Individual Dancer Photography Sessions
Serving dancers from Virginia Beach to Roanoke, Alexandria, Richmond, and beyond — with full studio systems, Marley flooring, and dance-focused training.
Why Shining Stars Photo
Dancers don’t stop training after one season, and neither do I. Every year I study with other leading dance photographers to refine my lighting, posing, and technique. After more than 37 years as a full-time photographer, I continue learning so dancers can trust their images reflect the same discipline and precision they bring to their own art.
What to Expect
An individual dancer session is a fully customized, multi-hour experience. We plan your session in advance, discuss your goals, and review ideas so the session reflects your artistry. Lighting for every pose is designed individually and refined with dancer-specific care, using professional gear and a 20-foot marley floor studio environment built for dance.
Time and Flow
There are no time limits or rushed checklists. Sessions often run three hours or more, with breaks for costume changes and creative review. We look at images together during the shoot so you can see progress and adjust. The result is a wide collection of images—often dozens to choose from—that highlight strength, artistry, and personality.
After the Session
I’ll send a lightly retouched online gallery for a private image reveal and selection. Finished images are presented fully retouched, and there is no high-pressure sales process. You choose the photographs that matter most to you, with options for both digital images and handmade wall art.
What Families Say
Here’s what dancers, parents, and studio owners say about their experience with Shining Stars Photo:
“Franklin is one of the most professional photographers I have ever worked with. His attention to detail and level of perfection for each photo makes his images exquisite. Even so, he was very welcoming to my daughter and her teacher, producing the images they wanted him to photograph. This balance is hard to find and makes the experience wonderful, especially with ballet dancers. We will not hesitate to recommend him to all of our dance community. His studio is the perfect blend of professional and homey — he had everything we might have needed to prepare for the images. A truly wonderful experience for serious dancers.”
— Ana Elisa Martinez, Owner, Star City Ballet
“I really enjoy shooting with Franklin! He is very collaborative throughout the process, and does a wonderful job making sure the dancer is happy with how the photos are turning out. I was so impressed with the professionalism and quality of his equipment, photography space, and knowledge.”
— Maurissa Powell, Dancer
“Wow. Just wow. The shoot was absolutely amazing and catered perfectly to me. I felt extremely comfortable throughout the entire process. Franklin was so understanding and made sure every detail was just right, from the lighting to the poses. I’ve been dancing for years, but I’ve never had photos like these taken before — they’re on another level. Would I recommend this photographer? Heck yes!”
— Myaja Watson, Dancer
“My daughter and I cannot say enough wonderful things about our experience with Shining Stars. Franklin is a consummate professional. His attention to detail and his knowledge of every aspect of the photography process is incredible to watch, but more importantly, he made my daughter feel comfortable and happy. His studio is beautiful, with everything you could possibly need for a comfortable, enjoyable experience. We are so thrilled to have incredible photos that we will treasure for years, and the good memories from the process make them that much more precious.”
— Amy Little, Dance Parent
Small-Group Dancer Sessions
A multi-dancer session lets from two to a maximum of four dancers share the experience and divide the session fee while keeping everything that makes an individual dancer session special. Each dancer receives personal lighting, direction, and time in front of the camera, plus their own images to select afterward.
It’s ideal for friends, siblings, or company members who want to collaborate, save money, and still get the full custom studio experience.
Contact Us
To purchase a Gift Certificate, send an email to info@shiningstarsphoto.com and tell me what packages and à la carte items you wish to purchase. I’ll send you an online invoice. Gift certificates are shipped to you within 1 business day.