Senior Photographer vs Wedding Photographer: Which Niche Has More Earning Potential?

I’m just going to come right out and say it: being a booked out wedding photographer is NOT the only way to make “real money” as a photographer. Some may consider this a hot take, and some may think that I am biased as a senior photographer myself, but I’m living proof that a multi-six-figure portrait photography business is completely possible. 

Thinking wedding photography is the way to get those big bookings makes sense, as weddings are definitely an industry where it’s typical to charge 4-figures for your services. But what I want photographers to know is that you can also make 4-figures per client as a portrait photographer without working weekends, editing thousands of images, or spending hours traveling away from home.

Have you been sticking with bookings you don’t enjoy for longer than you’d like to admit?

I get it! If we’re being honest, money is a big motivator for any photographer. Most of us don't go into business full-time to break even, right? 

I know that you’re motivated to provide for your loved ones, invest your money to create long-term wealth, and enjoy the financial freedom you didn’t get to experience growing up. So, you keep saying yes to a certain type of booking that consistently comes your way, because it seems foolish to turn money away. Because, by turning that booking opportunity away, in your mind it seems like you're wasting the earning potential.

But let's flip that on its head for a second. What if, by spending time doing the bookings you don't enjoy, don't want to post about, and don't get excited about — the ones that leave you feeling drained, un-inspired, frustrated — you're actually preventing your business from growing to its full potential?

Without thinking about money for a moment, instead think of how that impacts your photography business from a mental and emotional point of view: when you dread your next booking, you're far less likely to be motivated to create, and worse yet — you might start to believe the lie of “photography just isn't for me after all.”

Money is just money, right? Any booking is just as good as the next one, right?

Not necessarily.

In the beginning of your photography journey, sure, it makes sense to try out all types of bookings and niches so that you can see what you enjoy, what you feel naturally good at, and what fits into your network and lifestyle. HOWEVER: once you start to get more inquiries, more referrals, and feel more confident in your work as a photographer, the best way to SCALE is to SIMPLIFY.

Just like nobody thought it was humanly possible for man to run a 4-minute mile until someone actually came forward and did it, we often don't know what's possible until it's been done before. And I'm here to tell you — simplifying your life and business by becoming an expert in one or two niches is the best way to run a successful photo business.

Before I was a full-time senior photographer, I was just like you.

I was gladly accepting wedding bookings early in my career (I couldn't believe I could make 4-figures from one booking!) but quickly realized, from both a creative and professional POV, that weddings didn't seem like a fit. For one thing, they were usually a bit stressful in general given the multiple 'moving parts' of a wedding day, required a lot more gear, and of course, meant I had to be working most weekends.

I remember thinking to myself, “wait… if I get really good at this, then most of my weekends are going to be working. When did that happen?!” As a business owner, we always have to make decisions based on what we value. And for me, I knew I wanted to spend weekends with my friends and family — the people I love. 

Then, there was the editing. Thousands of images! Even though I had brought in a 4-figure booking, the time spent preparing for, attending, and then editing the wedding meant that my overall hourly rate was a lot lower than I typically charge for a portrait session.

In addition to weddings, I was also booking birthday parties, corporate events, surprise proposals, you name it — and here's the thing: every time I went to prepare for a new session, it was like I had to put away the skill set from the one prior and dust off a brand new set of skills for this next one. It was inefficient from a time standpoint, and uninspiring creatively.

That's where seniors came in. After leaving my full-time corporate job as a data analyst, I decided to do photography part-time and become a cheerleading coach part-time (and I was also doing digital marketing consulting on the side, it was truly my #hustleera). But it was being around teens every day that made the transition into being a senior photographer so, so natural. 

It got to the point where, after launching my first senior rep team in 2018, my afternoons became so booked with sessions that they started to conflict with cheer practice! That was the jumping off point, and slowly but surely, I started to say no to bookings for brands, families, parties, proposals, etc. 

Transitioning to the senior photographer niche wasn’t easy at first.

