https://www.ellecatrazphotography.com/blog daily 0.75 2025-12-19 https://www.ellecatrazphotography.com/blog/pole-dance-show-photography-explained-tips-every-performer-should-know monthly 0.5 2025-12-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67857be68ff9680c0081e495/c6cf1e87-0b1f-445e-a612-6f5483fb495f/N2001680.jpg Blog - Pole Dance Show Photography Explained: Tips Every Performer Should Know - 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 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67857be68ff9680c0081e495/70cda406-4b4d-40a1-ac87-016f5ec67618/L1903392.jpg Blog - Pole Dance Show Photography Explained: Tips Every Performer Should Know - 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! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67857be68ff9680c0081e495/260f689a-5271-40c2-95f8-3bd86953049c/GRO03119.jpg Blog - Pole Dance Show Photography Explained: Tips Every Performer Should Know - 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! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67857be68ff9680c0081e495/ae4fbbb5-eb5e-4173-b739-1ad334353c47/L1300771.jpg Blog - Pole Dance Show Photography Explained: Tips Every Performer Should Know - 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! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67857be68ff9680c0081e495/47ff23b1-6384-4af7-a9b7-e92a5ca0eebc/L1501458.jpg Blog - Pole Dance Show Photography Explained: Tips Every Performer Should Know - 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 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67857be68ff9680c0081e495/5d28f470-ddfd-4082-ac0e-cd6bb2840d77/L1003743.jpg Blog - Pole Dance Show Photography Explained: Tips Every Performer Should Know - 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!) https://www.ellecatrazphotography.com/blog/pole-light-and-a-bit-of-magic-thats-projections monthly 0.5 2025-08-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67857be68ff9680c0081e495/1754361512490-EQ93LIVNN651LH6EWZGF/00001168-Edit.jpg Blog - Pole, Light, and a Bit of Magic - That’s Projections https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67857be68ff9680c0081e495/1754361902222-1G9CG8IYZQLFLGZ475VU/00000595-Edit.jpg Blog - Pole, Light, and a Bit of Magic - That’s Projections https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67857be68ff9680c0081e495/1754361834933-3CEVOSGG8HQKMYIH2MDD/00000053-Edit.jpg Blog - Pole, Light, and a Bit of Magic - That’s Projections https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67857be68ff9680c0081e495/1754361581098-H99VV1HPHSL57UTGWFP3/Vera+%284%29.jpg Blog - Pole, Light, and a Bit of Magic - That’s Projections https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67857be68ff9680c0081e495/1754361700193-3LKA582BWTW79VI7ONXT/00000246-Edit.jpg Blog - Pole, Light, and a Bit of Magic - That’s Projections https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67857be68ff9680c0081e495/1754361762728-LE6ZDV8GN7GXIGRYG9J0/Elesha+%284%29.jpg Blog - Pole, Light, and a Bit of Magic - That’s Projections https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67857be68ff9680c0081e495/1754361651145-R2W6BCWXLXELMBOYEILS/00000140-Edit.jpg Blog - Pole, Light, and a Bit of Magic - That’s Projections https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67857be68ff9680c0081e495/1754361796018-9VTODIQBSKXHSQ68CBYV/00000860-Edit.jpg Blog - Pole, Light, and a Bit of Magic - That’s Projections https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67857be68ff9680c0081e495/1754361864310-YYZ0JZJKSAXKO907WI09/00000269-Edit.jpg Blog - Pole, Light, and a Bit of Magic - That’s Projections https://www.ellecatrazphotography.com/blog/enhancing-not-erasing-why-i-edit-the-way-i-do monthly 0.5 2025-06-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67857be68ff9680c0081e495/df4f3b93-fb69-4675-8121-e533a76646fe/Group+3+%2867%29-Edit.jpg Blog - Enhancing, Not Erasing: Why I Edit the Way I Do - My Editing Process: Simple, Intentional, Real Like many photographers, my editing style has evolved over time. Right now, I describe my style as bold natural - a look that celebrates your authentic self while giving your images that little extra oomph. In a world saturated with filters and heavy retouching, my goal is simple: to show how beautiful it is to look like you. Real, radiant, and totally unique ✨ My editing workflow starts with the basics - cropping and straightening, followed by adjustments to lighting and colour. This is where I bring out the richness in tones and make sure everything feels vibrant, balanced, and true to the moment we captured. Then comes the cleanup. I’ll remove any distracting elements that take away from the image’s focus - like scuff marks on walls, or something weird and unintentional creeping into the background (which happens a lot during outdoor shoots!