Meet Shannon Tomasik

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shannon Tomasik a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Shannon, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I’ve always been drawn to the art of dance and movement. It’s a powerful way to tell stories while showcasing incredible talent. I found my purpose in capturing dance through photography because I believe everyone deserves to be seen for their art and talent. My goal is to freeze a moment in time that highlights not only a dancer’s skill but also their growth. Since dancers often perform only on stage, I think it’s important for them to have a way to look back on their journey through a different art form.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

While I offer individual shoots, one of my favorite things to do is host group dance shoots. These sessions bring together a small group of five or fewer dancers, rotating them through for individual time in front of the camera. We also try hard to get dancers from different dance studios. It’s such an exciting experience because not only do the dancers get personalized attention from me and my sister (who assists with posing), but they also receive encouragement and feedback from the other dancers. This creates a supportive, uplifting environment where confidence soars, community thrives, and artistry shines.

Our goal is to capture the unique grace, strength, and passion of each dancer, turning their movement into timeless art. It’s all about celebrating their talent and showcasing the beauty of dance through the lens.

We’re thrilled to have several group shoots coming up and would love to welcome new faces! The next one is scheduled for January 18th in a magical wintery woods setting. To stay updated on all our upcoming group shoots and announcements, follow us on Instagram (@tempo.byshannontomasik), where we always share the latest first!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Three key qualities and areas of knowledge have been the most impactful in my journey.

First, my background in dance has been invaluable. As a former competitive dancer, I have an understanding of movement, technique, and what makes a pose truly shine. This helps me give dancers meaningful corrections during shoots to ensure we capture their best. My sister, also a former competitive dancer (and further skilled than myself), assists with posing, adding an extra layer of expertise to bring out the most graceful and powerful shots.

Second, my extensive background in photography has been a huge advantage. Years of experience behind the camera means I can quickly nail the technical aspects of a shot, freeing me to focus on the emotion and story we want to tell through the dancer’s movement. Combining my dance knowledge with my photography skills has been the perfect blend for this niche.

Finally, my ability to work with others during photo shoots has been crucial. While it didn’t come naturally at first, I’ve learned how to guide dancers with clarity and encouragement, making the sessions smooth, productive, and enjoyable. I’m always working on improving this skill, but it’s been essential for building trust, making a shoot fun, and creating impactful images.

For anyone early in their photographic journey, my advice is to give yourself grace and approach each session with confidence, even if you’re still figuring things out. A photographer’s energy sets the tone for the shoot—if you seem uncertain, your subject will pick up on it, and it can come through in the images. Show up with a smile, exude positivity, and trust in your ability to grow. Confidence, even when it’s a work in progress, makes all the difference in your final product.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

We’re always excited to collaborate with dance studios and dancewear companies. For example, we recently had the privilege of working with the talented studio ‘The Space’ in Kalamazoo, and it was an incredibly rewarding experience. We captured individual dance portraits of their dancers, professional headshots for those pursuing dance careers, creative full team photos, and fun group pairings of friends. These sessions are a unique way for studios to strengthen their community while creating beautiful, lasting memories.

To make these opportunities more accessible, we offer discounted pricing for studio collaborations, ensuring more dancers can participate. I truly believe every studio can benefit from this—a meaningful way to celebrate artistry, passion, and connection within their community.

If you’re interested in collaborating, I’d love to hear from you! You can reach out via Instagram (@tempo.byshannontomasik) or email me directly at tempo.byshannon@gmail.com. Let’s create something amazing together!

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Shannon Tomasik

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