Blending Artistry and: My Work with Tutu Theatre and ProTutuStudio
As a dance photographer, the opportunity to work with renowned tutu and dance clothing companies like Tutu Theatre and ProTutuStudio has been an exciting new chapter in my career. It’s the perfect fusion of product photography and dance photography, where the challenge is to showcase not only the beauty of the garment but also the artistry and talent of the dancer wearing it.
Finding the Perfect Look
Working with these companies is a collaborative process from start to finish. Once we’ve selected professional dancers to model the garments, the next step is deciding the visual aesthetic for each shoot. For some of the tutus and leotards, the images needed to align with a cohesive style we had already established for previous products. This consistency was crucial, especially for garments being featured together on websites or in catalogs.
For other shoots, we had more freedom to experiment with the look and feel. We played with cooler tones for some of the more modern or minimalist pieces, while warmer, softer color palettes were chosen to complement the elegant, traditional tutus. The lighting and backdrop choices were carefully planned to enhance the overall color schemes of the costumes while also ensuring the dancer’s movements were highlighted beautifully.
The Beautiful Challenge
One of the most enjoyable challenges in these sessions was striking the right balance between product and performance. The main objective was to create images that clearly showcased the tutu, leotard, or other dance attire, making them ideal for website use and marketing purposes. At the same time, it was essential to celebrate the dancers' abilities, capturing the grace, strength, and precision that make each pose special.
Achieving this balance required precision. I made sure the lighting highlighted key details of the garments, like the intricate beadwork or delicate layers of tulle, while allowing the dancers to move naturally and expressively. Every shot had to feel dynamic, whether the dancer was mid-leap or holding a beautifully extended arabesque. The result was an image that not only showcased the design but also conveyed the energy and skill of the dancer—two elements that are at the heart of any dance production.
Expanding into a New World of Photography
Working with these amazing companies has allowed me to expand my photography business in exciting new directions. Each project presents unique creative challenges, and with every shoot, I find myself falling more in love with the process. I’ve come to appreciate just how intertwined fashion and dance really are, and I feel fortunate to be able to capture that relationship through my lens.
A Special Shoot with Tutu Theatre's Kids Line
One of the highlights of my recent work was photographing the new kids’ line from Tutu Theatre. This particular shoot was a heartwarming experience, where we had the pleasure of photographing a 3-year-old ballerina dancing to the tunes of *Sesame Street*. The innocence, joy, and pure energy of the session made for some truly magical images. It’s these kinds of moments that remind me why I love doing what I do—the results speak for themselves.
Check Out Their Creations
If you’d like to see some of the incredible dance costumes from these two companies, be sure to check them out:
- [Tutu Theatre] (https://tututheatre.com/)
- [ProTutuStudio] (https://protutustudio.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqbnisowrnzcw31Hp97y9CK5yODJyYxfG3dBCzxa9MioOprRnyG)
I’m grateful to both Tutu Theatre and ProTutuStudio for trusting me to capture their beautiful creations. As I continue to grow Luca Sportelli Creations, I’m excited to keep exploring the intersection of dance and fashion photography. Stay tuned for more to come!
Luca Sportelli
Owner, Luca Sportelli Creations
Dance and Portrait Photography | Akron, Ohio