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67857be68ff9680c0081e495/7fb04a0a-c7c9-4383-8b72-fb07a1b7636a/Group+2+%28161%29-Edit.jpg Blog - Enhancing, Not Erasing: Why I Edit the Way I Do - The Personal Code Behind My Retouching When it comes to editing people, I have a bit of a personal code I stick to. One of the things I love most about pole and aerials is the confidence they build. These art forms celebrate strength, sensuality, and self-expression. So when I retouch an image, I do it with that same spirit of celebrating self-love. My rule of thumb? I only edit things that would naturally heal or fade within a few weeks. So bruises, scrapes, or a surprise pimple won’t make it into the final image - but scars, stretch marks, and beauty spots will stay. Why? Because they’re part of your story, your journey, and your power. That said, if a client asks for something specific - like editing out a scar or tattoo for personal reasons - I’ll always have that conversation. My job is to help you feel confident, seen, and respected in your images. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67857be68ff9680c0081e495/1c97c321-af26-4e59-bad7-03d822ee267e/Group+2+%28612%29-Edit.jpg Blog - Enhancing, Not Erasing: Why I Edit the Way I Do - The Heart Behind the Edit At the end of the day, my goal is to reflect you as you truly are. My editing style isn’t about hiding - it’s about enhancing what’s already there, and letting your natural beauty shine through. Every edit is done with care. I’ll clean up the space, even out the lighting, and remove the stuff that doesn’t belong (like random bruises from training). But the things that make you you? Those stay. Because confidence doesn’t come from looking flawless - it comes from seeing yourself and feeling proud of what you’ve created, what you’ve overcome, and how incredible you look doing it. You deserve photos that make you go “Damn, that’s me!” https://www.ellecatrazphotography.com/blog/5-easy-up-the-pole-poses-that-look-amazing-in-photos-beginner-friendly monthly 0.5 2025-06-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67857be68ff9680c0081e495/1748745177984-9VFTTJUM9KJCQAEFSGTJ/2.jpg Blog - 5 Easy Up-The-Pole Poses That Look Amazing in Photos (Beginner-Friendly!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67857be68ff9680c0081e495/1748745178557-ITQWS1ZH231OGPAX7ULB/3.jpg Blog - 5 Easy Up-The-Pole Poses That Look Amazing in Photos (Beginner-Friendly!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67857be68ff9680c0081e495/1748745180366-4A6NRW7VLWE77ZP4Q0GH/4.jpg Blog - 5 Easy Up-The-Pole Poses That Look Amazing in Photos (Beginner-Friendly!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67857be68ff9680c0081e495/1748745181220-5EWW4Y4OPZ47ML9QGCFM/5.jpg Blog - 5 Easy Up-The-Pole Poses That Look Amazing in Photos (Beginner-Friendly!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67857be68ff9680c0081e495/1748745182623-0DIL6AF3SJWFBYC3EZ9E/6.jpg Blog - 5 Easy Up-The-Pole Poses That Look Amazing in Photos (Beginner-Friendly!) https://www.ellecatrazphotography.com/blog/how-to-prepare-for-your-pole-photoshoot monthly 0.5 2025-05-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67857be68ff9680c0081e495/40faad69-8a86-4a3f-aa53-b9c30d58b275/TWO02076-Edit.jpg Blog - How to Prepare for Your Pole Photoshoot - 6. To Tan or Not to Tan? - This one really comes down to personal preference. If you're super fair-skinned (hello, fellow moonbeams ✨), you might’ve noticed that in bright lighting, your skin can be a little… reflective. It's not a problem at all – I’ve worked with all skin tones and can adjust lighting and editing accordingly, but sometimes it can create little hotspots or make certain areas of your body appear brighter than intended. If that’s something you’d rather avoid, a light coat of fake tan can work wonders. It helps add some natural-looking depth and dimension to your skin, and as a bonus, it can really help define your muscles in photos. Totally optional, but worth considering if you’re after a bit more visual oomph in your final shots. