Capturing the Electric Energy of OKC Ballet’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Ballet Ball 2025
Meet the Oklahoma City Ballet and Their Legendary Event
The Oklahoma City Ballet truly shines in the world of performing arts, but their annual Ballet Ball? That’s where the spotlight hits its brightest. As an Oklahoma-based event photographer, I had the absolute honor of being behind the lens at the 2025 Ballet Ball—my second year getting to photograph this iconic event. Stepping into the Oklahoma City Convention Center on April 5 felt like entering a rockstar’s dream, with the whole evening themed The Rock ‘n’ Roll Ball. Every detail amped up the wow factor, making it a night filled with energy, connection, and, of course, top-notch event photography for OKC’s most dazzling artistic crowd.
This celebration isn’t just another party with beautiful people and even better outfits—it’s the biggest fundraiser of the year for the OKC Ballet. Proceeds support their inspiring community programs like Day of Dance, Dance for Parkinson’s, and scholarships for young dancers (oh, and the all-important Pointe Shoe Fund). There’s something so rewarding about using professional event photography to help showcase and support the arts in Oklahoma City, one frame at a time.
A Rockstar Vision for an Iconic Event
From my very first chat with the OKC Ballet crew, it was clear these folks know how to make an impression and love their event photography. They wanted bold, high-impact images to share on social, pitch to the press, and use in advertising—all to spotlight the magic of their Rock ‘n’ Roll Ball.
I’ve collaborated on plenty of Oklahoma City photography projects where the vibe is very buttoned-up or hands-on, but not here! The OKC Ballet put their faith in me and let me do my thing (hello, creative freedom!). From the elegant dinner and fundraising auction to show-stopping performances and that raucous dance party, every moment was full of opportunities for creative event photography. My goal? Make everyone looking at these photos wish they’d scored a ticket to the hottest event in OKC.
Behind the Scenes of The Rock ‘n’ Roll Ball
Shooting The Rock ‘n’ Roll Ball was arguably a gig every Oklahoma City event photographer dreams about. Walking into a room decked out with leather jackets, wild hair colors, and fearless fashion, you could feel the energy bouncing off the walls. Donors, patrons, and dancers all showed off their individuality—these are the moments you live for in vibrant event photography.
Shoutout to local band Soft Hands for cranking the energy to eleven on the dance floor. There’s nothing like photographing a crowd so into the music that they’re chanting for an encore at midnight! (Pretty sure the photos captured every ounce of that rock concert excitement.) The best part? As a repeat event photographer for the OKC Ballet, getting to see familiar faces—band included—made the whole night feel like a creative family reunion.
Creative Highlights from the Photo Session
Let’s talk technique. For the fellow photographers out there (and clients who geek out on gear!), this Ballet Ball was my chance to bring some creative vision to event photos with a classic shutter drag technique. I mixed up slow shutter speeds with on-camera flash, catching the blur of dancers and whirls of neon light—talk about giving these images their own sense of motion and vibrancy.
Sure, I was a tad nervous at first (I mean, new techniques at big gigs—gulp), but chatting with Jana Carson, the OKC Ballet’s resident in-house photographer, gave me that final shot of confidence. The result? Event photos that pop off the screen, capturing movement, emotion, and the pulse of the celebration.
Gear nerds, here’s the scoop: I shot on the Canon R6 Mark II, with the trusty Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 lens. Lighting came from my Godox Pro V1 Speedlite, which I used on and off with a diffuser, but those bold shutter drag shots? All about that bare bulb flash for a super dynamic look.
Why This Event Stands Out
If you ask me what sets Oklahoma event photography apart, it’s the people and the sense of community. The OKC Ballet’s team trusts and empowers me to capture authentic moments and document their story, making every event a collaborative, inspiring experience.
There’s just something special about seeing the serious, art-loving patrons of the ballet fully embrace the wild spirit of a Rock ‘n’ Roll Ball. From laughter circling the dance floor to spontaneous encores, these are the moments that make event photography in Oklahoma City such a joy. And hey—if you ever wonder who was grinning behind the camera all night, it was definitely me.
An Evening to Remember
The 2025 Ballet Ball? More than an event. It was the definition of a community celebration and a reminder that Oklahoma City’s event scene is absolutely thriving. With phenomenal support from donors and attendees, this night put Oklahoma’s arts front and center in a way only the best event photography can showcase.
Want Photos Like These? Let’s Create Your Story!
Photographing the Oklahoma City Ballet’s The Rock ‘n’ Roll Ball was easily a highlight of my year, and I’m so grateful for the trust and creative freedom from OKC Ballet. If you’re planning a gala, fundraiser, or milestone event anywhere in Oklahoma, I’d love to connect and bring your vision to life with professional event photography.
Let’s team up and tell your story—Reach out today and let’s make your next event unforgettable!
Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @MelDrakePhotography and Facebook @MelDrakePhotography for more behind-the-scenes fun, tips, and sneak peeks of upcoming shoots.
XOXO, Melissa "Mel" Drake
#LetsMakeMagicTogether #MelDrakePhotography
QUICK REFERENCES:
Photography:
Melissa “Mel” Drake (Mel Drake Photography)
Clients:
Locations:
Oklahoma City, OK
Equipment:
TIME TO MAKE MAGIC: BOOK YOUR PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION TODAY
Interested in capturing your own unique story through stunning photos? Together we'll tell your story and bring your vision to life. Let's make some magic together! Contact Mel Drake Photography today.
Stay Connected: Follow Mel Drake Photography on Social Media
Don't miss out on behind-the-scenes content, all the latest updates, stunning photos, videos and more!
Follow me on Instagram @MelDrakePhotography and my Facebook page @MelDrakePhotography and let's stay connected!
See you there!