This kind of shift in your photography business is not an overnight transition!

First, I had to take down all the pages on my website that I had spent time setting up to accept bookings for things like branding, proposals, weddings, parties and events, etc. Then, any time I got a DM I had to exercise the “muscle” of saying no to a perfectly good booking opportunity simply because I knew my time is better spent nurturing ONE niche than spreading my services across multiple.

So for example, in any given month, rather than having 2 senior sessions, 2 proposals, 1 wedding, 1 birthday party, and 1 headshot session for a company (which requires different workflows, equipment, email sequences, etc.) — I was committed to replacing all of that with 8-10 senior sessions.

And in doing so, I became crazy-familiar with every second of the senior client journey.

Opening up that time in your business is what allows you to become known as the go-to, expert-level [insert your favorite niche here] photographer in your area. People who find you have no question or confusion around who it is that you serve, and that makes you all the more magnetizing to work with! 

Worried about how to grow a thriving photography business as a full-time senior photographer?

Sometimes photographers think that if they're new to the area, or are a certain age, that they just don't have the tools to have a successful senior rep program. Not true. Senior model teams, also known as ambassador programs, are a proven method to build the demand for your senior photography business, year after year. They don't have to be expensive, humongous, or time-consuming. The key to a successful senior rep team is building them right into your client base, and adding in a 'tilt' that you look forward to every year! Learn more about how to create a stand out senior rep program here.

Whatever you decide to focus on, go ALL in.

If you're a photographer who wants to scale to six-figures and beyond without weddings, a photo studio, or a jam-packed schedule, then I have good news: you CAN earn 4-figure portrait photography bookings on repeat (multiple times per week) WITHOUT putting in all the hours or weekends that other niches require. This process is even easier when you have all the right tools. Check out my freebie to learn the exact 3 email phases I go through with each of my 4-figure clients.

Day In The Life Of A Senior Photographer | Photography Business BTS

As a senior photographer, there are a lot of things I love about my job. One of the things I appreciate most is the flexibility and freedom it brings into my life. No two days look the same, but the beauty is—I get to design my own path.. Join me on a breakdown of a typical day in my life as a senior photographer and see behind the scenes with a business owner!

My Hatch alarm (ocean noises, thank you very much) clock goes off before the sun. I love getting a head start on the day — there’s just something about that hour that feels like you’re ahead of the ball, and for a business owner, there’s hardly a better feeling!

I'm loving taking pilates classes in the morning, or heading to the gym for a little strength training. I call this input/output time — input in the sense that I use this time to listen to a podcast, training or course. Output in the sense that I'm getting blood moving in my body, which helps fresh ideas pop into my brain! Some mornings, just a quick walk outside is all you need to get the creative juices flowing. Once I'm home, I read 10 pages of a non-fiction book (every single day!), make a cup of coffee (Nespresso’s maple flavor is currently my fav), set my action items for the day, and get ready for calls and photoshoots.

As a business owner, every day is different. Mondays are my consultation days, where I meet with potential clients and design their sessions with me. Tuesday through Thursday are photoshoot days, most often, but since sessions are either early morning or late afternoon, the middle of the day is spent editing, designing artwork for clients, creating content, or coaching other senior photographers. Then on Friday I play the role of babysitter for my nephew Bennett, which is one of my favorite perks of making my own schedule. I'll spend a couple of hours playing with him while my sister gets to catch up on work or get some alone time, and then the three of us will go out for coffee and a walk by the beach. The dream! 

I wrap up the week by planning the next week every Friday afternoon. That's a must for me! I have an hour reserved every Friday for what I call "time block planning" (cuter name coming soon but… you get the idea) where I refer to my master to-do list, and pull out certain tasks to drip into the next week's schedule. As a business owner who relies on her calendar to keep things running smoothly, this is probably THE most important hour of the week!

Depending on what’s going on that day, I sometimes start work at 9AM and finish around 8PM since I’ll often take photos at sunset. For that reason, I always try to take extended breaks during the day, maybe for a few hours, to balance out the workday and make sure I'm taking time to connect with my friends, family, & self! 