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67857be68ff9680c0081e495/bd4d5e1f-4184-4037-87ad-e0629083d5a2/TWO01914-Edit.jpg Blog - How to Prepare for Your Pole Photoshoot - 1. Book Yourself In - First things first, get your spot locked in. Whether I’m hosting a shoot at a studio, taking bookings for outdoor locations, or doing one-on-one sessions, photoshoot days fill up fast. Keep an eye out on my socials for upcoming events, or reach out if you’d like to organize something private. 2. Plan (and Practice) Your Poses - Start thinking about what poses you want to capture. Choose a few that showcase your strengths, but also pick two or three simpler, reliable ones you can fall back on if things aren’t working on the day. Even seasoned polers can surprise themselves with how different their body feels during a shoot – adrenaline, nerves, lighting, and timing all play a role! Bring a saved gallery or a list of your poses with you – it’s easy to forget once you’re in the moment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67857be68ff9680c0081e495/dfc83f48-4499-439f-b9cf-4f5f36fd9452/TWO01970-Edit.jpg Blog - How to Prepare for Your Pole Photoshoot - 4. Nourish and Hydrate - The day before and day of your shoot, try to eat nourishing food that gives you lasting energy. A good balance of protein, carbs, and hydration will help keep your body feeling strong and your brain focused. If you’re the type who gets nervous, you might want to go easy on caffeine – it can give you sweaty hands which is not a vibe when you're trying to grip a pole! 5. Body Hair? Totally Your Call - There’s no “should” here. If you like to remove body hair, go for it. If you don’t, that’s completely fine too. Just keep in mind that studio lights or sunlight can sometimes highlight things in ways you wouldn’t expect, so it’s worth thinking about whether that’s something that might bother you in your final images. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67857be68ff9680c0081e495/dd1376b6-726c-47aa-9466-aa202d87715d/UES00639-Edit.jpg Blog - How to Prepare for Your Pole Photoshoot - 3. Choose a Style That Feels You - Think about the vibe you want for your shoot. Do you want it to feel gritty and strong? Ethereal and soft? Classic sexy pole? Your outfit can help tell that story. The best thing you can wear is whatever makes you feel confident – whether that’s a full glam costume with all the sparkles, or your favourite oversized hoodie and socks (yes, cozy pole shoots are absolutely a thing!). Makeup is totally optional. If you don’t usually wear it, don’t feel pressured to start now. That said, if you’re going minimal, a little mascara can go a long way to help your eyes pop in photos. If you generally wear glasses and feel most like yourself in them, absolutely feel free to keep them on - it’s all about how YOU like to see yourself! And a quick but important PSA: plan your underwear. Bright colours or high-rise undies can sneak into shots and distract from your look. Going without anything on underneath is totally fine (and super common in pole shoots) – just secure things in place with dancer’s glue or Hollywood tape so everything stays put where you want it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67857be68ff9680c0081e495/d152e9c5-3b45-43e6-bb36-bc902a40f733/UES01050-Edit.jpg Blog - How to Prepare for Your Pole Photoshoot - 7. Final Outfit Touches - Before your shoot starts, give your outfit a once-over. Take stickers off the soles of your shoes (yep, those sneaky stickers love to show up in photos), and check for tags that might stick out or move around. If you can, trim or tape them down. It’s also a good idea to have a backup outfit with you, juuuuuuust in case. 8. Bring a Support Human (If You Need One) - Feeling a bit anxious? You’re not alone. Pole shoots can be super exciting, but also a little nerve-wracking – especially if it’s your first time. Most photographers (myself included) are totally happy for you to bring along a friend for moral support. Just give a heads up so we know who to expect That’s it! Just remember: pole photoshoots are meant to celebrate you. Come as you are, bring your magic, and let’s make some art together. If you’ve got questions or you’re not quite sure what to expect, feel free to reach out – I’m always happy to