I’m Trevor Nielson, a ballet and dance photographer based in Salt Lake City, Utah. My love for dance began when I started attending my daughters’ ballet performances. What began as a supportive dad in the audience quickly grew into something deeper. The artistry, music, and storytelling of ballet reminded me of my college theater days and sparked a sense of imagination I hadn’t felt in years. I fell in love with the art form, and soon discovered how technically demanding dance photography truly is. Capturing movement with precision requires an understanding of both photography and dance, and that challenge hooked me immediately.

To do justice to the dancers I photograph, I dedicated years to studying ballet technique, training with renowned dance photographers, and even taking adult beginner ballet classes to understand—at least a little—what dancers experience. With four daughters involved in ballet, dance became woven into our family life, from daily classes to performances with Ballet West and Utah Metropolitan Ballet.

What inspires me most is the impact photography can have on dancers. They spend their lives being corrected and critiqued, often forgetting the beauty they bring to the world. Through photography, I get to help them see themselves with fresh eyes and reconnect with the joy of their craft. Creating images together is both technically challenging and deeply rewarding.