RAQ the Camera

Current & professional photographs are essential to effective promotion: flyers, websites, business cards, press kits, and personal correspondence. RAQ THE CAMERA is a unique and affordable way to obtain photographs that put you in the best light possible.

RAQ THE CAMERA was conceived in the summer of 2007 amongst Philadelphia, PA dance friends and colleagues, PhillyRaqs.com webmistress, Fatima, photographer, Cassandra Panek and makeup artist, Azhia, who wanted to offer something fun and unique in conjunction with a local belly dance swap meet.

Since then, RAQ THE CAMERA has expanded to engagements outside of Pennsylvania, providing affordable and professional makeup/hair and photographic services. The spirit of the event, to build friendship, careers, and self-confidence, is prevalent throughout each RAQ THE CAMERA. Friends and participants are encouraged to stay and observe; they invariably assist the photo shoots by way of a "peanut gallery," offering helpful suggestions on how to pose, or simply to get people smiling.

RAQ THE CAMERA Packages

• Full makeup, 1 look (hair touch ups time permitting only)
• Photo session with 1 costume, unlimited poses & props
• 3 fully edited, print-ready digital photos on disk + option to purchase additional images

• Full makeup, 2 looks
• Full hair styling
• Photo session with 2 costumes, unlimited poses & props
• 6 fully edited, print-ready digital photos on disk + option to purchase additional images

All locations within the continental U.S. will be charged the same rate. Different rates apply for locations outside of the continential U.S., duets/troupes, and large-scale festival and events.

Who can participate in RAQ THE CAMERA?

Anybody! Performers in all dance genres, actors, models, musicians, children, etc.

RAQ THE CAMERA originally focused on dancers of all levels of Middle Eastern dance—from beginners who wanted to increase their visibility to pros who wanted shots of that great new costume—but everyone is encouraged to take advantage of these terrific packages.

Hosting a RAQ THE CAMERA

This event would not be possible without the generous assistance of a host. Host responsibilities are minimal and include securing a space to hold the event (could be a large room or in-home dance studio) and accommodations for out-of-town engagements. In return, hosts receive a 1 1/2 Hour Package free of charge or a reduced rate for a 3 Hour Package.

Cassandra & Azhia handle scheduling, receipt of deposits and balance of payments, major travel arrangements, promotional text and images, and all makeup and photographic supplies.

Want to find out more?

Contact Azhia for a RAQ THE CAMERA Fact Sheet, which fully explains rates, host responsibilities, reservations & deposits, and cancellation policy.

Or visit the Calendar to find out where and when an upcoming RAQ THE CAMERA event is being held.

RAQ THE CAMERA Testimonials

"It was such an honor to host RAQ THE CAMERA! Azhia and Cassie are wonderful guests and I not only had the opportunity to have professionally applied makeup and photos, but to have the feedback and guidance of an award winning dancer, Azhia! As the host, I got the chance to spend time with old friends, make new friends and create an environment where women could really relax, share, bond and feel as beautiful as they are! Can't wait to do it again!"
-MiaNaja al Sephira

"I'm so tickled with my pictures; I can't wait to get them! And I picked out so many! There were so many I liked, it was really hard to choose, and I typically don't like the way I look in photographs. I love how you both lent your artistic talents to making my photographs wonderful. You really put a lot of effort and attention into ensuring that my makeup was perfect for the photos and that I looked my best, and you were so pleasant and sweet to work with. And I'm completely thrilled with the photos Cassie took. She was wonderful in helping me be relaxed and suggesting what would work well in the photographs. This was the first time I'd ever had my pictures done like this, and I could not be more pleased. Working with belly dancers who understand what the end result should be made the experience perfect."
-Rio Jayani

Photo (L to R): Shelley, Scheherezade, Shelley, Azhia, Devra