Excited to share today some beautiful Irish dancing photography! I’ve wanted to photograph in downtown Chicago with the St Patrick’s Day green river for as long as I’ve been in Chicago! The photoshoot was made even sweeter with the addition of a fantastic Irish dancer! St Patrick’s Day weekend is the biggest weekend of the year for Irish dancers, but we made the timing work in order to get these beautiful portraits!
Irish Dance Pictures
With the Chicago river dyed a beautiful green (and only available for a few days!) I was seriously worried that the weather might not cooperate or the crowds would be intense. Luckily, an early-morning portrait session beat the crowds, and the sun came up to give us some beautiful, vibrant color!
My client brought both her soft and hard shoes in order to get variety in her portraits. She brought along a sturdy piece of flooring to dance on with her soft shoes so that she wouldn’t damage them.
Irish Dance Photos
Chicago Irish Dance
Chicago in the late winter is extremely variable with the weather. I’ve experienced some March days that are in the 70s, and others than are in the 20s. So while it was a chilly St Patrick’s Day morning, my client was able to keep comfortable during her one hour photoshoot by slipping on pants and a coat as we walked between locations. I also make a point of bringing disposable hand and toe warmers for my clients during chilly weather – I want to be sure you’re feeling comfortable during your portraits!
My client had to dash off after her portrait session to perform, but I’m glad we were able to get a variety of different locations around downtown Chicago with the river in the background!
Irish Dancing Photography
The image on the left was published in the Spring 2024 issue of Dance SZN Magazine! 🙂
Here’s what my client had to say about her experience!
Working with Kristen was a dream! She was fast, knew exactly what she wanted from each shot, and made us feel so comfortable. I haven’t used many professional photographers in my life, but Kristen is now at the top of the list! Thanks so much for a wonderful experience 🙂
Interested in a learning where to enjoy St Patrick’s Day in Chicago? Check out my blog on the topic here!
Want a fun photoshoot with of your own? I’d love to help out! Reach out here to get the ball rolling for your own photoshoot!
Kristen Hazelton is an award-winning Oak Park, IL (West Chicagoland) and Livermore, CA (San Francisco East Bay Area) graduating senior, and family photographer. She occasionally photographs in San Diego, CA, Tucson, AZ, and Seattle, WA. You can inquire about your own photoshoot here!
