Where Movement Becomes Memory.

Professional Dance Photographer Serving Chicago, Illinois & the Midwest

Thoughtful. Artful. Authentically You.

Doug Dienelt Photography specializes in dance photography, cheer photography and gymnastics photography throughout Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Indiana and Michigan. He photographs dance studios, recital picture days, competition teams, company dancers, studio marketing images, professional headshots and creative dance portraits. He creates professional images that celebrate movement while making picture day easy for studios and families.

BOOK A SESSION



15+ Years Experience

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5,000+ Dancers Photographed

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Chicago area and midwest dance picture day specialist

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Large commercial studio in streamwood IL

girl posing in ballet with a platter tutu — Dance

Title

A cheerleader in a blue and red DePaul uniform poses with one arm raised holding a red pom-pom and the other arm down holding a blue pom-pom, standing on one foot against a blue background with dramatic shadows. — Cheer

A man with a beard and mustache wearing a black zip-up sweater, blue jeans, and a black baseball cap sits against a plain white background, smiling slightly at the camera.

Holding the camera

Doug Dienelt | Photographer. Parent. Creative

Doug photographs dance studios, competition teams, recital picture days, dancers, cheerleaders and gymnasts throughout Chicagoland, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa and Indiana. He brings the precision of a seasoned product photographer and the heart of a true creative to every session. Combining expert lighting, a sharp editorial eye, and a calm, collaborative approach, Doug creates portraits that celebrate movement while highlighting each dancer’s unique personality, strength, and artistry. Every session is personal, relaxed, and designed to produce images you’ll be proud to display for years to come.

VIEW PORTOLIO

ABOUT US

Recital and Team Photos, Simplified.

Taking the Stress out of Picture Day

As both a photographer and parent of a dancer, I’ve created a system for teams that’s efficient, joyful, and seamless. Picture day with Doug Dienelt is set up to be stress-free, while still delivering polished portraits families love. Think of it like school photos, but elevated.

Fast + flexible for teams, studios, and gyms: Individuals can be photographed in any order.
Easy ordering: All pre-orders, orders, and viewing are handled through our online proofing system.
Smooth setup: We provide custom postcards and lobby signage ahead of time to gather info.
Confidence on set: Large posing banners give dancers last-minute inspiration, and a live screen lets them instantly see their photo, always a favorite!
Quick turnaround: Photos are reviewed, polished, and uploaded to private galleries within 14 days or less.

Trusted by studios, gyms, and teams across Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan, and Indiana, our picture day process makes life easier for leaders and ensures students walk away happy.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PICTURE DAY

What to expect

Your Personal Creative Studio Photoshoot

Tap the arrows (or swipe) to walk through the process of your very own personal photoshoot!

STEP 1

Book Your Session

We offer personalized photography experiences tailored to showcase your individuality, style, and technique. Whether you’re looking for bold studio portraits, artistic outdoor shots, or clean, professional headshots, we’ll work together to create a session that reflects your vision.

Once you decide on the style of session that fits you best, we’ll lock in a date and location. Then, we’ll get to know more about you and your background through a short pre-session questionnaire. This helps us understand your preferred styles, experience level, and what makes you feel most confident in front of the camera.

LEARN MORE

A dancer in a black outfit performs a high split leap in mid-air against a plain white background, with one arm extended forward and legs fully stretched.

STEP 2

Prepare For Your Session

Once we’ve got your shoot on the calendar, we’ll dive into planning! You’ll share a few favorite poses and outfit ideas (costumes, uniforms, etc.), and we’ll take it from there. Designing the lighting, backdrop, and mood to create bold, polished images that reflect your artistry.

LEARN MORE

A smiling young girl in a sparkly dance costume and black tights sits sideways on a tall black stool against a white background, with one leg crossed and hands holding the seat.

STEP 3

The Photography Experience

Your photoshoot is all about you. After warming up and getting dressed, we’ll collaborate on a series of poses that highlight your skill and individuality. Each movement will be captured multiple times, refining as we go. You’ll be able to view your images as we shoot so that we can perfect them together.

We wrap only when we both know we’ve nailed it.

LEARN MORE

A young girl poses confidently in a dance costume with a black mesh long-sleeve top, pink fringed skirt, and fishnet tights, standing against a plain white background.

STEP 4

Gallery Viewing

Before you leave, we’ll schedule your gallery viewing, either in-person or virtual, within the week.

During this 30–45 minute session, you’ll view a custom highlight reel and your full portfolio. Together, we’ll select your final collection and choose your digital and print products. Since it can be tough to choose favorites, feel free to bring anyone involved in the decision-making process.

Your final images will be delivered just two weeks later, polished, professional, and uniquely you.

