most accurate.

What is included

Mini dance sessions are a great way to make quality dance images more accessible — perfect if you don’t need a full session or just want to update your portfolio.

Each session is 60 minutes and can used for a mix of headshot and dance images, or dance images alone. 

What’s Included

  • A 60-minute shoot with professional lighting on a white seamless background

  • A personal, password-protected gallery on my site with approximately 50–150 proofs (missed and soft images are removed)

  • 6 professionally retouched, high-resolution images of your choice

  • Additional retouched images available for $50 each

As a professional dance photographer, I’ll guide you to help you feel comfortable and capture your best angles. That said, you know your dancing better than anyone — my expertise is in lighting, direction, and emotion. Preparation is key to getting great photos, so come with ideas and choreography ready.

FAQ

How do I pay for the session?
You’ll receive a link to pay a $50 deposit to hold your spot. If payment isn’t made within 2 days, your spot will be released.
On the day of the shoot, you can pay the balance by check (made out to Tracy Martin Design & Photography), by credit card or Venmo — I’ll send you a link for credit card payments after the shoot.

Do I get prints with this package?
No prints are included. You’ll receive your 6 selected images as high-resolution edited digital files. If you’d like to order prints through my service, just let me know — I can set the pricing to cost for you.

What happens to my proofs after I select my top 6?
Your proofs will remain online (with a watermark) in case you’d like to purchase additional images later.

Can I share my proofs on social media?
No. Please share only the final edited images. All proofs have watermarks to prevent sharing online.

What happens if I’m late for my session?
Being late will cut into your shooting time. If there’s extra time after your session, we may be able to extend, but it’s not guaranteed. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early to warm up and get ready to shoot.

Can I get my deposit back if I have to cancel?
Deposits are non-refundable, but they can be applied to a future shoot within one year of your original payment date.

Process

Prepare
One of the best ways to prepare for your session is to get a good night’s sleep. Come in with a clear idea of the poses you want to do. Bringing 8×10 black-and-white printouts is an excellent way to move quickly through your poses without needing to grab your phone, which can slow things down.

Session Shoot
This is a short session, so being prepared is key — 60 minutes flies by! You may arrive up to 30 minutes early to warm up. I may still be finishing the previous session, but there’s a buffer scheduled between sessions.

If you have printouts, I can help you build variations based on your ideas. As we shoot, you’ll be able to review images on the iPad and make adjustments as needed.

Parents are welcome to stay and observe, and can review the images after the shoot.

Payment
A non-refundable deposit is required to hold your spot and will be applied to the final balance. After your session, you’ll receive an automated email reminder to pay the balance.

Proofs + Review
Proofs will be uploaded to my website within three days of your session. I delete any rejects and post your proofs in a private, password-protected gallery that remains available to you. This is also where your high-resolution edited images will be delivered, so once you receive the link, please bookmark it.

Choose
After reviewing your proofs, email or text me the image numbers you’d like edited. Edits typically take up to a week, depending on my current workload. If you need images sooner, send your selections as quickly as possible and let me know they’re a rush.

Social Media
Please credit any social media posts to @tracymartinphotography – Tracy Martin Photography.

Audition Shots

Audition shots requirements: plain-color leotard (not white, simple-style: no skirt, no frills, lace, high fancy neckline or multi-straps), pink tights, or a color to match skin tone if preferred, soft shoes and pointe shoes. Hair neatly groomed. Subtle/natural make-up only, if worn.

Contact the school/program you are applying to for their requirements.