poledanceaus.com

Guest post by Dean Marzolla

As a professional photographer, I’ve worked at very high levels within newspapers, magazines and TV. Worked with countless celebrities, top models and shot in many locations around the world, and still I feel the enchantment of pole ever present.

Many are lured to watching pole for the skimpy outfits and the imaginative positions of talented women, though there is so much more about pole that can be captured in a photo.

Seductive it is, but also worth capturing creatively. So here are some tips to capturing more creative pole shots:

1.  Look for a clean background.

There is nothing worse in photography than a messy background that distracts you from the impressive pole moves on show. So choose your angles and get in tight to fill the frame, this eliminates mess.

Another way is to hire a portable X-pole and set it up in a great location with the perfect backdrop.

2.  Choose your moment.

Using rapid fire on your whizz-bang camera, or even random shots on your iPhone can look very ordinary if you don’t focus on what your pole artist is doing or about to do. The poles may be on rotate, so instead of an unappealing backside poking out, be patient and wait for the moment when the next amazing shape emerges.

3.  Shape is everything.

Good photography loves lines and shape and I use this rule regularly when shooting models, fashion and various other talent work. This is one reason why I love pole, it creates incredible lines and shapes. So similar to choosing the moment, look for the shape or angles that makes that great move what it is.

4.  Strength moves are always a winner.

Stay alert and don’t miss that moment as the strength is evident. Even in the dismount. If you capture that moment midpoint, your shot will give the illusion that the move is being held still and the pole artist has super human strength. Sometimes I’m sure they do… wow!

5.  Flash & light indoors.

Direct flash can kill great photo opportunities. You lose tone and definition along with creating terrible shadows at times. So either get the flash/light coming from a different angle or increase what is called ‘ISO’ on the camera. This will allow more light into the camera. Be still while shooting a still moment, or follow the motion and move with it… we call this panning.

6.  Use backlighting.

This is a popular technique where you position yourself so that the strongest light shines from behind, though also making sure you have enough light on the front. This gives the pole star a great hair light – sometimes called halo lighting. It really adds the WOW factor when done well.

7.  Smoke and mirrors.

While some great photography is digitally enhanced by cheating later, most can be achieved live. Look for great backgrounds or lighting, even mirrors in the background can give amazing different-looking shots.

If your iPhone or camera is not giving you the arty shots you were hoping for, then maybe its time to contact professionals. We’re always happy to help and love exploring different styles of pole art. Imagine showing the grand kids those hot pole move pics one day!!

Note from Dolly:

Dean is also an accomplished photography tutor and hosts the amazing race-style iSnap photography event.

I know I love my pole pics that Dean took, so if you want some classic pole memories or fancy taking a photography workshop, look him up through ImageInk Studio.

Oh, and if you liked Dean’s idea of hiring an X-pole drop us a line for a quote via emailing info@poledanceaus.com

Once you’ve had a chance to practice these tips you can post your pole dance photos on our Facebook page – we’d love to see how you’re going.