As a Broadway performer, I've had my fair share of photo sessions. From my years of experience, I've gathered some key insights on how to feel confident and empowered during your photo session.
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Firstly, always remember that the camera is your friend. It's an extension of the photographer's eye and not a judgmental observer. Try to build a rapport with your photographer. Sharing your ideas, concerns, and expectations can help you both work towards a common goal. I've noticed that the most striking photos are often the result of collaborative effort.
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Secondly, practice makes perfect. Stand in front of a mirror and practice different poses. Learn what angles work best for your body and highlight your best features. This might require some time and patience, but it's totally worth it.
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Thirdly, consider your wardrobe carefully. Your outfit should not only reflect your personality but should also make you feel comfortable and confident. Remember, confidence is the key.
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Lastly, don't forget to enjoy the session. Your emotions can reflect in the photos, so try to keep a positive and relaxed attitude. Think of it as a performance, your stage is the photo studio, your audience is the camera. Give it your best shot, quite literally!
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In conclusion, feeling confident at your photo session comes down to preparation, collaboration, and positivity. From my experiences, from Broadway dancer to Photographer, I can assure you that these tips will help you in your next photo session. So, go ahead and strike a pose!

Feeling Confident at Your Photo Session: Tips from a Professional

As a photographer, I often get asked by my clients about what they should wear for their headshots. As an artist, your attire should be a reflection of you, your style, and the message you want to portray. Remember, headshots are not just about showcasing your physical appearance but also your personality and character.
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Think of your clothes as an extension of your personality. They should enhance your features, not distract from them. Opt for clean, simple, and classic looks. Neutral colors are always a safe bet. They draw attention to your face and let your natural beauty shine through.
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However, don&rsquo;t be afraid to express your personality through your clothing choices. If you&rsquo;re an artist, you might want to wear something more creative or eclectic. If you&rsquo;re a business professional, you might opt for more formal attire. The key is to be comfortable in what you're wearing, as this will reflect in your photos.
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Avoid busy patterns, logos, or graphics, as they can be distracting. Instead, choose solid colors that compliment your skin tone. Also, consider the backdrop of your photos. If it&rsquo;s a darker background, a lighter colored top can create a nice contrast, and vice versa.
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Jewelry can be a great accessory, but it should be minimal and not overwhelm your face. As with clothing, it should enhance, not distract. The same goes for makeup. It should be natural and highlight your best features.
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In the end, the most important thing is that you feel confident and comfortable. This will translate into your photos, creating a powerful and effective headshot.
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As a working artist and Dance educator, your clothing should be an embodiment of your art. Your attire should serve as a tool in creating a powerful and impactful headshot.
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Remember, a headshot is more than just a photo. It's a representation of who you are as an artist and a professional. So, dress in a way that best represents you and the image you want to portray. Your outfit, combined with the right lighting, angle, and expression, can create a headshot that not only looks good but also tells a story. So, make that story count by making the right wardrobe choices.

The Art of Dressing for a Headshot: A Guide for Clients

Hello! My name is Steven Sofia, a Broadway performer, dance captain, choreographer, and Pilates master trainer turned photographer. I presently teach at Chapman University and CSULB after serving three years as an Artist-in-Residence at the University of Washington for the Musical Theater Program.
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My Broadway and National tours credits include; Chita Rivera: The Dancer&rsquo;s Life, Chicago, Kiss Me Kate, Beauty and The Beast, Guys and Dolls (&lsquo;92 revival), Jerome Robbins&rsquo; West Side Story. I've also had the pleasure of participating in An evening with Betty Buckley at Carnegie Hall and Applause at City Center&rsquo;s Encores. I've worked with numerous famed choreographers, such as Ron Field, Agnes DeMille, Buzz Miller, and Gwen Verdon, during my stint with The American Dance Machine. Furthermore, I've been an assistant to Broadway choreographers Tony Stevens and Chris Chadman.
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In addition to my Broadway career, I was given the opportunity by the late Ann Reinking to serve as an Associate Choreographer and set the non-union tour of Chicago for Troika I have choreographed; Macy&rsquo;s Thanksgiving Day Parade with Andy Williams, productions of Pippin and Anything Goes at the UW, and a production for the Wings Theater. I also had the honor of directing and choreographing Pippin for NYU&rsquo;s Cap21. I've been a part of the dance faculty with NYU, Cap21, SUNY Purchase, Marymount College, Broadway Dance Center, and Steps on Broadway. I am also a co-owner of Synergetic Movement, a certification program for Pilates.
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So, how did this Broadway performer end up behind the lens? The joy of capturing life in stillness drew me to photography. The thrill of preserving an emotion, the challenge of bringing out a person's authentic self in a single shot, was an allure I couldn't resist. Photography offered me a different form of storytelling, a different stage to perform on, and I embraced it wholeheartedly.
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When I'm not teaching, or capturing moments, I find solace at the beach, basking in the sunny California weather. Life has been a fascinating journey, and I'm thrilled to share it with you through my lens. So, stay tuned for more stories, more emotions, and more authenticity as we journey together in this world of photography.

