When Is the Best Time to Get Your CV Photoshoot Done?
For aspiring professional dancers, your CV photos are one of the most important investments you'll make during your training. Whether you're preparing for graduate auditions, company applications, or agency submissions, strong, professional images help present you as a serious and employable artist.
One of the questions I get asked most often is:
"Should I have my CV photos taken at the end of second year or the start of third year?"
The short answer is that both options can work, but each comes with its own advantages and considerations.
Option 1: End of Second Year
For many students, the end of second year can be an excellent time to organise a professional photoshoot.
Advantages
You're at Peak Technical Development
By the end of second year, most students have made significant progress in their training. Technique, strength, artistry and confidence are often at a much higher level than they were at the start of the year.
This means your photos will likely reflect a more mature dancer, capable of producing stronger lines and more refined positions.
More Time to Use the Images
Having your photos completed before the summer gives you plenty of time to:
Prepare graduate CVs
Build a professional portfolio
Update your social media
Be ready for agencies and companies auditions that happen sooner than expected
Rather than rushing to organise photography during an already busy final year, everything is ready to go.
Greater Flexibility for Reshoots
If you decide you'd like additional images or a refresh later on, you still have plenty of time before graduation.
Things to Consider
The main downside is that some dancers continue to develop significantly over the summer. Increased strength, improved physique, or greater artistic maturity may mean that by the time auditions begin, you look noticeably different from your photos.
For some dancers this difference is minimal, while for others it can be substantial.
The other downside comes down to end of year shows and scheduling.
Option 2: Start of Third Year
The start of final year is another popular choice, particularly for dancers who want their images to be as current as possible.
Advantages
Your Photos Reflect How You Look Right Now
Graduate audition season often begins shortly after the start of third year. Having fresh images ensures that directors and recruiters see an accurate representation of your current physique, technique and presentation.
Maximum Artistic Maturity
Many dancers experience significant growth during the summer before their final year. The extra sense of maturity can help in your audition images.
Greater Clarity About Career Goals
By third year, students often have a clearer idea of the types of companies and opportunities they want to pursue.
This can influence the style of photographs chosen and what positions you decide to get photographed; helping create a portfolio that aligns more closely with future career aspirations.
Things to Consider
The biggest challenge is timing.
The start of third year is often one of the busiest periods of dance training. Alongside rehearsals, performances and academic commitments, students are also preparing for auditions and applications.
Leaving your photoshoot too late can create unnecessary pressure and limit your options for editing, printing or updating materials.
So Which Is Better?
For most dancers, there isn't a single correct answer.
End of Second Year Is Best If:
You already have strong, consistent technique.
You want to be organised well ahead of audition season.
You prefer less stress during your final year.
You don't anticipate major physical or technical changes over the summer.
Start of Third Year Is Best If:
You're expecting significant development over the summer.
You want the most up-to-date representation of yourself.
You're confident you can fit the shoot into your final-year schedule.
You have specific career goals that may influence the style of your portfolio.
My Recommendation
If possible, I often recommend scheduling your main CV photoshoot before the end of second year and before end of year shows commence.
This timing, in many cases, ensures you’re in peak physical condition.
Ensures you’re ahead of schedule and don’t have too much on your plate at the beginning of third year
Provides the opportunity and time to refine which images you want to use in applications and time to redo a shoot
Professional CV photos are an investment in your future career. Choosing the right timing allows you to present yourself at your very best when opportunities start arriving.
If you're unsure when to book your session, feel free to get in touch and we can discuss the timing that best suits your training schedule and career goals.