Your Knowledgeable and Experienced Seattle Dance Photographer
Hi, my name is Mercae, I’m a Seattle Dance Photographer and mother, photographing families professionally for the past 5 ish years, and photographing for the love of photography for about 10. As a little girl I held a deep love of the arts, including dance. I spent nearly fifteen years of my life in motion. From the time I was seven or eight until my early twenties, I spent about 5+ hours a day in a dance studio. I explored my love of dance with ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, contemporary, and lyrical.
Tap carried me all the way to Broadway itself, I earned the right to perform in a national showcase. (Yes, that Broadway in New York City). For a while, I taught too. I focused on guiding competitive dancers as they chased their own rhythms across polished floors. Those years carved something deep in me: an understanding of grace, structure, and expression that never fades.
Though life and mental health eventually led my introverted soul down a quieter path, the arts never loosened their hold. When I work with dancers of all ages, it’s instinct to translate movement to a still image. Despite the time between pointe shoes and my photography career, I haven’t lost my artistry. It’s evolved into a way of directing the passion a dancer brings into touching portraits designed to fill your home.
Photographs are a collaboration between dancer and photographer
In a wonderful collaboration between my inner child and my adult skillset, I decided to post a model call for dancers. Please keep in mind, these may not be the most traditional “dance photos” because my gorgeous model hadn’t put on her pointe shoes in 10 years, but I’m so grateful she gave it a go. She did a phenomenal job and was an absolute delight to work with with. I’m hoping this gallery gives a really lovely idea of what a dance photoshoot could be with your dancer.
Thank you to Gabrielle St. Clair (@gabrielle.stclair), a Seattle-based model, who beautifully embraced the creative vision.
(Scroll to view the gallery.)
Location, Location, Location – Historical Seattle Architecture
We selected a historical public building in downtown Seattle to be our backdrop. We were able to marry the beautiful scenery to the models own artistry. Seattle offers spaces like this that transform each frame into something cinematic. I felt like creating something meaningful became easy.
For local dancers hoping to find someone who truly understands the language of movement, I bring a gentle storytelling approach. The same one I use in my family and motherhood sessions. My goal is always to help you feel comfortable, expressive. And to make sure you are seen not just as a performer, but as an artist.
To visit our inner children who dreamed of becoming ballerinas was a privilege and deeply joyful moment to share.
If you’ve been searching for a dance photographer who captures more than poses, who listens to rhythm and light with equal attention, I’d love to collaborate. Together, we can create imagery that celebrates your movement, your story, and the fleeting beauty of the dance itself.
For inquiries, visit Lilac & Ivy Photography and let’s turn your motion into memory.
