Audition photos are their own thing. There's no "we'll fix it in editing" — the people reviewing your photo decide in a few seconds whether you get noticed. I get why that makes people anxious walking into a session.

Here's what actually helps.

Check the application requirements before we shoot

This is the most important thing on this list. Every school and company has their own required poses, and they're not the same across the board. Read the application carefully, and bring a list with you to the session. If you're adding creative shots too, have those poses in mind as well.

Bring as many wardrobe options as you want

No cap on this, especially if you're adding creative shots to the session. The more you bring, the more flexibility we have to match looks to different shots. A couple things to keep in mind regardless of how much you bring:

Wear colors that flatter your skin tone, or a color the school requires — which is most likely black
Choose a leo cut that flatters your lines

Hair and makeup

Makeup should be a little heavier than your everyday natural look — but skip full stage makeup. If you're auditioning for a classical ballet program, you'll most likely need your hair in a bun.

If you need a headshot as part of your audition materials, come with your hair ready for that first — we'll shoot the headshot before moving into full-body poses.

Working with a professional dancer and teacher

I work with a professional dancer as my assistant for these sessions — someone trained at the level you're auditioning at, who can see in real time whether your line is actually extended or just looks extended from one angle. He'll adjust your positioning the way a rehearsal director would, not just direct you for the camera.

We look at the photos together during your session and make adjustments as we go, so you're getting real feedback on what's actually working. You'll also choose your final images before you leave — right there at the session, with input from both me and my assistant on which shots are your strongest.