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.

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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

girl in gymnastics pose

Gymnastics

A ballerina in a black dress leaps against a dark background, another in blue poses mid-air, and a man in a black jacket and cap smiles and points enthusiastically at the camera.
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 |Ā 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.

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.

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.

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

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.

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!

Dance School Photographer

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

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308B Roma Jean Parkway, Streamwood, IL 60107

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630-450-4466

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info@drdimages.com

U.S. Center for SafeSport Trained logo; features a stylized S on the left and bold white text on an orange background stating U.S. Center for SafeSport Trained.
Red and white badge reading Certified Professional Photographer next to gray text saying Proud Member of PPA Professional Photographers of America with the PPA logo in a red outlined box.