LEARN MORE

A smiling young ballet dancer in a light blue and white tutu poses gracefully on one knee against a white background, with her arms curved delicately in front of her.

TESTIMONIALS

    
 
 
         
   Rosdrelcina Montgomery 
 September 10, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very professional ! Captured dancer’s pictures beautifully!  I highly recommend !
Thank you !
  
 
        
   Tanya Bauman 
 August 30, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thank you for welcoming our high school dance team to your studio with snacks, beverages and a great vibe! My dancer had a wonderful experience taking photos with her team and individually. You have created an inviting studio atmosphere! Looking forward to future photo shoots!
  
 
        
   Erin Bryant 
 July 30, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My daughter had an amazing rain shoot with Doug! The water was warm and we got great photos!
  
 
        
   Katie Lopez 
 June 6, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolutely beautiful photos! We have ordered photos from Doug when shooting at the dance studio and they turned out perfect. We went into their studio this time and had a wonderful experience. The studio is large and has areas to change. The studio is clean and has different sets depending on what they are shooting. Doug and his wife are professional, kind, and accommodating. We are so excited to see the photos when they come back. Highly recommend this studio!
  
 
        
   Brad Ross 
 May 2, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Highly skilled photography and amazing customer service. A++
  
 
        
   Angela M 
 April 15, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Doug did an amazing job with our photos! He’s extremely accommodating, responsive and easy to work with. Very pleased with the results and would definitely use him again!
  
 
        
   Petia Borissova (Pettee) 
 April 11, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. As a dance mom, I can honestly say Doug has been such an important part of our journey over the past five years. He doesn’t just take pictures, he captures the emotion, the movement, and those special moments you can’t get back. Whether it’s dance, headshots, or modeling photos, his work is always beautiful, and he makes the kids feel so comfortable and confident. I’m always amazed at how quickly he gets photos back. I’m so grateful for everything he’s captured for our family.
  
 
        
   Mo Scala 
 January 15, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very artistic and creative!! Doug will take your ideas, do them exactly the way you pictured, but also enhance what you had in mind to an amazing project! My daughters’ senior pictures were amazing and everyone who saw them wished they had known about Doug before they committed to the senior pictures after junior year of high school.  Make an appointment early!
  
 
        
   Stephanie Goodall 
 January 15, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Doug has taken dance photos of my daughter for a few years, but I would recommend him for any kind of photo.  All those cool dance photos you've ever seen - it's the photographer capturing a moment of movement and Doug is amazing at it.  He makes his subjects feel comfortable so the photo session is a breeze!
  
 
  
  
 
 
      Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more

CONTACT US

CALLING ALL STUDIO OWNERS!

Make Picture Day Easy (and Profitable)

Discover how top studios run stress-free, organized picture days that parents love and kids enjoy. Our free guide shows you the exact process to keep things smooth, professional, and fun.

DOWNLOAD OUR FREE GUIDE TODAY!

Serving dance studios and high schools throughout:

Illinois

Chicago
Naperville
Schaumburg
Bartlett
Elgin
St.Charles
Rockford

Wisconsin

Milwaukee
Madison
Kenosha

Iowa

Des Moines
Cedar Rapids
Davenport

Indiana

Northwest Indiana
South Bend

Capture The Movement

Follow us for your daily dose of dance!

All photographs, images and content on this website were created and are owned by Doug Dienelt, Doug Dienelt Photography, and are protected under the copyright laws of the United States. Nothing contained in this website may be used without written permission from Doug Dienelt, Doug Dienelt Photography

CONTACT



308B Roma Jean Parkway, Streamwood, IL 60107



630-450-4466



Where Movement Becomes Memory.

Professional Dance Photographer Serving Chicago, Illinois & the Midwest

Thoughtful. Artful. Authentically You.

15+ Years Experience

5,000+ Dancers Photographed

Chicago area and midwest dance picture day specialist

Large commercial studio in streamwood IL

Dance

Title

Cheer

Gymnastics

Holding the camera

Doug Dienelt | Photographer. Parent. Creative

Recital and Team Photos, Simplified.

Taking the Stress out of Picture Day

What to expect

Your Personal Creative Studio Photoshoot

Tap the arrows (or swipe) to walk through the process of your very own personal photoshoot!

STEP 1

STEP 2

STEP 3

STEP 4

TESTIMONIALS

CALLING ALL STUDIO OWNERS!

Make Picture Day Easy (and Profitable)

Serving dance studios and high schools throughout:

Illinois

Wisconsin

Iowa

Indiana

Capture The Movement

Follow us for your daily dose of dance!

308B Roma Jean Parkway, Streamwood, IL 60107

630-450-4466

info@drdimages.com