Simply Dance Photoshoot - Cup Day, 2022

Before I start, We will not be using the lights like these photographs of Aurora as we will be shooting during the day. But if you are interested in a night session using these lights, let me know and we’ll organise one.

Hello and thank you for dropping by!

I'd like to introduce myself ...

My name is Richard and I have a photography business called RXAphotography ... But you've probably already figured that out. I'm also a Simply Dance parent like yourself and also happen to be Miss Courtney's brother-in-law as I am married to her sister, Miranda.

Miranda and I are responsible for the majority of photographs you've seen at Simply dance for the last few years and I blatantly take advantage of having access to the studio and fabulous dancers whenever I can. I’ve worked with Aurora as well as previous Simply Dance students from before the pandemic ruined all our lives.

The idea of the photo session is to increase my portfolio of dance photography and for Simply Dance and the dancers to get some amazing photos to share with the world. Additional benefits include improving dance discipline by holding or repeating movements, always striving for the cleanest lines and all those french words ballerinas use.

I work in conjunction with Miss Courtney to ensure the dances have the best form possible whilst looking amazing in the photographs.

What's in for the dancers?

For every hour the dancers are on site, they will receive one digital file that they can keep and share online or wherever. My individual digital files are normally priced at $190 per image, so that's amazing value.

They will also get to choose another image which I will print for them to 8" x 12" inches and professionally matted in an 11" x 14" matte. They will also receive that image as a digital file.

So, your dancer will receive at least two digital files and one print for their time.

What do they need to bring?

Your dancer needs to bring their favourite dance outfits. I am happy to run as many outfits as possible for the time we are there. I'm sure Miss Courtney might be able to assist in this area too.

Please bring appropriate footwear and have your face made up to a typical dance concert level.

Bring snacks and hydration (or purchase water from the fridge on the day).

Depending on the time of the session we, all might all chip in for pizza (or something) - And yes, lunchtime still counts as time on site (see below).

What happens at the session?

• You arrive at the appointed time (To be advised).

• Your dancer does a full WARM-UP. This is not optional. I do not photograph dancers who have not warmed up to a concert level of preparation.

• Whilst they are warming up, I brief everyone present on how the session will run and answer any questions.

• We have a great time taking amazing photographs

• At the completion of the session, you read and sign a model release form that states that as the parent of a minor:

  • You allow me to use your dancer's images in advertising and promotion, and

  • You state you were present for the entire session and are satisfied with how the session was carried out and how your dancer was treated.

• 5. You wait for the photos to be published in a password-protected online gallery. You will be provided with a code that will allow you to download your selected images.

Typical questions I get asked

Does my dancer's time count only when they are in front of the camera? If my dancer is there for three hours but is only in front of the camera for a total of one, does my dancer only receive one digital file (as well as the participation print/file)?

Nope. One digital file per full hour they are on site, this includes their warm-up and briefing time. It's up to me to shuffle the dancers around to ensure efficient use of their time.

What if I want more photos than we get for the session?

You will have the opportunity to purchase more photos, but only if you choose to. There will be no hard sale and there is certainly no obligation to. I will let you know the photos are available to look at and select (based on the timeframe your dancer was at the session).

So this is a money grab?

No. If I do not make a cent from this photoshoot but have awesome images I (and Simply Dance) can use, the day was a success. But If I’ve done such a good job that you want more photos of your dancer, I’m going to charge (a ridiculously reduced special rate) for them.

If Miss Courtney gets to choose photos for Simply Dance, can’t I just grab them from her?

The agreement Simply Dance and RXAphotography have is that she is welcome to use the photos for advertising, but she is not permitted to share the photos with others.

Do I, the parent, have to be at the session?

I would prefer to have a parent of each dancer at the session. The form you will fill out states you were there. This protects me and your dancer. Miss Courtney will be at the session as will my wife Miranda and my own little dancer, Riley. You are welcome to sit and chat with other parents, but I ask that you not interfere with the session.

There will be a large monitor available to watch the view from my camera too, which is always fascinating to watch and adds absolutely no pressure on me at all (yes, sarcasm). This will allow Miss Courtney to assist me in ensuring your dancer has the best form possible in the photos and looks amazing.

I have other questions, how can I reach you?

1. Click here to send me an email.

2. Call me on 0456 842264

3. Ask Miss Courtney to send me a message.

OK, I’m in! What next?

Please let Miss Courtney know that you are excited for your dancer to participate. Please also advise ages so we can start to plan age-appropriate poses/ideas.

Miss Courtney will probably add you to a Facebook Messenger group for ease of communication before the event.

I look forward to seeing you and your dancer at Simply Dance on Melbourne Cup Day! I will let you know the time once we confirm numbers.

Thanks for your time,

Richard