Andrew Bowen
NC Dance Photographer
At Andrew Bowen Studios, you’ll find a welcoming space where you can express yourself and grow as an artist—supported by an internationally award-winning Master Photographer with decades of experience. The result? Photographs that reflect your best technique and artistry in a way that feels authentically you.
Creative retreats for ballet, contemporary & competitive dancers.
Based in Greensboro and trusted by dancers from Raleigh, Cary, Winston-Salem, Charlotte, and across the mid-Atlantic.
Re-Imagining Dance Photography
Too often, dancers step in front of the camera and feel like they have to get everything right—fast. But real artistry doesn’t thrive on a countdown; it needs space, trust, and time. Many photographers lack the dance knowledge or the patience to guide you effectively. Sometimes they forget that it isn’t about their photography—it’s about photographing your art.
With me, you’ll find a positive, supportive environment where your vision is the priority and your process is respected. Every dancer deserves to feel seen, heard, and authentically represented. Here, you’ll have the time to explore, revisit ideas, and try something bold (or quiet), shaping images you’re truly proud of—both technically and artistically.
Because when you have space and time, you can create magic—and that’s why you’re here.
My Philosophy
You deserve time to explore movement and artistry in a space free from judgment or unrealistic expectations. That means no rushing, no cookie-cutter posing, and no pressure to be perfect. Instead, you’ll have music, laughter, guidance (when you want it), and permission to create on your terms.
My goal is simple: help you create exceptional photographs that feel authentic and empowering, and honor the dancer you are right now.
“This was the most fun, nurturing, creative, and comfortable experience for both my dancer and myself… Andrew is a master at his craft, but above all else, he is supportive, caring, and encouraging… He instills confidence… Andrew is a true gem in the dance photography world.”
—Kerry (parent)
My Story
Why Dance Photography?
I didn’t grow up in a studio. I got into photography in middle school because I was terrible at drawing—and found my artistic outlet.
For years, photography remained a creative outlet alongside my tech career at companies like IBM, Silicon Graphics, and NVIDIA. But over time, that work began to feel disconnected from people and purpose. After we lost our second child to birth defects, I knew something had to change.
When we moved to North Carolina, turning my hobby into a business felt right—it gave me space to create and connect. I started with families and seniors because that’s what I knew. Everything changed when one senior who was a competitive dancer asked for a few ballet and acro photos. I quickly realized this was different. Getting a pose to look good wasn’t just hard—it was humbling. That moment launched years of study, mentoring, and listening, and the direction of my artistry began to evolve.
In 2020, when I could finally invite clients back into the studio, I reached out to a few dancers—just to create. I knew they might not feel “in shape,” but that was okay. Each said yes. And then one dancer’s mom said, “You don’t know what you just did. This was the first time she smiled since March.” That was the moment everything clicked. I took down the family and senior pages and leaned fully into dance. That’s when I became Andrew Bowen, Dance Photographer.
Since then, I’ve learned so much about the nuances of ballet, contemporary, commercial and competitive dance. Dancers have shared their their stories with me—celebrations and struggles, moments of joy and vulnerability. Those conversations have shaped everything about how I work. And I’ve been learning at every retreat ever since.
I can’t imagine a better life. I’m a girl-dad (our daughter is grown and thriving in DC), and I’ve been married to my wife for over 30 years. I value the arts, integrity, a great pun, and a terrible dad joke. I’ve been honored with awards in juried print competitions—but the biggest honor is having created a space where dancers feel seen, supported, and inspired.
Dance Photography is About Trust
When you step in front of a camera, you’re sharing more than your movement—you’re sharing yourself as an artist. This is an act of courage, vulnerability, and trust.
My role is to create a space where you can confidently take artistic risks and see them come alive on screen.
My Promise to You
I take my responsibility to every artist who comes to my studio seriously. I deeply appreciate the vulnerability of working in front of a camera. I promise that I will support you, encourage you, guide you, coach you, laugh with you, and inspire you along your path to creating the photographs that make you proud of your accomplishments and excited for your future.
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My Credentials
At the end of the day, what matters is the experience and photography that I deliver. Like you, I’m committed to a process of continuous improvement and life-long learning.
I am always seeking ways to improve how we work together and the images we create. That’s why I’ve earned certifications not just in photography—but in dancer wellness too.
| Technique | Authenticity | Artistry |
Let’s Dance!
Schedule a quick call to learn more and schedule your creative retreat.
Community Involvement
The soul of a small business is a commitment to its community. Through Andrew Bowen Studios, I have been privileged to work with, know, and/or support many exceptional organizations :
