Every senior session has its own story, and Riley’s is one I won’t forget anytime soon. Riley and her family traveled all the way from North Carolina for her senior portraits — an honor that means more to me than I can put into words. When a family chooses to make that kind of trip, it adds a special layer of intention and excitement to the entire experience.
Riley is headed to Muhlenberg College this fall as a dance and theater major, so her mom planned something truly memorable: she rented the historic State Theatre Center for the Arts in Easton, PA as the backdrop for part of her session. Photographing Riley on that stage — a place filled with so much creative energy — felt like capturing her future before it even begins.
After our time in the theatre, we explored some of my favorite corners of downtown Easton, mixing classic senior portraits with creative, movement‑inspired images that reflect who Riley is as both a performer and a person.
Below is a sneak peek of a few favorites from her session — more to come soon.
Senior portraits for Riley Pfeiffer on March 31, 2026 in Easton, PA. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
Thinking About Senior Portraits?
If you’re a rising senior or a parent planning ahead, I’d love to help you create a session that feels personal, meaningful, and uniquely yours. Whether you’re dreaming of a studio experience, a theatre backdrop, or exploring the streets of Easton, let’s start planning something unforgettable.
Today is World Backup Day, which feels like the perfect reminder for anyone who works with photos and video — especially full‑time professional photographers like me — that our work only truly exists when it’s protected.
When you’re trusted to capture once‑in‑a‑lifetime moments, school productions, ambassador sessions, or full theater runs, “hoping your hard drive holds up” isn’t a strategy. Files are fragile. Drives fail. Cards corrupt. Life happens.
That’s why professional photographers build backup systems that start the moment the shutter clicks. Multiple memory cards. Redundant drives. Cloud copies. Off‑site storage. It’s not glamorous, but it’s the difference between delivering and disappointing.
For the Banks family portrait I created for SPAC’s Mary Poppins Jr. production, the final image was printed, displayed, and woven into the show’s world. That’s not something you leave to chance. Backups ensure that the hours of research, styling, shooting, and editing are protected — and that the work can live on long after the curtain closes.
So on World Backup Day, consider this your friendly nudge: If your memories matter, back them up. If your work matters, back it up twice.
How cool is it when you’re walking through a store and suddenly see one of your dance ambassadors modeling the clothes on display? That’s exactly what happened with Elijah — or as you’ll find him online, @elijahinthearts. Elijah isn’t just a dancer; he’s an actor and a model, and he brings that same expressive, magnetic energy into every session we create together.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that theatre isn’t just a performance — it’s a community, a heartbeat, and a place where young artists discover who they are. I’ve had the honor of photographing the Freddy Awards since 2013, and every season reminds me just how much talent, passion, and joy lives in our local high school theatre programs.
Each year, several of my Freddy Awards images were featured in the State Theatre Center for the Arts Gallery in Easton, PA. Seeing those moments — the emotion, the storytelling, the pure electricity of live theatre — displayed on the walls of such a historic venue was incredibly meaningful. It’s one thing to capture a performance; it’s another to see those images become part of the theater’s visual history.
This year’s gallery installation is already up, and if you’re curious which images made the cut, you can check them out any show night at the State Theatre. I’ll also be sharing some of them here on the blog in the coming weeks.
To celebrate World Theatre Day, I’m offering a special 10% off coupon for any previous Freddy Awards gallery items. Use coupon code FREDDY10 at checkout — valid now through Sunday, March 31, 2026.
Whether you’re a performer, a parent, a theatre fan, or someone who just loves the magic of the stage, thank you for supporting the arts and the incredible students who bring these stories to life.
Some sessions feel less like a photoshoot and more like a collaboration — a shared creative rhythm where everything just clicks. My senior dance portrait session with Maddy, a dancer at West Jersey Youth Ballet, was exactly that kind of experience.
