Freelance Dance Photographer

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