Pole Dance Show Photography Explained: Tips Every Performer Should Know
Show photography is hands-down my favourite part of what I do. There’s nothing like the adrenaline of trying to catch the moment; perfect angle, perfect timing, perfect vibes. It’s fast-paced, full of split-second decisions, and honestly? I spend most of the show at the front of the stage absolutely fangirling over every single performer. You all blow me away 🤩
I wanted to put together this guide to show photography to explain how my performance photos work, and to share some practical, performer-focused tips that will help you walk away with epic pole dancing photos you’ll want to frame, post, and stare at lovingly forever.
Whether you’re performing at a pole showcase, competition, or studio event, these tips will help you get the most out of your professional show photography ✨
How My Pole Dance Show Photography Works
Most shows gift performers a small selection of photos as a thank you for being part of the show, usually around 3–5 images. These are photographer’s choice, meaning I select my favourite moments from your routine that I think best represent your performance, lines, and energy.
The best part? Your top snaps aren’t hidden behind a paywall!
If you’d like more photos of your routine, you’re always welcome to order your full show photo set directly from me. The number of images in a full set varies depending on:
Routine length
Speed and musicality
Complexity of tricks
How much you move around the stage
Every image is edited in my signature, high-impact style - bold, dramatic, and larger-than-life 💜
And yes… I’m a serial photo hoarder.
If you message me a year (or three) later asking for your full set, I probably still have it. Lost your files? Flick me a message - I’ve got you!
Tips for Getting Better Pole Dance Show Photos
These tips aren’t about changing your choreography. They’re about enhancing what you already do, so your performance stays authentic - and your photos capture it at their absolute best.
1) Let Your Performance Do the Talking
One of the reasons live pole dance photography hits so hard is the raw authenticity. You simply can’t fake it.
Be present. Enjoy your routine. Trust the moment.
When you’re fully immersed in your performance, the photos naturally become stronger, more emotional, and more powerful ✨
2) Hit Your Moves (Including Transitions)
When nerves hit or the music is fast, it’s easy to rush. Taking an extra half-second to fully hit a move makes a huge difference - not just for photos, but for the overall polish of your routine.
This applies to transitions too, not just big tricks! For example, in a Chopper or Shoulder Mount, if you look at the pole, the camera catches a hundred chins. Try letting your head hang back instead and suddenly it’s a strong, clean, badass transition with gorgeous lines and fierce eye contact 🔥
Tiny adjustments = massive glow-ups 👌
3) Know Where You Are on Stage
This is one of the most underrated tricks for getting killer pole dance photos (and a truly memorable routine!) - know where you are in relation to the audience 👀
Film your run-throughs and take screenshots of moments you want to make an impact. If something looks awkward on video, or the trick you’re doing just doesn’t look right, you’ll have a chance to nail your position before the big day.
If there’s a specific trick you really want photographed:
Spin pole: Hold the shape for 1–2 rotations so I can capture it from multiple angles
Static pole: Use rotations to place yourself in the stage “sweet spot”
4) Eye Contact = Fire Shots 🔥
Want a guaranteed banger? Give the camera your eyes.
Trust me. It works 🤩
This is especially powerful during floorwork or moments close to the front of the stage. Annnd because I’m usually up-front and center, you can use finding me as a starting point for making eyes with the audience (or keep them on me if crowds give you the ick!)
5) Props (Human & Otherwise)
Props can absolutely elevate a routine, but they can also unintentionally block you from view, or worse, steal the spotlight!
If photos matter to you, make sure props (or human props) don’t hide your body, face, or poses from the audience or camera unless it’s you’re intention. For human props, make sure they don’t outshine you on stage - those claps and cheers from the crowd belong to you!
If I can’t see you, neither can the audience.
We love props - as long as you remain the star 💜
6) Slay After Your Performance
After your routine, adrenaline crashes can be hard. But don’t switch off just yet because after-show photos matter.
These include group photos, and for competitions, prizegiving shots 🏆
These images are often shared by studios, show producers, sponsors, and competitions, so you want these to be a slay 🔥
Pro tips for after-show photos:
Stay in character when you return to stage. Your performance persona doesn’t end with your final trick. Bring that performance energy back for the final photos!
Plan some poses, this is not an awkward school photo. Treat it like another part of your routine and enjoy the extra stage time.
Have both a standing pose and a floorwork pose ready. It’s a pole show, pose like a pole dancer!
Don’t get lost in the crowd, watch for heads, wings, hair, or any other bits of someone else’s costume blocking you from view.
Plan a prizegiving pose - if you win something, you’ll most likely get a solo shot and possibly another group shot.
Floorwork is absolutely allowed if standing poses feel weird 💕
This is your bonus slice of spotlight - enjoy it and slay right to the end!
Final Thoughts on Pole Show Photography
Show photography is a collaboration - your performance, my timing, and a whole lot of magic in between.
These aren’t rules. They’re small, intentional choices that help ensure your pole dance performance photos look just as powerful as the routine itself.
And if you ever want your full set from a past show, even if it feels like several lifetimes ago, flick me a message…chances are it’s still tucked safely away in my photo-dragon hoard! 🐉📸