When you really enjoy what you do, those days that seem long on a calendar absolutely fly by. As the gal in charge, I’m also able to block off days at a time, take a half day, or travel the world for a month if I feel the need! As a business owner, you get to decide when to work and when to play, without needed pre-approval from upper management. The fact that I happen to love both work and play is just the cherry on top of it all! 

When it comes to work/life balance, my husband and I are definitely in a season of building as we say. We know that every day of intentional work is laying a brick into the foundation of our future. And, to be honest, it feels really good.

So in that sense, the work/life balance does tend to lean into the work side more often, but it also feels like a part of our life too — we both work in "the people business" and get to spend our days with so many great people. Our clients keep us energized and we both work in beautiful, outdoor settings (I mean, I listen to waves crash on the sand for a living). So right now, we're actually thankful that work and life harmonize so well for us. 

My favorite ways to unwind are travel, sushi dinners with my girlfriends, reading a Kristen Hannah book, watching Survivor with my husband (we've seen every single season), spending time with my family, and beach days with my surf-obsessed parents. Even in our season of building, it’s important to have some downtime! 

On the work side, having help is such an important part of growth. I realized lately there’s a whole village in my life and business now! I have a Pinterest/blog manager, a virtual assistant, an editor, interns & in-person assistants, a print lab team, a senior rep team (grab my freebie to learn more about having your own rep team), an accountant & bookkeeper, business coaches, and a financial advisor. Asking for help isn’t a weakness, it’s a strength for any business owner.

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A post shared by Jenna Lesoeur | Senior Photographer (@jenrenpro)

I've invested tens of thousands of dollars in coaching & mentorship in recent years, and the return on my investment always comes back in multiples. I spent far too many years in my business completely alone, sort of "white knuckling" this whole business thing through trial and error. Hiring experienced mentors I trusted, with proven track records, basically pushed me forward years (and, when taking compound interest into account, decades) in a matter of months.


Specifically, I've been trained in sales skills, entrepreneurship, life coaching, messaging, sales events, and, of course, photography! To be honest, I don't think I'll ever be without a coach or mentor who is several steps ahead of me. It's the best way to grow.

When it comes to growth, remember that roots grow down before they grow up. Growth downward is still growth! For the business owner working so hard and/or searching for clarity in your business, you can appreciate the fact that your roots are growing down. Same goes for an investment, risk, sacrifice or leap into a decision — roots grow in the dark, where no one can see. The longer and stronger the roots, the stronger and more durable your growth. Water it, grow down, and repeat. “Fruit“ will be your natural byproduct.

Every business owner starts somewhere — I know what it’s like to look around and realize I’m capable of more. I can pinpoint the moment I knew I could create a life where I got to make my own schedule, make a living being creative, and serve others well in the process.

If you’re looking for more flexibility in your life by building a successful senior photographer business so your days can look a little more like mine, there are ways I can help you! 

Check out my new challenge, the Shoot Less Make More Challenge — 5 days to give you a head start on mastering the art of creating predictable financial stability in your photography business.

Also make sure you’re following me on instagram @jrpuniversity for ways to improve your craft, increase your impact, and invest in your future.

Busting 4 Myths About Senior Rep Programs

It is no secret that I believe a senior rep program is a game changer for any photographer looking to break into the high school senior photography business. But figuring out how to price your program so it’s actually profitable (and not to mention FUN for the students involved) may be causing you to second-guess whether a rep program is really the best way to work with more high school seniors this year. Today I’m going to debunk some of the myths surrounding senior rep programs so you can see why senior rep programs are the single best method for breaking into, and growing within, the senior photography niche!

Myth 1: Reps join for free

The truth is, a senior rep team member gets exclusive access to added value — not reduced payment.

Group shoots, venue rentals, and your valuable time are certainly not free — so your program shouldn’t be either! A successful senior rep team that provides a great experience for your ambassadors AND brings in new, qualified senior leads to book out your calendar does not have to operate at a loss.

