Belly dance photoshoot Ideas are a beautiful way to showcase the grace, strength and drama of this dance form. When planning a photoshoot, think about locations, backdrops, lighting, poses and styling that will complement the fluid movements of belly dance. This article explores creative concepts and poses to capture striking belly dance images.
Selecting a Photoshoot Concept
The first step in planning a great belly dance photoshoot is to decide on a fun concept or theme. This will help guide decisions on outfits, props, and poses. Here are some ideas:
- Goddess / mystical – Pose with gauzy fabrics, jewelry, and objects like moons, stars, or candles to appear otherworldly. Try posing on the beach at sunset or under tree canopies.
- Urban dance – Wear street dance style belly dance costumes and pose in alleyways, against graffitied walls, on rooftops, or on industrial sites.
- Nature dance – Choose earth-toned costumes and dance outdoors among trees, waterfalls, deserts, or other landscapes. Play with lightweight skirts or fans that flow in the breeze.
- Burlesque – Go for a vaudeville vibe with burlesque-inspired corsets, boas, gloves, and sultry poses. Lounges or theaters with velvet curtains make fun backdrops.
- Travel – Bring the spirit of Egypt, Morocco, or Turkey by posing at historic sites or incorporating elements like camels or mosaics. Display maps or souvenirs.
- Romantic – Embrace soft femininity with florals, lace, and billowy fabrics. Shoot at sunrise/sunset or dance with a partner for sensual imagery.
Locations and Backdrops – Belly Dance Photoshoot Ideas
Choosing photogenic locations can bring your belly dance shoot concept to life. Indoor and outdoor spaces to consider include:
- Dance studios with mirrors and ballet bars.
- Historical sites like temples, palaces, or ruins.
- Moroccan/Turkish-inspired architecture or decor.
- Brick alleyways or graffiti walls in urban areas.
- Desert landscapes, oases, beaches, waterfalls, or forests.
- Marketplaces, bazaars, or shopping areas.
- Theatres or performance halls.
- Private pools, gardens, or gazebos.
Fabric backdrops in rich colors can make striking backgrounds indoors or outside. Hang sheer curtains so they dance around you as you move. Rugs, wall hangings, and mosaic tiles also decorate images beautifully.
Ideal Lighting
Lighting is key for accentuating belly dance movements and costumes. When shooting indoors, place lamps to graze the body contours. Position dancers near windows to utilize soft, diffused natural light.
For outdoor shoots, time it near sunrise or sunset when shadows are long and golden. Open shade creates even illumination. Avoid direct overhead sunlight which can cause squinting and harsh shadows.
Off-camera lighting like reflectors fills in facial detail nicely. Use slow shutter speeds or rear-curtain flash to capture motion blur on spinning skirts and hair. Candles or lanterns add drama to nighttime shoots.
Posing and Movement
Belly dance is dynamic so incorporate both static poses and movement:
- Isolations – Emphasize rolling shoulders, chest pops, hip/ribcage circles, and other intricate isolations. Shoot from various angles.
- Veils – Swirl veils dramatically, caress your body sensuously or frame your face mysteriously. Toss veils in the air and freeze mid-motion.
- Skirt work – Capture full swirling skirts or kick/flick the edges playfully. Crouch and explode up sending skirts aflutter.
- Arms and hands – Frame the face, rest on the hips, and reach up gracefully. Snake arms sinusoidally or incorporate unique hand gestures.
- Turns – Pirouette with skirts swirling. Drop into deep plies. Lean off-axis into turns across the floor.
- Kick lines – Shoot side lunges, arabesques, developpes and grand battements. Jump across the frame.
- Floorwork – Sit, kneel, or lay on the floor. Stretch backward into backbends or forwards with legs extended.
- Duet – Dance with a partner, interact romantically or strike dramatic shapes together.
Costumes and Styling
Belly dance outfits range from classical to modern. Sample different looks:
- Bedlah – Embellished bra, belt, and skirt combo that exposes the midriff. Add cholis, capes, or pants for a variety.
- Flowy skirts – Multi-tiered skirts made of chiffon, georgette, or charmeuse that float beautifully.
- Egyptian style – Beaded baladi dress or sharwal pants with a ruffled off-shoulder blouse.
- Folkloric – Colorful Tunisian, Turkish, or Tribal style costumes drawing from tradition.
- Fusion – Athletic crop tops, harem pants, cholis, or maxi skirts in bold prints or textures.
- Cabaret – Crystallized bras, daring cut-outs, sensual fabrics like velvet or lace.
Complete the look with dramatic smoky eyes, dark lined lips, and big hair. Layer on tribal jewelry, headpieces, and body chains or cuffs. Tattoos, bindis, and body art can also embellish images.
With limitless concepts, locations and poses, belly dance photoshoots celebrate beauty, femininity, and movement. They empower women of all ages to embrace their sensuality and inner diva. Belly dance photoshoot ideas let dancers tell vivid stories while showcasing their athletic artistry in still images.