If you know Maddy, you know she’s one of those dancers who naturally draws people in. She’s admired by the younger dancers, trusted by her peers, and respected for her work ethic. But what makes photographing her truly special is her artistic eye. She doesn’t just do a pose — she shapes it, breathes into it, and elevates it.
A Session That Showed Every Side of Her
We started with a quiet, grounded moment: Maddy lacing up her pointe shoes, relaxed and smiling. It set the tone for the entire session — calm, focused, and full of intention.
From there, she moved effortlessly into bold, sculptural shapes. Deep lunges, dramatic backbends, and long, extended lines that filled the studio with energy. She has this rare ability to make strength look effortless and artistry look instinctive.
One of my favorite parts of the session was exploring more conceptual imagery. The umbrella pose — whimsical, elegant, and full of personality — felt like a perfect reflection of her creative spirit. And the green dress moment? Pure magic. The way the fabric caught the air as she turned created a sense of motion you could feel even in a still frame.
Preparing for What Comes Next
Alongside her dance portraits, we created a polished headshot for her upcoming summer internship auditions. Maddy has an exciting season ahead, and it was important to craft something that reflects not just her technique, but her maturity, confidence, and the thoughtful artist she’s becoming.
A Dancer With a Bright Future
Photographing seniors is always meaningful, but photographing a senior who brings this level of artistry is something I don’t take for granted. Maddy’s session was a celebration of everything she’s accomplished — and everything she’s stepping into next.
Below are a few of my favorite images from our time together. Each one captures a different facet of who she is: strong, expressive, creative, and deeply dedicated to her craft.
Artistic dance portraits for Maddy Gilleland on March 15, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
If you’re a dancer looking to create your own senior portraits — or preparing for auditions and need updated headshot — I’d love to help you craft something that feels authentically you. Contact me today.
Every ambassador brings something unique to the Dabour Photography family, but Hope brings a spark all her own. Although she was the last to officially join this year’s ambassador team, she is anything but last when it comes to talent, drive, and presence. Hope is one of those dancers who steps into a space and immediately elevates it — not just as a performer, but as a creator.
Hope is no stranger to the stage. She doesn’t just dance; she choreographs, shapes movement, and tells stories through motion. That artistic instinct shows up in every session we’ve done together. She understands lines, shapes, and emotion in a way that makes photographing her feel effortless.
Our journey actually started long before she became an ambassador. I first met Hope back in 2019 when she was Miss New Jersey, greeting the community with the same warmth and confidence she brings to the studio today. Not long after, she jumped in front of my camera again — this time as the featured dancer for a local community theater group. Even then, she had that unmistakable presence that makes you stop and pay attention.
Dance Ambassador Hope, @misscentraljerseycoastline_nj, making a splash during a Rain Machine Experience session. Photo by Dave Dabour Photography.
When I launched my Rain Machine Experience, Hope was one of the first to dive in — literally. She embraced the challenge, the mess, the drama, and created some of the most striking images from the entire series. And the moment the Powder Experience became available, she was right there again, ready to push boundaries and explore something new. That willingness to experiment, to trust the process, and to bring her full self to every concept is exactly what makes her such a powerful ambassador.
Beyond dance, Hope continues to shine in the pageant world. She is currently Miss Central Jersey Coastline (@misscentraljerseycoastline_nj), using her platform to engage in community initiatives, share life skills, and inspire others with her leadership. Her personal Instagram, @ki3hl, offers a glimpse into just how much she juggles — and how gracefully she does it.
Hope is just as busy as I am. She’s a full‑time high school teacher, a choreographer, and an active contributor to multiple community programs. Her ability to balance so many roles while still showing up with energy, creativity, and heart is nothing short of impressive.
And we’re not done yet. I’ll soon be working with Hope on a special project designed to help advance her career, and I’m genuinely excited for what’s ahead. Collaborating with her is always a privilege, and I look forward to continuing that journey in the future.
Hope may have been the final ambassador added to the team, but she closes this year’s spotlight series with strength, style, and a story that ties everything together. I’m grateful our paths crossed years ago, and even more grateful they continue to cross in new and exciting ways.
