creating your own backdrop system

I wanted to share a little about a project from Jen Gentry, the owner of Mesmerizing Moments Photography. Jen created a wonderful instruction manual on how to create your own homemade background system for photographing newborns. This is a great project for those who like DIY projects and love the option of having many looks in one background system. When you purchase the Flip It guide, you will get a step by step PDF with instructions on how to make your own backdrop. To learn more about the guide, check out the website, Flip it.  

The Seniorologie Tour is announced!

Since its creation, Seniorologie has been dedicated to the study of senior portrait photography!  Learning all there is to know about how to interact with seniors, what products they love and how to create a successful senior rep program has been a goal of Seniorologie.

With that in mind, Seniorologie is taking it on the road!!  That is right...A workshop for Senior Portrait Photography!  The awesome information you have been getting from the blog is now coming to a city near you!  So get out your notebook and pen because you are going to want to write this down!

Announcing the Seniorologie Tour - Atlanta, a workshop dedicated to the study of senior portrait photography.  If you have ever wanted to learn the ins and outs of senior portrait photography from some of the top senior portrait photographers, this is the workshop for you!

This workshop is two days full of information from senior portrait photographers Amanda Holloway, Holli True, Courtney DeLaura and Lisa Carpenter.  They will each share their specific strengths and share with you things such as how to interact with seniors, posing tips, social media techniques, marketing and so much more!

The workshop will also include a full day of shooting!  We will have styled shoots set up to give you the chance to experiment with different lighting situations, posing and more.  You will be able to put to use the things you learn from these amazing photographers while you are at the workshop and even get some one-on-one instruction as you shoot!

Seats for the workshop will go on sale soon!  If you want to be the first to know when seats are available, please sign up for the Seniorologie newsletter, Senior Scene.  Not only will you be the first to know all the scoop (including special rates and a giveaway), but you will also receive a free digital download from one of our sponsors, Get Schooled Photo, just for signing up to receive the newsletter!  How awesome is that?!  All you have to do is click on the link here and enter your email address!  So sign up today!!

Seniorologie Week- Day Four

I have always loved flipping through the pages of fashion magazines.  I think any girl really does!  Especially seniors!  And with this photographer's editorial style, seniors, brides and families can all feel like they are models for a fashion shoot!


Lisa Carpenter of Lisa Carpenter Photography has a unique way of combining editorial and fashion style with traditional elegance.  This combination allows her to know exactly how to guide her clients in a way that leads them into a natural pose with an editorial edge.

After spending many years in the corporate world, Lisa decided to go for her dream and become the photographer she always wanted.  She studied and took classes at a local college, took workshops and practiced her craft.  Soon she was shooting full-time and has since become one of the top photographers in her area.


I had the opportunity to interview Lisa about her story.  Check out what she had to say below, and be sure to check out her work here.


Tell me a little about you...where are you from?  where do you live? Kids?
I am a wedding & editorial fashion photographer based out of Greenville, SC however travel worldwide.  I have two amazing children, both are boys ages 11 & 12.  My boys are creative as well and will even offer their own critiques on images which I love.  

How did you get into photography?
I have always loved imagery...photos, magazines and any other medium that has visual candy.  In college I was referred to as the girl with the yellow Canon Snappy.  I took that thing everywhere which annoyed people at times, but guess what? They always wanted the photos ;)  I have been fascinated with editorial fashion since the 4th grade and even incorporate it into my shoots whether it is with a bride or a senior. 

 
Any formal training?
Yes.  I have had formal training.  About 11 years ago I started to read many books on photography and took classes at a local college.  I then enrolled in the NY Institute of Photography which was good for the basics.  Then I found a workshop in Chicago, which is home for me, that was put on by the American Photo Mentor Series.  It was a 3 day very intense program that was instructed by the amazing Rob Van Petten.  Rob is a very well-known fashion photographer based out of New York.  He told me that I should seriously consider doing this as a career.  It took me 5 years to get there, but I took his advice.


How long have you been in business?
I have been in business since 2005

How long have you been photographing seniors?
My first senior was in 2006.  I absolutely love working with seniors because I get to infuse my love for editorial fashion as well as keeping the shoots fun and playful. 
 
Does your area have a specific senior season?
It varies

How would you describe your photography style?
My style is a mix of looks:  editorial fashion, playful, emotional, timeless & fun. 

What is your favorite thing about photographing seniors?
I love shooting seniors because they are so open to new & exciting concepts.  They really want to have amazing pictures to show off to their friends, and that attitude shows in the sessions.  It's fun to do high fashion looks, trendy looks, photo journalistic looks as well as a bit of traditional.  I consider it a great day when we get out there & shoot while laughing and having a blast! 

What are your most popular senior products?
Metal murals and albums

You also shoot weddings and bridal portraits...how do you feel both of these genres work together to make your business unique?
Since my style stems from commercial and editorial fashion, I feel it works brilliantly with both seniors and brides.  The concepts are the same in posing.  It's all about the angles, lighting & expression.  I have studied vintage fashion photography for years and still do.  The basics of that style of photography still apply today and I just add my own personal style while bringing out the best in my clients.  If your client feels comfortable & confident the shoot will go amazing.  It's a must to direct & guide and not just leave it up to them to fall into the right poses.  But over-direct and it will look posed.  It's a fine balance.  Since I work with both brides & seniors, I feel it keeps my ideas fresh and benefits both genres.

