Confessions of a Dance Photographer
THE MAGICAL JUMPER……..A.K.A My Studio Uniform
You’ve all asked about it - and sis, I even linked it for you at the bottom of this page (you’re welcome).
Let’s talk about the real MVP of my photography life: The Jumper. Yes, that jumper. The one I live in when I'm photographing your twirling toddlers, leaping teens, or, let’s be honest, sprinting through parking lots with my camera bag slung over one shoulder and a rogue hair tie in my teeth. (If you know, you know)
I like to call it My Studio Uniform because, well, I basically wear it like it's a work-issued requirement. Only, it’s way more comfortable and I didn’t have to fill out HR paperwork to get it.
Here’s why I love this thing more than coffee on recital week:
1. Roomy like my SUV’s trunk
I can squat, lunge, stretch, and even do that awkward photographer crawl across the floor to get just the right angle—without worrying about anything pinching, ripping, or showing. It moves with me like a dance partner who gets me.
2. Breathable fabric = life
Y’all, it gets hot in Louisiana. Especially when you’re crawling around a dance studio or chasing a toddler through a sunflower field. This fabric? Light. Breezy. No swampy situations here.
3. POCKETS. ALL. THE. POCKETS.
This jumper has two big ol’ side pockets that can fit everything from lens caps to my kid’s snacks (yes, I’ve pulled out a baggie of goldfish mid-shoot before). And the pièce de résistance? A glorious front pouch I lovingly refer to as my Foraging Pocket. It holds SD cards, hair ties, random acorns my toddler hands me, and probably a sticker or two from last week’s park meet-up.
4. Dress it up, dress it down
Add a layered tee and some sneakers for photo day, or throw on earrings and sandals and pretend I’m a fashion blogger at Target. On sweaty days, I pair it with a sports bra and call it minimalism. And yes, it comes in a ridiculous amount of colors. You will want more than one. I warned you.
5. Photographer + Parent + Human Approved
Whether I’m shooting a senior dancer, running to carline pickup, or editing photos at home, this thing keeps me comfy, cool, and not feeling like a total disaster. Which is saying something when you’re juggling Photoshop and Homeschoolers.
Want one? Of course you do.
You can grab the exact one I wear right here on Amazon.
🛍️ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
So if you’re gonna buy it anyway (and I know you are), clicking that link helps support your favorite comfy artist today! Win Win!
Thanks for coming to my jumper TED Talk. If you see me in this thing for the 3rd day in a row, just know—I’ve reached peak functionality. Now excuse me while I go order it in another color.
💛
Heidi A.
(Photographer, Dance Mom, Professional Pocket Forager)
