Preparing for Your Audition and CV Photos
Getting ready for audition photos can feel like a big task. These images carry so much weight; they’re often the first glimpse a director has of you, and they need to show not just your technique, but you as an artist and as a person. My aim is always to create a calm, supportive space where you can feel relaxed, feel like yourself, whilst also being pushed to show you at your best. To help with that, here are a few gentle suggestions for how to prepare so that when you step in front of the camera, you feel confident, comfortable, and ready to shine.
What to Wear
Think simple and clean. Clothes that let your lines be seen clearly and don’t distract with patterns or extra details always work best. You know your body and style better than anyone, so choose something that makes you feel good in your skin while still keeping the focus on you, not the outfit. Another thing to consider is to wear what makes you look ‘not schooled’. Avoiding the fresh out of school look is always advised; usually achieved by avoiding a black leo with tights. And one more thing - you can of course change as many times as you want during your shoot, so no stress.
Pointe Shoes
Shoes are so personal, and I always encourage dancers to bring a few pairs along. You’ll be on your feet a lot, so worn-in shoes that still have plenty of life left in them tend to work best. Softer pairs can be helpful for jumps, while slightly firmer ones give you more support for balances and held poses.
For classical shots, natural satin shoes with ribbons give a clean and tidy look. If you’d like something more contemporary, pancaked shoes with elastics can also work beautifully. It’s completely your choice, and you’ll have time to change during the shoot.
Hair & Makeup
Come with hair and makeup done in a way that feels natural to you. A simple, “day look” makeup works best on camera.
For your headshot, hair can either be up or down. Classical shots benefit from keeping your hair away from your face and shoulders so we can see your lines. While more neo-classical and contemporary shots are used, quite literally letting your hair down can add an extra element to the visuals.
Arriving & Warming Up
You’re welcome to arrive up to 15 minutes early. This gives you a chance to settle, breathe, and warm up without any rush. It also gives you a chance to meet me and have a chat before jumping in front of the camera.
Positions to Prepare
There are a couple of “must-haves” for CV photos, an arabesque and a jump (often a sissonne). Starting the shoot with these ensures you know you have your essentials covered. From there, we’ll explore more classical shapes like an attitude and écarté, and then play with positions that feel unique to you.
One of the most helpful things you can do in advance is to practice. Record yourself, notice what feels strong, and decide on little details like which leg you prefer in arabesque or how you’d like to move into the pose. Doing this beforehand saves time and allows us to focus on capturing the very best version of each shape.
I’ll guide you throughout — suggesting ideas, showing examples, and helping fine-tune details. Together, we’ll create a collection of images that are both professional and deeply personal to you.
Quick top tips
For your arabesque shot - never pose into an arabesque. Getting fully onto your supporting leg is difficult. Start in 5th on demi pointe and do a gentle grande battement.
For all your jumps - nobody is going to see how you get into the jump, so it doesn’t matter. Three little bounces or an assemble preparation often work best (p.s. you don’t have to start and land the jump in 5th - it’s for a photo, not a video).
A Final Word
Preparing for audition photos can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Think of a shoot as a chance to perform! My role is to take the pressure off and support you every step of the way, so you can leave not only with strong CV images, but also with photos that reflect you.