What from the wedding/bridal side of things helps when shooting seniors?
Seniors don't want to be treated like a kid.  They are young adults and want to have a voice in how the shoot will go.  It is our job as the photographer to get a feel for each person's style & personality and play off that in the shoot.  That is no different when working with brides.  Shooting weddings allows me to work with so many types of personalities in which I adapt to while still keeping my personal photography style.  Outside of knowing your equipment inside and out and being able to handle any lighting situation, it is imperative to have fun and connect with the senior or bride you are working with.  Good working chemistry is key. 
 
Because there are specific senior seasons, do you feel it is helpful to have another genre to photograph?
I personally love shooting both weddings & seniors simply because it keeps me fresh creatively.  Seniors have fun & young ideas that I can use while shooting weddings, while a bride & groom might have something a bit more elegant and timeless that can be used when shooting seniors.  It's a cool balance.

What is in your camera bag?
2 Nikon D3's, 1 D300, 1 Fuji S5.  70-200, 24-70, 85, 50, Lensbaby

Favorite Lens?
85 f/1.4

What is one tip you can share with other photographers who want to break into the senior market?
Remember that everyone is different, but the one thing that remains the same is that everyone wants to feel good in front of the camera.  Connect, laugh and have an open mind.  Always look for new locations for shoots.

(Interview by Leslie Kerrigan from Seniorologie.)

Seniorologie Week- Day Three

Courtney DeLaura, is the type of girl you want to hang out with, the businessperson you want to get to know and the photographer you want to learn from.  She is just one of those girls that you must know!!

I was lucky enough to meet Courtney in person at a workshop she created called Folio Love. This workshop was a unique opportunity to photograph several different styled photo shoots in one place and build your portfolio with gorgeous images.  I had so much fun at this workshop and my favorite part was hanging out with Courtney.
In addition to Folio Love, Courtney also founded Get Schooled, which is a school portrait marketing guide.  She details how she started out in upscaled school portraits and gives you all the tips she learned along the way.
Even thought Courtney has her hands in several successful businesses, her first love and main focus in her photography business is Seniors!  Courtney owns Peachtree Studio in Knoxville, TN and it is one of the leading senior portrait studios in the area.I had the opportunity to interview Courtney on her senior portrait studio and her love of photographing high school seniors.  Below is what she had to say!  Thanks Courtney!

Tell me about yourself...I'm a wife and mother of two, Nick who's 13 and Marly who's nine.  My family and I live in Knoxville, TN but I am originally from Northern California.


How did you get into photography?   My uncle was a high fashion commercial photographer in the 80's so I was always around him and at his studio.  I also modeled as a child, and my uncle always needed young models for ads for Macy's and many others.  My dad was an artist and sculptor.  When I was 15, he built a darkroom in our house and I would spend lots of time in there with him developing film.  I stepped away from photography for a while and then picked it up when I had kids.


Any formal training?  I think being around it all my life, I picked up things that I didn't even realize.  Things came second nature to me when I decided to pursue photography because I had been around my uncle and dad and in different studios all my life.  I also think lots and lots of practice helped too.

How long have you been in business?  5 years


How long have you been photographing seniors?  4 out of the 5


Do you have a specific senior season?  If so, when?  I am usually booked between April and November then have a break between November and March

How would you describe your photography style? Classic, clean and simple.  I look to Gap, J Crew and Banana Republic for inspiration.  They seem to withstand trends...the same chinos still are made today that were made 10 years ago.  I want my seniors to look back on their photos and it look classic.

What is your favorite thing about photographing seniors?  I love the ability to give them images of themselves that are beautiful during a time when they may be unsure of themselves.  I love to see the reaction in them and their moms when they look at the images for the first time!

Do you have a senior rep program?  Yes

Can you share with us how it works?  I have spokesmodels that are nominated every year.  I usually contact the kids from my current year and ask them to nominate their friends for the following year.  I then contact the nominated girls and boys and tell them that they were nominated as a spokesmodel for Peachtree Studio.  I do a parent/spokesmodel meeting and explain everything.  I like to try and get 9-10 spokesmodels from schools in my area.  The spokesmodels have to have one referral before they get their senior session free.  Every referral after that, they receive $50 print credit.  I wait until the end of the senior season to have spokesmodel ordering sessions.  That way they have had a chance to build up credit for what they want to purchase.

How do you feel this rep program benefits your business?  I think it gets kids talking about my studio.  They post their pics on Facebook and share them with their friends.  High school kids know the name Peachtree Studio and that helps my business.

What are your most popular senior products?  The area that I live is not super trendy when it comes to products.  They basically want gift prints, digital images and large wall prints.  They also love the double -sided wallets.