Here’s to Hope — dancer, choreographer, educator, creator, and an incredible addition to the Dabour Photography Dance Ambassador family.
There’s something special about watching young performers bring a story to life — especially one as colorful, heartfelt, and joy‑filled as Finding Nemo Kids. This week, Lopatcong Elementary School dove into the world of Pixar’s beloved underwater adventure, filling the middle school stage with bright characters, big energy, and a whole lot of heart. Their production runs through tomorrow, and it’s absolutely worth celebrating.
I had the pleasure of photographing this show from start to finish, capturing the excitement, the storytelling, and the incredible work these students and staff poured into every moment. From the vibrant costumes to the expressive performances, this cast made the ocean feel alive. And for this production, I also had the opportunity to film the show — giving families a way to relive the magic long after the curtain closes.
Lopatcong Elementary has a long tradition of creating meaningful, memorable productions, and this year’s Finding Nemo Kids is no exception. The students brought so much enthusiasm to their roles — from Nemo’s determination to Dory’s optimism to the entire ensemble of sea creatures who filled the stage with movement and color.
Behind the scenes, the staff and volunteers worked tirelessly to make this show shine. Their dedication is evident in every detail, and it’s always a privilege to help preserve their hard work through photography and video.
Why I Love Photographing School Theater
There’s a unique kind of magic in school productions — the mix of nerves, excitement, teamwork, and pure joy. These performances become core memories for the students, their families, and the community. Being able to capture those moments is something I never take for granted.
Closing Thoughts
Congratulations to the entire cast, crew, and creative team at Lopatcong Elementary School. Your production of Finding Nemo Kids is full of charm, heart, and creativity. Thank you for inviting me to be part of your journey both behind the camera and behind the lens.
I hope these images and the show video help you relive the laughter, the music, and the magic of your time under the sea.
Some dancers make an impression the moment you meet them — not because they’re the loudest in the room, but because of the quiet confidence they carry with them. Rylea (@balletlifeofrylea) is one of those dancers. This is her first year as one of my dance ambassadors, and from the very beginning she’s shown me exactly why she belongs here.
My first impression of Rylea was that she was soft‑spoken but approachable — the kind of dancer who listens, observes, and then surprises you with thoughtful conversation when you least expect it. In between locations during sessions, she’s always willing to chat, and not with one‑word answers either. She shares what she likes, what she’s working on, what inspires her. Those moments matter to me. They help me understand the dancer behind the technique.
I first met Rylea when she came to me for a headshot session for some summer intensives she wanted to apply to. Even then, I noticed her attention to detail. That trait showed up again during picture day at West Jersey Youth Ballet, her home studio. She reached out afterward because she noticed one of her poses wasn’t included in the final delivery. She wasn’t upset — she was curious. Was it blurry? Was something off? She genuinely liked the pose and wanted to understand. I checked, and she was absolutely right: it was a great image that somehow didn’t make the cut. That level of awareness is rare, especially in a younger dancer.
Fast forward to this year’s ambassador program. I put out a call looking for one or two volunteers to help me test a new location. Within 30 minutes, I had six replies. I figured that was more than enough… and then Rylea messaged me asking if it was too late. I told her I already had more dancers than I needed. Then she mentioned she lived in the town where the shoot was happening. That sealed it — of course she had to come. I invited her to join me the next evening while I was photographing senior portraits, and she fit right into the flow. But then she surprised me and showed up that night not expecting to be photographed – but to support her dance friends!
Dabour Photography dance ambassadors at the State Theatre of the Arts on September 23, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR PhotographyDabour Photography dance ambassadors at the State Theatre of the Arts on September 23, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
One of the moments that truly solidified her ambassador status happened at the State Theatre of the Arts in Easton, PA. Most of my ambassadors attended the invite‑only session, but Rylea’s mom let me know she had school picture day and could only stay for the first hour. So we made it work. We started with group portraits on the stage, and then I photographed Rylea first. She may be one of my younger ambassadors, but when she stepped onto that stage, she owned it. Her first few solo portraits were exactly the images I had envisioned when planning the entire event. She didn’t just rise to the occasion — she defined it.