chat. https://www.ellecatrazphotography.com/blog/pole-passion-and-photography-the-origins-of-ellecatraz-photography monthly 0.5 2025-03-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67857be68ff9680c0081e495/5c605dac-fa65-4d85-9022-7f095ce00f53/IMG_0052.jpg Blog - Pole, Passion, and Photography: The Origins of ElleCatraz Photography - Hi, and welcome to my new website for ElleCatraz Photography! After seven years running, it seemed like the perfect time to launch an official website… This blog post is a little introduction about me and how ElleCatraz Photography came to be. So, here we go! My name is Elle, and I’m the photographer behind the lens of ElleCatraz Photography. I’m a photographer, pole dancer, instructor, fitness enthusiast, and a total goofball. My journey into photography began when I was just a kid. My grandfather, an amazing amateur photographer, carried his camera and rolls of film everywhere he went, you almost couldn’t recognize him without a camera in front of his face! I wanted to be just like him, so whenever I was lucky enough to receive a disposable point-and-shoot camera for birthdays or Christmas, I’d carefully line up my shots, making sure (most of the time) not to get my thumbs in the frame. Photography always felt like it was in my blood. As I grew older, film photography gave way to digital, and it was love at first click! I started borrowing my stepdad’s top-of-the-line 2-megapixel digital camera and went wild—it quickly became my favorite toy. Seeing how passionate I was becoming, my Mum worked hard to save up, and bought me my first DSLR when I was 17. I began studying photography formally in high school and later took it to higher learning, earning an Associate Diploma in Contemporary Photography and another in Fine Arts, majoring in photography from the Design & Arts College of Canterbury. After graduation, I hit a creative wall and put my camera away, feeling burnt out and uninspired. It felt like my brain had been drained of ideas. Fast forward a few years, and I discovered pole dancing. This new passion brought joy and confidence into my life. Learning a new skill and embracing fitness transformed my mental well-being. But I didn’t start photographing right away—it took me four years to build the courage to put myself out there. At the four-year mark in my pole journey, I was proud of my progress and wanted photos to document it. Unfortunately, photoshoot opportunities at the studio were rare—I’d only managed to attend two in all that time. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands, quite literally! I told myself I could probably take some semi-decent photos and, if nothing else, sneak into my own shoots to document my journey. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67857be68ff9680c0081e495/3e259972-0bab-4138-9ed4-05e6de1c76d3/DSC06257-Edit.jpg Blog - Pole, Passion, and Photography: The Origins of ElleCatraz Photography - To my surprise, there was real interest in my work. I invested in some affordable lights and began taking on clients. People seemed to like what I did, and although I now cringe at my early photos, I’m forever grateful to those first clients for giving me a chance to grow. Over time, I upgraded my gear, invested in a stage pole, and steadily honed my craft. With each photoshoot, I learned something new. As technology evolved, so did the quality of my photography and editing. I’ve been privileged to capture the stunning pole and aerial community and love every moment of it. Photographing some of New Zealand’s biggest pole shows and competitions is an honor that sets my soul on fire ♥ I’m endlessly grateful for the support that has brought me to where I am today. Outside of photography and pole dancing, I live with my wonderful partner (a fellow photographer!) and our beautiful fur babies. I’m a firm believer in balancing hard work with moments of relaxation—whether it’s reading a great book, soaking up the sun, or spending quality time with loved ones. These moments recharge my creative energy and keep me inspired to deliver my best for my clients. Also, coffee—lots of it—is my fuel for capturing every perfect shot! Thank you for visiting my website and taking the time to learn about my journey with ElleCatraz Photography. Feel free to explore my portfolio or reach out to discuss your vision—I’d love to bring it to life! 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