What is in your camera bag?  Old Canon 5D that I absolutely love!  24mm 1.4 and 50mm 1.4 lenses.


What is your favorite lens? 50mm 1.4 lens!



What is one tip you can share with photographers who want to break into the senior market?  I am a very strong marketer and I feel this really helps in the senior market.  I think it is super important to practice and shoot and build up your portfolio before you start to market yourself.
Becoming really comfortable in your shooting skin is also extremely helpful in the senior photography market.  If you are unsure of yourself, they will pick up on it.  Continue to talk to them while shooting and give them praise and instructions.  They will feel more confident if you do that.

(Interview by Leslie Kerrigan from Seniorologie.)

Seniorologie Week- Day Two

All photographers have a certain amount of passion for what they do.  However, some really exude that passion the minute you talk to them!  Holli True is one of those photographers!
Five minutes into our conversation, I could truly tell that she is a girl who loves what she does!!  Talking to her got me so excited for her, for me, for senior portrait photography and for photography in general!  It was infectious!  She really is someone everyone should have the opportunity to get to know!
Lucky for me and for you, that opportunity is below!  I had so much fun interviewing Holli and I am so happy to share it with you!  Be sure to check out her awesome website and more of her work here.

Tell me a little about yourself...Where are you from?  Eugene, Oregon


Married?  Yes, for 12 years to my high school sweetheart!


Kids? Yes, two...Cole is 8 and Addisyn is 5.


How did you get into photography?  When I was about 20-years-old, I lost my first baby when I was five months pregnant.  My sister felt bad because she had kids and thought being around them would make it harder on me.  But I realized being around kids was exactly what I needed.  So I got a job at a children's portrait studio.  It was very therapeutic for that time in my life.

Any formal training?  I spent four years at the portrait studio so I got a lot of hands-on experience with film photography.  I also have a background in art and I have always drawn and sculpted people so photography came naturally to me because of that background. When I decided to open my own photography business, I did have to learn digital, so I taught myself that by practicing on my kids.  I also asked tons of questions on forums such as Open Source Photo.  It really made me feel comfortable enough to ask questions and learn more about photography.

How long have you been in business? Since 2007


How would you describe your photography style?  Unique, fashion, modern, stylish and centered around my clients!  My style is definitely not cookie-cutter.  I try to bring out the individual and I love to bring out their confidence.

Who or what inspires you as a photographer?  I love inspiration!  To me inspiration, is all about knowing what makes you feel and taking those things and using them to push yourself to create something.  I love actresses like Kristen Stewart.  She is awkward but beautiful.  My goal is to take real girls and help them push through any awkwardness or nervousness to find their confidence!  I also love music!  Music is my poetry.  I write and edit to music.  I also look at magazines such as Rolling Stones or Vanity Fair.

Do you have a specific senior season?  If so, when?  Our senior season usually starts in the late summer and goes through November.  Then we have a little break and pick back up again in March.


What is your favorite thing about photographing seniors?  I love seeing a senior who starts out unsure of herself, end up exuding confidence.  Seeing their faces when they see the images we are getting is priceless.


Can you share some tips for other photographers wanting to get into the senior portrait market?  The senior market is changing.  People used to want safe but now photographers are allowed to find their voice.  So stay true to you and seek out the clients that are like you.


What are your most popular senior products?  Books....I use Modera.com.  Metallic or metal prints and mini accordion books are also popular.


Do you have a senior rep or model program and how does it work?  I changed my senior rep program by getting rid of all cards and printed material and totally use social media for my reps.  The reps have to talk about us on their facebook walls and we give them promos to put on their walls.  We use Showit plus sites and they let me keep track of who is commenting, etc.  The reps get a 45 minute rep session and photos on Facebook.  Then they work to get more stuff.  If they get 2 sessions booked, then they receive a boutique session free.  The levels go up from there.  More booked sessions equals more stuff earned.  We have 10 reps this year and they are really doing a great job so far!!

You use Lensbaby lenses on your senior shoots.  Can you tell us a little about them and how they help you to achieve a certain look?  I love Lensbaby lenses!  I really feel like they took my business to the next level.  Lensbaby helped us carve out our niche in the business a little further and helped brand our photography.  They give my senior shoots a unique look.  I like fluid motion in photos and these lenses help achieve that.

What tips can you share about using Lensbaby lenses? Start out using higher f-stops like a 4 or 5.6.  You have to choose your aperture manually and focus manually.  I would suggest taking a few more photos, even when you think you have it.  They are sensitive but the pay out is awesome!!


What is in your camera bag?  Canon 5D Mark II, 85mm 1.8, 50mm 1.4, 28mm 1.8 and 70-200mm 2.8

What is your favorite lens? Lensbaby Composer Pro with sweet 35 optic and 85mm 1.8


Favorite time of day to shoot?  I schedule most of my sessions in the evening!


What is one piece of advice you can share with fellow photographers?  Figure out who you are and shoot accordingly!  If you are a studio photographer, then shoot in the studio.  If you love to shoot on-location, then do that!  Shoot what you love!


(Interview by Leslie Kerrigan from Seniorologie.)