Dance portraits during a photo walk in Easton, PA on Oct 26, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR PhotographyDance portraits during a photo walk in Easton, PA on Oct 26, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
Since then, we’ve created even more together: studio sessions, artistic concepts, specialty portraits, and a photo walk in Easton with Elijah that turned into one of those perfect evenings — golden light, great energy, and portfolio‑level images at every stop.
Rylea is thoughtful, dedicated, and quietly powerful in a way that makes you pay attention. I’m grateful she’s part of this ambassador team, and I’m excited for the years ahead — especially the duets I already see forming in my mind.
Here’s to many more sessions, more creativity, and more beautiful art together.
Some of my favorite images created together so far:
Dabour Photography dance ambassadors at the State Theatre of the Arts on September 23, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
Some dancers grow in front of your lens year after year, and watching that evolution is one of the best parts of what I do. Emma (@extendandelevate) is absolutely one of those dancers. Even though this is her first year as one of my dance ambassadors, I’ve been photographing her for years—and every session reminds me just how much talent, drive, and personality she brings to her art.
Emma is known for many things, but her incredible flexibility is always front and center. She gets into poses that make my back hurt, and I’m not even the one doing them! What amazes me most is how effortless she makes it all look. One moment she’s a poised, elegant young woman; the next she snaps into a bold, sassy pose like she flipped a switch from 0 to 100.
This past season, Emma stepped into the iconic role of Clara in her studio’s production of The Nutcracker. I had the chance to create some beautiful, artistic portraits of her in those costumes, and she brought such grace and storytelling to every frame. It’s a role that demands both technique and heart, and she delivered both with maturity beyond her years.
Emma is also one of those dancers who starts doing the pose before I even finish asking. She listens, interprets, and moves with instinct—and that makes every session with her a creative joy. Whether we’re working on clean classical lines, dramatic lighting, or something playful and expressive, she brings her whole self to the moment.
I’m grateful to have Emma in this year’s ambassador team, and I’m excited for all the portraits, ideas, and creative adventures still ahead. Watching her grow as both a dancer and an artist has been a privilege, and I look forward to photographing her for many more years to come.
Know a dancer or studio looking for artistic dance portraits? I’d love to help bring their vision to life—feel free to share my work or send them my way!
ARC Performing Arts presents ‘SpongeBob: Youth Edition’ March 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
The ARC Performing Arts community is buzzing with excitement as they open their bright, high‑energy production of SpongeBob School Edition tonight. I had the chance to photograph last night’s final dress rehearsal, and the cast brought so much color, character, and heart to the stage that it was impossible not to smile behind the camera.
This is my second production with ARC—their Matildaproduction was the first time I worked with them, and it was a joy from start to finish. If you’d like to revisit that gallery, you can find it here: https://proofs.dabourphoto.com/ARC-Matilda
A Creative Team That Brings Stories to Life
ARC has a gift for creating productions that feel both polished and deeply personal. Their students commit fully to their characters, and the creative team builds worlds that are vibrant, imaginative, and full of detail. SpongeBob School Edition is no exception—every scene is packed with movement, color, and the kind of joyful chaos that makes this show such a fan favorite.
Below are several of my favorite images from last night’s rehearsal. They capture the energy, humor, and heart that this cast brings to the stage. From bold character moments to dynamic ensemble scenes, this group makes Bikini Bottom feel wonderfully alive.
Closing Thoughts
It’s been a pleasure photographing ARC again, and I’m excited for audiences to experience the fun and creativity this cast has poured into the show. Break a leg to the entire team tonight and tomorrow!
Do you know of a show that could use great production photography or videography? I’d love to help bring their story to life. Feel free to share my work with them or send them my way!