Get to Know Me - The Journey of a Broadway Performer to a Photographer

Last year I was cast in a couple of shows and needed new headshots. Lucky for me, one of my closest friends, Steven Sofia is a fantastic photographer. I’ve known Steve for nearly thirty years. We met dancing together on Broadway. Steve is not only an accomplished dancer, but he is also a choreographer, director, and university professor. Steve has a work ethic that is unparalleled. He brings his eye for perfection to his photography. His experience as a choreographer and an instructor brings real world knowledge to his subjects, providing the insight needed for professional photographs. Whether the subject is for theatrical or commercial headshots or dance and performance photos, Steve’s work is clear, concise, and beautiful.

Joe Savant

Working with Steven was a wonderful experience. His attention to detail and expertise in the field is very impressive. He made me feel confident and comfortable in front of the camera, and he was terrific at giving positive feedback to help improve the quality of my headshots. Steven has an eye trained for aesthetics and is passionate about the photos he takes. He wants the best for his clients and will go to many lengths to ensure they are pleased. 

The headshots Steven captured for me are not just photos; they are a crucial tool for my dance career. I highly recommend working with Steven, which gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams. And now I have some fantastic photos to do that with!

Rem Christensen

From the start, Steven made me feel comfortable, calm and confident, resulting in shots that emulate ME! As my teacher for the past three years, he knew exactly how to capture me at my best and pull out different sparks to create versatile photos that will help launch my career. He called me days before the shoot to walk me through some tips and tricks in outfit choices and logistics, which helped me prepare in advance to make the most of my time. I highly recommend Steven Sofia Photography to anyone looking to obtain advanced headshots that capture your unique essence and versatility!

Izzy Nelson

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The 1 Look, 1 Retouched package is perfect for a student, an artist on a budget or anyone looking to update their portfolio. This package includes a 30 minute session and one retouched photo of your choice. Additional retouched headshots are available for $30 each.

Package one

2 Looks, 2 Retouched package! This package is perfect for individuals who are looking to update their headshots and showcase their versatility. This package includes a 1 hour session and 2 retouched photos of your choice. Additional retouched headshots are available for $30 each.

Package Two

The 3 Looks, 3 retouched package is designed specifically for the individual who needs to show range, from stage to screen and in between, I got you covered. This package includes a 1.5 hour session and 3 retouched photos of your choice. Additional retouched headshots are available for $30 each.

Package Three

The Focal Essentials All You Need Plan lets you create a beautiful business website with the power of AI. Create Packages, Pricing pages and Blogs. Make booking easy for your client with Focal's Booking System. 5TB of Gallery Storage.

All You Need (Website + Booking System) Plan

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Capturing Life in Stillness- one click at a time

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Steven Sofia is presently teaching at Chapman University and CSULB after serving three years an Artist-in-Residence at the University of Washington for the Musical Theater Program.  Steven is a Broadway performer, dance captain, choreographer and Pilates master trainer. His Broadway and National tours credits include: Chita Rivera: The Dancer’s Life, Chicago, Kiss Me Kate, Beauty and The Beast, Guys and Dolls (‘92 revival) and Jerome Robbins’ West Side Story. Some other credits include: A Chorus Line at Olney Theatre (Helen Hayes Award winner for the Best Musical in 2013), An evening with Betty Buckley at Carnegie Hall, Applause at City Center’s Encores, Susan Stroman’s Contact with Sarasota Ballet at Asolo Rep. Theatre, and several Tony Awards and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade presentations. He also danced with The American Dance Machine where he worked with such choreographers as Ron Field, Agnes DeMille, Buzz Miller and Gwen Verdon, to name a few. He has been an assistant to Broadway choreographers Tony Stevens and Chris Chadman. Steven choreographed, a number for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with Andy Williams, productions of Pippin and Anything Goes at the UW, a production for the Wings Theater, and directed and choreographed Pippin for NYU’s Cap21. He also had the honor to restage Ann Reinking’s choreography for the National Tour of Chicago for Troika. Steven has been on the dance faculty with NYU, Cap21, SUNY Purchase, Marymount College, Broadway Dance Center and Steps on Broadway. Steven is co-owner of Synergetic Movement, a certification program for Pilates, and Reiki.