Top Tips for a Stunning Pole Dance Photoshoot
Pole dancing is an art that combines strength, grace, and creativity. Capturing the beauty of this art form in a photoshoot requires careful planning and attention to detail. Here are some top tips to ensure you get the best quality shots from your pole dance photoshoot:
1. Master Your Poses
Poses – Simplicity is truly beautiful. Opt for a couple of elegant, uncomplicated shapes on or around the pole to create timeless images. I'm not suggesting standing statically next to the pole, but consider the allure of a graceful pole sit, a poised squat against the pole, or a tasteful booty shot – often these become favorites. As pole enthusiasts with a huge repertoire of tricks, naturally, we want to capture our favorite feats! However, the key to a stunning photo lies in making it look effortless. We frequently hear in the pole community how easily we make our moves appear, even though we know the exertion behind them. The final mastery of a trick is making it appear effortless. Choose these tricks wisely. Don't feel pressured to showcase the latest trick you just learned if it still feels uncomfortable. Remember, we have a lifetime to enjoy pole and capture moments. It's wiser to select poses you can comfortably maintain for extended periods. Pole shoots can unexpectedly prove challenging! Imagine being in your latest intricate trick, expending considerable energy to get into position, only for the pole to stop spinning, facing the wrong direction, with hair in disarray. You'll need to sustain this pose patiently while your pole coach adjusts your spin and fixes hair, attire, or props, before darting out of frame for the photographer's perfect shot. Choose poses you can sustain comfortably for the duration needed.
2. Consider Hair and Accessories
On photoshoot day, there are a few unexpected considerations that can make a big difference, such as how your hair and accessories will appear in your pictures. If you have bangs and plan to go inverted, it's wise to secure them with a clear eyelash glue adhesive or clip them to the side to avoid your bangs looking out of control. Similarly, if your hair is down, it's recommended to have your pole photography assistant help make sure it's positioned properly once in the pose, especially if it tends to cover your face. Alternatively, consider a ponytail, braid, bun, or another style that keeps your face visible.
During inverted poses, gravity naturally pulls hair over your head, which can create a beautiful effect as strands elegantly flow with your movements. However, adjusting your hair optimally can significantly enhance the artistic quality of your pole shoot. The same consideration applies to accessories like necklaces; while they may look stunning in upright poses, they could be distracting when inverted. Being aware that everything is positioned thoughtfully will ensure your photos reflect your best artistic vision.
3. Outfit Preparation: Alignment with Your Pose Concept
It’s recommended to test your costume in advance with your planned poses so it aligns perfectly with your concept. Prior to the photoshoot, wear your selected outfits during a pole session to verify their suitability and secureness. Consider using double-sided tape or safety pins to secure loose garments during inverted poses, preventing any wardrobe mishaps such as your skirt or flowy blouse slipping over your head during a headstand.
Pair your costume with the specific undergarments also. In cases where you are wearing strappy bottoms or top, it would be a wiser choice to wear undergarments that are not as wide as the straps so they remain invisible, yet keep the goods intact. No one wants a nip or lip slip that could detract from your favorite pose.
Additionally, choose attire that resonates with the energy and theme of your photoshoot. If your goal is to capture a sophisticated or contemporary pole pose without a sensual undertone, be cautious that slightly cheeky bottoms might dramatize curves and inadvertently convey a sexier vibe, which might not be ideal if you plan to share the photo widely. If you intend to showcase your shoot to show to your grandpa, dentist, or conservative co-workers all the new “pole fitness” you’ve been doing, you may want to wear more sporty style attire.
This doesn't mean you should avoid bold exotic wear altogether – there's certainly a time and place for it. If you're aiming to capture shots that reveal sexy lines, accentuate the bum, showcase side boob, and exude your unapologetic feminine energy, embrace it! Just make sure everything stays securely in place.
Whether you're aiming for an artistic, athletic, or sultry/exotic ambiance, your costume and pose should harmonize with your desired mood and message.
4. Practice and Record Your Poses
Rehearse your poses and record them on video. This helps you decide which poses are top priorities and allows you to see the angles you want to capture. Screenshots from these videos can serve as references for the photographer, ensuring they understand the desired outcome. Another benefit of recording and screenshotting your images will help you identify the photos where you need to consciously pull the core in, avoid wrinkling your forehead and sticking your tongue out.
5. Communicate with Your Photographer
Share your practice screenshots with the photographer. This visual aid helps them understand the exact poses and angles you are aiming for. It’s often a waste of camera battery and memory card space when the photographer captures numerous insignificant shots of climbing and inverting before you’re in the desired pose. Providing clear guidance helps them know the precise angles to capture, guaranteeing you don’t end up with awkward shots like your spatchcock with your crotch angled at the camera. Instead, they can focus on getting the entire intricate shape of your body from the most flattering angle, avoiding unnecessary and irrelevant shots.
6. Eye Focus and Expression
You don’t always need to smile or look directly at the camera; where your eyes focus can make a significant difference. While some poses benefit from a bright, cheesy grin that shows your love for pole, many look more captivating when you gaze off into the distance. Recording your poses is crucial for this reason – it helps you determine if a profile shot with eyes looking up to the corner of the room or a pose with your head thrown back and eyes closed convey the intended mood. Experiment with different facial expressions to find what best enhances each pose, whether it’s sultry, playful, or serene.
7. Hire a Pole Pose Coach
A Pole Pose Coach is a seasoned pole dancer experienced in photoshoots and their assistance can be invaluable. They help you achieve the perfect angles by giving you another spin or repositioning you. They’ll make certain your hair is out of your face, guide your eye direction, and even throw you grip aids if the pole gets slippery. If you’re using props like scarves or long dresses, a Pole Pose Coach can manage them at the right moments, making the challenging task of climbing the pole with fabric in hand much easier.
Their expertise can help you engage the right muscles for clean lines, maintain good posture, and avoid awkward hand positions, resulting in the highest quality photos. While many Pole Pose Coaches charge for their services, if they volunteer to help you, it’s courteous to offer a gratuity for their time and attention to detail. Their presence on set can make a significant difference in the outcome of your photoshoot.
8. Declutter Your Studio
When taking a quick picture in the studio, declutter things such as rags, spray bottles, and mats, and ask spectators to move out of the frame, even if it's not a professional shoot.
Final Thoughts
Pole dance photo shoots are wonderful for enthusiasts of all levels, and everyone can end up with gorgeous photos to appreciate. Even if pole dancing is a temporary pursuit in your life, having photos from this time is a fantastic way to memorialize your pole journey. You won’t be able to help but smile as you remember the beautiful things you learned to do with your body on a vertical bar, the admiration from a new student for your elegant tricks, or the satisfaction of achieving things beyond your imagination through patience and determination. You'll cherish the memories of being a pole dancer, embracing all sides of yourself and uncovering your inner strength. You are a divine goddess, a determined pole athlete, and an unapologetic badass, capable of achieving anything you set your beautiful mind to.
By following these tips, you'll be well-prepared to capture the strength, beauty, and artistry of your pole dancing in stunning photos. Happy shooting!
-Jaqueline Santos
Owner, Peacock Pole Art/ Passionate Pole Instructor
