How to Use Props and Fabrics to Elevate Your Dance Photography

Feel like your shoots are missing that little something?

If you’ve ever looked at your images and thought, “This is technically good, but it’s not giving wow,” then this one’s for you. Sometimes, all a shoot needs is a little movement, texture, or storytelling—and that’s where props and fabrics come in.

Let’s talk about how to use them well, without letting them take over your shot or overwhelm your dancer.

Why Use Props and Fabrics in Dance Photography?

Props and fabrics aren't just for decoration—they’re tools that can:

• Add visual interest and depth

• Bring emotion or narrative into the shot

• Highlight motion and flow

• Help dancers feel more expressive or grounded

Used intentionally, they can totally transform a session and take your images from good to standout.

1. Flowing Fabrics = Instant Magic

Chiffon, tulle, or silk are my go-tos. They're light enough to catch air easily and add gorgeous movement to any pose or jump.

Pro tip: Have your dancer repeat the movement several times while you adjust shutter timing and angles. You’ll be surprised how different each shot feels, even with the same pose.

2. Chairs, Stools & Ballet Bars

These are great for floor-based shapes or creating levels and structure in your compositions. They can also give younger or less confident dancers something to interact with, helping them feel more comfortable.

3. Scarves, Ribbons, and Fans

These are great for stylised or themed shoots (contemporary, lyrical, or even cultural dance). Use slow shutter speeds to create light motion blur, or freeze everything mid-flight for sharp drama.

4. Everyday Objects as Storytelling Tools

Books, mirrors, lanterns, vintage suitcases—these can all inspire emotional storytelling and create powerful concepts when paired with thoughtful movement.

5. The Trick to Avoiding Cheesy Results

Keep the focus on the dancer and their movement, not the prop. Props should complement the shapes—not compete with them. Ask yourself:

👉 Does this prop help tell the story or enhance the pose?

👉 Is it making the dancer look stronger, more graceful, or more expressive?

If the answer is yes—you're on the right track.

🎯 Want a solid posing plan before you even bring in props?

Great props can elevate a shoot—but only if your core posing is strong first. That’s why I always recommend starting with my FREE 5 Pose Formula, which gives you a go-to structure for building confident, creative sessions with any dancer.

👉 Download your copy of the Dance Photo Formula here

✨ Once you’ve nailed these five essential poses, layering in props becomes easy and natural—and your photos will have that polished, purposeful feel every time.