St. Louis Dance Photographer
Creating space for dancers to feel comfortable and confident to reach their highest potential
There is nothing like witnessing a dancer’s confidence build throughout a photoshoot. Watching it all come together and just “click” between the pose, technique, expression, and capturing it on camera is truly transformative.
Oh hey! I’m Sam.
I was a dancer before I became a photographer, so movement is infused in all of my work. I focus on making sure that your technique looks solid, that your lines look strong yet graceful, and that your alignment translates on camera.
I am here to help you feel at ease and comfortable, confident and empowered, strong and elegant. I want to get to know who you are so each image feels authentically you and shows off your unique skills and abilities.
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Why I do what I do…
Every dancer’s been there. Waiting for the photographer to tell you what the heck to do, give you any sort of guidance as to where to start (whether it’s with a parent with a point and shoot, a friend with an iPhone, or you’ve worked with a photographer without a dance background before).
Your body freezes up, forgetting slightly how to dance and not knowing how to translate your movement into a 2D image.
You’re in a studio, sure, but there are bright lights closer than the stage lights you’re used to, and it’s only you up there with the camera waiting for you to start dancing. No amount of gathering random poses from Pinterest prepares you for where to start when you arrive on the set.
I help dancers feel more confident in their artistry and in their dancing. Think of it like a photoshoot with built in dance coaching.
From the moment of booking your session, to using your final images to put together a show-stopping website and a social media feed that people won’t stop raving about, all the while having some of your photos hung on the walls of your home, you will feel cared for. Throughout the process of working together, I guide you through choosing what to wear, preparing poses, while physically and mentally preparing for your shoot.
I’ve created a planning method that gets dancers feeling confident before they step in front of the camera, so you can really dance and showcase your talent without all the nervous jitters.
Take a peek behind the lens
Fun facts
In my free time, I enjoy finding other ways to work my creative muscle that aren’t dance or photography, (like crocheting, doodling, writing).
My husband, step-son, and I love traveling together and playing with our adorable pup.
I love thrifting and finding cool retro pieces for our home and to wear. I think of it as passing along a part of someone else’s story.
I graduated with a BFA in dance performance with a minor in Spanish from Southeast Missouri State University.
I lived in Chicago for five years dancing professionally with several modern dance companies and teaching with Chicago Dance Institute
Things that inspire my work: shapes and patterns, symmetry, architecture, color schemes, and human expression, sense of touch, and stories.
Being the one to facilitate a dancer finding their confidence, helping them realize their unique goals and help bring their dreams to life, and fostering a space that they can tap into their artistry and passion… now that’s something I do not take lightly.
