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New Town Dance Academy
2026
Recital POrtrait Information
Sunday
MAY 3, 2026
TIME: Determined by your studio dance director.
Please refer to your schedule or click here.
BY APRIL, all NTDA families will be receiving email communication from "PhotoDay" & Katie Strzelec Photography to register for recital portraits. Please check your SPAM folders and search your email if you feel you have not received it.
Follow the directions below to get started.
2026 is another year that we continue to offer families the same competitive low prices and best packages as years past!
Quick step-by-step guide to recital day portraits
STEP 01
REGISTER FOR PICTURES,
PURCHASE ADVANCE PAY
& PREVIEW PACKAGES
Every dancer getting individuals taken will need AdvancePay Credit in their account, prior to picture day. How much you need in your account depends on how many dances you would like photographed. To purchase, click the private gallery link sent to your email from Katie Strzelec Photography. Here, you can purchase your AdvancePay credit to register and preview all print products, options, and packages. Use the chart below this step-by-step guide to find out how much you need, just scroll down and you will see it.
**You will need to use the link(s) provided in your email to register your child(ren). After purchasing, you are officially registered!
Note: All credit purchased will apply to your final photo/product purchase.
STEP 02
Come to Picture Day & GET IN LINE FOR PHOTOS
When you arrive, make sure you get in line for your individual portraits (if you registered and pre-payed) either before or after group photo. The photographer, or assistant, will take a reference photo for your dancer's gallery. We suggest coming early, if possible!
STEP 03
we WORK OUR EDITING MAGIC!
I know it's hard to wait, but we are really putting a lot of love into your photos as they are edited. We do small complimentary touch-ups & really make sure your photos look the best they can be! This can take 4 to 6 weeks to complete after all recital portraits have been taken for the studio. We try our best to get them completed and delivered as soon as possible! They are typically delivered around 4 weeks post picture day. And you'll have one month to complete your order after delivery.
STEP 04
OPEN YOUR DELIVERED GALLERY & COMPLETE YOUR Order
When they are ready, you will receive an email with your private gallery portraits! You will then make your photo selection and order your photos for the family. Again, your AdvancePay Credit applies at checkout, make sure you use the email provided! And, enjoy your photos once delivered within 5-7 days!
*If you experience difficulty while editing the subject line for an add-on, please add the sibling add-on credit needed to one child's account. This applies for sibling and small friend groups.
Click here to learn more about AdvancePay.
DON'T FORGET TO GET IN LINE!
Make sure to get in line and check in with the photographer for your individual portrait to be taken.
The photographer is NOT responsible for chasing anyone down to get their individual. All dancers and parents must be responsible, and get in line to claim your prepaid credit and individual picture.
If your dancer is younger, parents should accompany them into line.
No cameras (of any kind) are allowed in the photo room please!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to buy Advance Pay for each child?
If you want individuals of your child's dance(s), then yes. Each dancer will need their own credit. I do offer sibling discounts for those in lots of dances.
If my dancer is in a combo class, how much AdvancePay do I need?
If you have a dancer in a combo class and you want portraits of all the styles (ex. ballet & tap) , then you need to purchase the credit per each style you want. Even though it is one class, it is classified as two dances.
Example: Ballet/Tap Combo Class, you want individuals in both styles, then you will need $30 AdvancePay for those two portraits.
Can I see your packages before buying AdvancePay?
Yes! All packages are available for you to view ahead of time. Packages begin at $30. Use the same link as AdvancePay to view your discounted package options. A la carte items are also available at regular retail price.
Can I take a photo with my friend(s), cousins, or dance partner?
Yes, absolutely. You will need at least one person in the photo to add $15 AdvancePay credit to their account, like adding on a "sibling photo". Once the photo is taken, that credit cannot be used again for additional portraits. If you would like more photos together, make sure you have added enough credit to cover what you are requesting.
When should I get my sibling photo taken?
Anytime that works best for you and I'm there. Just come on by and get in line.
What is the "group photo discount"?
When purchasing individuals, we automatically offer group photos at a lower cost to you a la carte. We also include complimentary group image(s) in some of our discounted portrait packages. There is no code for this at checkout; it will already be listed at the discounted price in your gallery pricing. Not all packages include a group photo; please review them for your options.
Will the photos be edited?
All photos will be edited personally by Katie before being uploaded to your gallery. We do not outsource.
How will I know when they are ready?
You will receive an email/text communication letting you know.
Can you change or customize a package for me?
You are welcome to buy anything you don't see in our a la carté section. Our packages are what we offer at a discounted rate.
Can I mix and match gallery photos within a package for my dancer?
Yes! Absolutely! That is the benefit to AdvancePay! Our packages are built to accommodate your needs with affordability, allowing you to mix and match how you need. If you want to mix and match within a family, you will need to purchase a sibling portrait. Sibling Mix and Match is only an option for families with 2 or more dancers who are siblings and immediate family.
Do I have to buy a package?
You must use your AdvancePay credit, but you get to choose how you want to spend them. You can buy your favorite prints a la carté or pick a package. Digital Downloads are available to purchase as well. Please know, packages offer the best discounts!
Who is Katie?
Katie is your dancing photographer! She classically trained at St. Louis Ballet School. She went to Lindenwood University, where she earned her BA in Dance, BFA in Musical Theatre, and MA in Teaching. Prominently trained in vaganova ballet & pointe, jazz, modern and tap. Katie's performance career ended after fracturing her metatarsal. She taught dance for over 18 years, performed locally, and has been a professional photographer for 12 years and counting. She (and her dance trained assistants) will help your dancer find a great pose that looks great on them for the camera, while helping working with them through technique reminders. All of her assistants for recital portraits are also classically trained in dance; most holding or working towards degrees, teaching, or dancing for professional companies.
Can others view my gallery?
We believe firmly in your family's privacy and take it very seriously. All individual photos are privately delivered to the email address registered and is on file with your dance studio. No other persons can access your gallery until you forward the link to them. Anyone who does access your link will need to register in order to view or purchase images (ie. grandparents, aunts/uncles, etc.).
How do I add an additional email to my child's account/gallery?
We have one email for your dancer on file from your studio. Just email Katie at info@katiestrzelec.com with the email(s) you would like added to their account and grant permission to add them.
Why did you raise your prices this year?
We have NOT raised our prices at all! We continue to offer beautiful portraits to our families and dancers at a very competitive low rate for everyone. The best deals and discounts come in the best packages!
Can you offer more digital packages? I would like to order them all!
WE HEARD YOU! AND, WE DID! Our current year digital prices are a remaining record low ranging from $15 (social saver low resolution photos) to $25 (high resolution downloads with print release) for the industry and our region, we are offering you more options with more discounts this year!
This year, we are implementing a new tiered pricing system for all High-Resolution digital download bundles! Offering discounts from 10-35% off every High Resolution Digital Download purchases of 3 or more! We are excited to offer this great affordable option for our families with multiple dancers. Think it's a great addition to our bundles and packages with more flexibility for you! Check them out in the storefront of your gallery under "Digital Products."