About Me

Hello, I'm Chris Coates-Mitchell, the owner and photographer of Chris Coates Photos. Originally from Atlanta, GA, I moved to New York City at the age of 21 to pursue my passion for dance. With over 20 years of professional experience, I have had the privilege of performing worldwide, including on cruise ships, with renowned dance companies, and at major dance conventions and workshops.

For the past 15 years, I've been honored to teach at The Joffrey Ballet School and its Summer Intensives. Additionally, I've spent two decades as a judge, master teacher, and staff member at Onstage NY and NYCDA, helping to shape the next generation of dancers.

My deep-rooted love of dance has naturally extended into the world of photography. Combining my dance training with my photographic skills has been a dream come true, allowing me to capture the beauty of movement and expression in a way that tells compelling stories through the lens. I have been fortunate to shoot in some of the world's most iconic venues, including The Joyce Theatre, The Juilliard School, Symphony Space, and The Alvin Ailey Citigroup Theatre, among others. My work has been featured in online publications such as Vogue.com, Playbill, BroadwayWorld, LaDuca, Anthropologie, The Roundabout Theatre, and many more.

I am passionate about "capturing the moment" and bringing precision, focus, and attention to detail—principles I’ve honed through dance—into every photograph I take. I thrive on collaborating with performers, as I believe in the magic that happens when artists come together to create something extraordinary.

Whether you're seeking dance portraits, headshots, performance photos, or anything in between, my goal is always to deliver images that reflect the artistry and passion behind every movement.

For rates, availability, and inquiries, please feel free to contact me via my website or at chriscoatesphotos@gmail.com. I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with you!