Freelance Dance Photographer
Location: Essex
Job Type: Freelance
Schedule: Predominantly weekends
LW Photography is seeking an experienced dance photographer to join our expanding freelance team, with a particular focus on dance competitions, festivals and performances across Essex.
We're looking specifically for someone who understands the challenges of live dance photography — capturing movement, expression and key moments consistently in fast-paced, often low-light environments.
This is a specialist role and previous experience photographing dance, stage performances or similar events is essential.
What We're Looking For
- Proven experience photographing dance competitions, festivals, shows or live performances
- Strong understanding of photographing fast movement in challenging and changing lighting conditions
- Ability to anticipate jumps, turns, poses and key moments within routines
- Confidence capturing consistently sharp images without disrupting performances
- An eye for timing, composition, expression and flattering body positioning
- Ability to maintain a consistent photographic style across a high volume of images
- Confidence working independently and following an event photography brief
- A strong portfolio demonstrating previous dance or performance photography
- Friendly, reliable and professional when representing LW Photography
Equipment Requirements
Photographers must own professional equipment suitable for dance and low-light event photography, including:
- Professional DSLR or mirrorless camera body
- 70–200mm f/2.8 lens or equivalent
- Equipment capable of producing high-quality results at higher ISO levels
- Sufficient batteries and memory cards for full event days
Additional professional camera bodies and fast lenses are advantageous.
Responsibilities
- Capture high-quality photographs throughout dance competitions, festivals and performances
- Photograph individual dancers and groups while capturing key moments within each routine
- Maintain consistent framing, exposure and image quality throughout the event
- Follow specific photography briefs and event requirements
- Upload photographs promptly following events and within agreed deadlines
- Work collaboratively with other LW Photography team members where multiple photographers are covering an event
- Communicate professionally with event organisers, dance schools, teachers and other event staff
- Represent LW Photography in a friendly and professional manner at all times
Qualifications & Experience
- Minimum 1 year of relevant photography experience
- Previous dance or live performance photography experience required
- Strong understanding of shutter speed, autofocus and exposure in low-light environments
- Full UK Driving Licence
- Reliable access to transport
- Willingness to undergo an Enhanced DBS check
- Weekend availability is essential
Freelance Work
This is a freelance position, with assignments offered depending on our event calendar, location, experience and availability.
There is no guaranteed volume of work; however, we're looking to develop a long-term relationship with a specialist Essex-based dance photographer who can become a regular member of our team as our dance event coverage continues to grow.
Successful applicants will initially be invited to an online interview, followed by a comprehensive in-person onboarding and induction process before covering events independently.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive freelance rates
- Opportunities for regular dance photography assignments
- Loyalty and performance-based bonuses
- Free or subsidised travel where applicable
- Referral programme
- Opportunity to cover larger dance events as part of the LW Photography team
How to Apply
Please include:
- Your location within Essex
- Details of your dance/performance photography experience
- A portfolio containing examples of previous dance photography
- Details of the camera bodies and lenses you currently use
- Your typical weekend availability
Please note: This position is specifically for photographers with previous dance or live performance photography experience.
Work Location: On the road – primarily across Essex
Pay: £180.00-£225.00 per day
Work Location: On the road
