Can beginners do Pole Dance Photoshoots?
We hear it over and over again- “I really want to do a pole dance photoshoot, but I don’t know enough difficult tricks! I’m not flexible enough! I don’t know what to do!”
We’ve got good news for you! Pole dancers of all levels, including beginners, can get equally fantastic photos with a few strategies to slay their first pole dance shoot. Plus, doing regular photoshoots is an amazing way to commemorate every step of your pole dance journey!
Keep your pole dance shapes simple
Some of the best and most striking photos are made from the simplest poses. In fact, complicated and difficult positions can detract from the overall vibe and energy of the photo. Choosing a position that you know you are comfortable executing will allow you to focus on the details and make intentional choices about pointing or flexing your feet, smiling or smizing, etc.
Think about the details and objectives
Building off the last point, rather than trying to do your hardest trick, spend your energy thinking about what details you want to show off in the photos. Do you want to lean into your backbend while you stand next to the pole? Do you want a super straight leg and pointed toe? Or maybe you want to look dramatically at the camera?
Collaborate with the photographer
Maybe you read tip number 2 and thought “EEEK! I HAVE NO IDEA!”.
Don’t worry! Your photographer will help you choose details that clean up your photos. We can’t see ourselves while we’re posing, but the photographer has experience looking at a pose and giving suggestions. If you’re looking to show something specific in your photos, let the photographer know so they can help. Maybe you want to show how bendy your back is, how strong your arms have gotten, or how happy pole dancing makes you! Your photographer can help achieve any of these things.
Not all your poses need to be up the pole.
Photos on the floor or standing can be equally striking, and we all know the floor can be an equally important apparatus for pole dancing. Try poses at a variety of levels, and if you don’t know any low pole moves, try adding some floorwork or low flow to your pole dance class schedule.
Wear something that makes you feel confident
One of the most beautiful things about pole dancing classes is the confidence it builds. Wearing something that makes you feel your best can really help your new found confidence come through in your photos. If you can’t decide what to wear, bring a few options. There’s usually time for at least one costume change during a pole dance photoshoot! If you are planning to go up the pole, make sure at least one of your outfits works with the tricks you want to do.
Grab a pole buddy
Another benefit of pole dancing class is the friends and community it comes with. Photos don’t have to be solo. You can buddy up and celebrate your friends by taking some doubles and group pole photos. Multiple bodies opens up a whole new world of pole shapes!
Your photographer can also help with good group pole photos!
Look for a pole photoshoot with a theme you enjoy
Many pole photoshoots have themes or styles that differentiate them. At Positive Spin Pole Dance we have several photoshoots each year, which usually include blacklight shoots, halloween shoots, and pride photoshoots!
We’re lucky to have lots of talented pole dance photographers in Seattle, and working with different pole dance photographers will yield different results. With pole dancing, the possibilities are always limitless!
Learn from each experience
There’s no right or wrong way to do a pole photoshoot, but just like pole dancing itself, getting the result you want is a skill that can be built, and the best way to do it is to practice! When you receive your photos, celebrate the things you love about them and think about what you’ll repeat next time, and what else you want to try!
You can start today by signing up for our 2023 Blacklight Halloween Shoot on October 21st!
Do you have other tips for pole dancing photoshoots? Leave them in the comments!