You’re searching for photos to use on your dance studio’s new website—fantastic! While using resources like Canva, Unsplash, and Pexels is a great start, building a cohesive image library is about more than just gathering a bunch of dance-related photos. You need to be intentional with your selections to ensure they align with your studio’s brand and personality.
Here are some Pro Tips to keep in mind:
Consider Tone and Emotion
A common mistake in branding is neglecting the tone and emotion of the images you choose. Think about the vibe you want your studio to project—are you aiming for Modern Minimal, Energetic and Edgy, or Elegant and Classic? Whatever it is, make sure every image reflects that tone.
Each time you come across a potential photo, ask yourself what feeling it conveys. If the
image doesn’t match your brand’s tone, it’s better to skip it. Building an on-brand image
library takes time, but it’s worth it. A single off-brand image can confuse your audience
more than no image at all!
Don’t Get Too Tempted!
You might find photos that you LOVE, but if you’re truly honest, they’re not a good match for the programs or personality of your dance studio. For example, a website filled with photos of professional dancers in edgy settings doesn’t make sense if your studio’s bread and butter are preschool dancers. Try to separate the photos that simply appeal to you from the photos that appeal to you and ALSO tie into what your studio is all about.
Think Outside the Box
Stock images have a reputation for being generic, but they don’t have to be. Just because you need a photo of, say, a dancer in arabesque, doesn’t mean you should go with the most obvious choice—the one everyone else is using. Be creative with your selections to engage your audience visually.
Think about how you can convey your message in a fresh, interesting way. Maybe it’s a unique angle, an unexpected setting, or dancers enjoying time together outside of class. The goal is to keep your visuals stimulating and unique, so they stand out and resonate with your audience.
Pay Attention to Color Palette
This tip is straightforward but crucial—each image inherently has a color palette, and your job is to make sure it aligns with your brand colors. Once you’ve nailed down your brand’s color scheme, choose images that reflect or complement those colors.
For example, if your studio’s brand colors are soft pinks, grays, and whites, look for images that feature these tones. You can also use tools like Canva or Lightroom to adjust images you love but that might need a slight tweak to better fit your brand’s aesthetic.
Focus on Photographers, Not Just Photos
On platforms like Canva and other stock image sites, you can search for photos by photographer or collection. Photographers typically have a consistent style and vibe throughout their work. So, when you find an image that fits your brand, check out the photographer’s other work to find more images with the same look and feel. This approach might give you a great start in building a cohesive library of images for your studio.
Quiz time!! One of these things just doesn’t belong here…
- Which of the following 4 images is a big departure from the others?
- What are the reasons why?
- Is the appeal of the photo worth the potential clash of aesthetics?

The answer is completely up to you. It’s just smart to be aware so that you can be intentional about your studio’s branding!
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It’s easy to find individual photos that catch your eye, but when you compile them, you might end up with a collection that feels disjointed and inconsistent. Follow the five tips above, though, and you’ll create a cohesive, on-brand image library that makes your website more engaging and helps potential students and their families feel the vibrancy and sense of community at your studio.
Why does this matter? It makes prospects more likely to register for classes at your studio!
Are you determined to use your own photos throughout your dance studio’s website? There’s nothing at all wrong with that! Click here to read the Top 9 “Do’s” When Choosing Studio Photos for Your Website!
Best wishes to you and your studio,
Stacey