7 Figure Skating Photography Tips for Better Competition & Portrait Photos
Figure skating combines athleticism, artistry, and years of dedication into just a few minutes on the ice. Every jump, spin, and performance tells a story.
Whether you're preparing for competition photos or scheduling a portrait session, a little planning can make a big difference in the final images. Here are seven tips to help you get the most from your figure skating photography experience.
1. Let Your Personality Shine
Figure skating team portrait photographed at a Florida ice rink.
Great skating photos capture more than technical ability—they capture your individuality and personal taste. You make the photo shine, so you want to do what’s natural to you. Your personality is what makes your photos memorable.
2. Bring More Than One Outfit
If you're scheduling portraits, consider bringing multiple looks.
Many skaters choose to include:
Competition dress
Practice attire
Team jacket
Warm-up apparel
Medal or championship jacket
Different outfits create variety and tell a more complete story of your skating journey and sometimes a simple change of an outfit drastically changes the style, mood and feel.
3. Make Sure Your Skates Are Ready
Your skates are one of the most important parts of every image.
Before your session:
Wipe down your boots.
Replace worn laces if needed.
Remove unnecessary tape or marks.
Polish leather boots if appropriate.
If you’re taking shots fresh off the ice, which is very common a quick dry down from a towel is probably the most important tool.
4. Don't Forget the Details
The little things often become the favorite images.
Bring meaningful items such as:
Medals
Competition jackets
Team apparel
Championship banners
Flowers from special performances
Favorite skating accessories
Figure skating team portrait photographed at a Florida ice rink.
These details help tell the story of your season and achievements.
USF Club Figure Skating athlete during an on-ice portrait session.
5. Trust the Action
Some of the best photographs happen between the planned poses and are usually the most memorable.
During on-ice sessions, focus on skating naturally rather than looking directly at the camera. Powerful crossovers, elegant spirals, fast spins, and confident stroking often create the most dynamic images.
Authentic movement almost always looks better than forcing a pose.
6. Arrive Relaxed
Give yourself time before your session.
Arriving early allows you to:
Stretch properly
Fix hair or makeup
Adjust your outfit
Become comfortable on the ice
A relaxed skater creates more natural expressions and stronger photographs.
7. Think Beyond Today
These images aren't just for social media.
Many skaters use professional photographs for:
Senior banners
Graduation announcements
Team recognition
Recruiting materials
Family wall art
Personal keepsakes
Years from now, these photographs become reminders of the dedication, early mornings, and unforgettable moments that defined your skating career.
Capturing the Story Behind Every Performance
At Taylor Art Photos, we understand that every skater's journey is unique. From competition coverage to creative portraits, our goal is to preserve the moments that matter—both on and off the ice.
Whether you're landing your first axel or celebrating your final competitive season, we're honored to help tell your story through photography.
If you're interested in a figure skating portrait session or event coverage in Florida, we'd love to work with you.
Ready to create your own skating portraits?
Whether you're preparing for competition, celebrating a new season, or graduating from high school or college, Taylor Art Photos creates custom figure skating portraits throughout Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I schedule my skating portraits?
The best time is before the competitive season begins, after qualifying events, or during senior year when you're celebrating your skating journey. We also understand scheduling can be a challenge, we also do portraits at the events we cover.
Do you photograph figure skating competitions?
Yes. Taylor Art Photos provides both competition coverage and custom portrait sessions throughout Florida.
Can I bring multiple dresses?
Absolutely. Many skaters bring multiple competition dresses, practice apparel, team jackets, medals, and awards to create a diverse gallery.
Do you photograph college skaters?
Yes. We work with skaters at every level—from Learn to Skate programs to competitive clubs, collegiate athletes, and adult skaters.
Do you video performances?
Yes. We also videe events, stream video and can create a montage video with some of our packages.
Why We Love Photographing Figure Skaters
Figure skating is one of the few sports that combines athleticism, artistry, and storytelling into every performance. Every skater brings a unique style to the ice, and our goal is to create photographs that celebrate not only the technical achievement but also the passion behind every practice, every competition, and every milestone along the way.
Figure Skating page | Senior Portraits | Reserve Your Session | About Kevin | Home page