Knowing how to price your senior rep program doesn’t have to be complicated, either. In my course Rep It! I teach two simplified pricing & package models to follow for a profitable and effective program: Simple & Tiered.

Once you choose your model & apply your simplified package pricing, you can list your price on your application or share it confidently during your info meeting.

Then, you’ll reap the booked-out benefits of a healthy senior rep program without losing money in the process.

Myth 2: Each rep must refer at least one person

A common complaint I hear from other photographers about senior model teams is that the team members just “don’t do anything” or that it just “doesn’t work.”

After 6 consecutive years of running an effective senior rep program at JenRenPro, I’ve learned that there’s been a miscommunication in the photography world about what exactly senior reps are expected to do as a member of the program.

In reality, the best way to get a rep’s friends to book their senior photos with you is not to just expect the rep to do all the heavy lifting. It’s to work alongside your rep: they participate, you promote.

It’s not unlike the way the kicker on the football team works with the holder. The rep is the kicker — he or she is excited to be on the team, proud to wear the uniform, and ready to take center stage on the field for his or her chance to score in front of the crowd. You are the holder — you’re essential to the field-goal, and the kicker isn’t going to be able to succeed without you setting up the ball just right.

Use this mentality when you’re posting stories from your team events, sending graphics for your team to share, and designing branded gifts or merchandise.

Once you adopt a “what’s-in-it-for-them” mentality, any marketing effort you make will result in having more qualified leads checking out your senior photography services.

Myth 3: There can only be one Rep program in my area

Do these thoughts ever creep into your mind?

“The market is saturated!”

“There’s a popular program from a popular photographer in my area already!”

“I just moved here and don’t know anyone!”

There can be a hundred programs in an area, but there’s only one you. That’s why I tell photographers to build a STANDOUT program based on your journey, their generation, and creative separation. 

Incorporating YOU into your program is the easiest and most powerful way to attract the right students onto your team. 

The next time you sit down to design your annual rep team schedule for the year ahead, think about how to create photoshoot concepts, merchandise, & community give-back that makes your program naturally unlike any other.

Once you do this, you’ll not only feel more aligned and at-home with your team (your “people”), but you’ll also find it easier to attract not just MORE applicants, but the RIGHT applicants.

Myth 4: The bigger the better

In reality, it only takes serving one student to help you break into the local senior photography market.

There’s a term I use in Rep It! called the “Rep Ramp” which refers to the 3-step process to breaking into and growing within the senior photography niche in your area. Establish in year one, grow in year two, and refine in year three. 

It only takes one domino to start the fall. Your first representative might be a lot easier to recruit than you think — in your establishing year, having even one representative (whether a booked client or an actual team member) means you get secondary access to his or her friends, family, peers and teammates IF the client experience is word-of-mouth worthy.

When you’re looking to break into senior photography, start small with 1-3 reps. Pair a great client experience for them with the right marketing coverage, and you’ll find yourself with senior rep applications pouring in months before it’s time to recruit the next class’ team.

My biggest piece of advice for someone hesitant to start a senior rep program

Many photographers, myself included, begin photography as a creative outlet, hobby, or project. It’s one of those unique careers which are artistic and sensitive in nature, but yet, desperately requires business skills like accounting, customer service, and marketing in order to thrive. 

We’re notorious for obsessing over presets, camera gear, and shoot locations, but we actually should be more concerned with entrepreneurship, sales skills, and mindset.

Someone who believes that “there can only be one program in my area” or that “the market is too saturated” has a bright, neon sign pointing back to themselves that says “I’m not sold on me yet.”

Don’t let fear drive the decision-making in your business. You get to decide how far, deep, wide, and high you want to take your photography business for you and your family. Get sold on you, first!

Are you ready to learn everything you need to know about running a standout senior rep program? My course Rep It! is the all-in-one marketing roadmap for senior photographers. 

Click here to learn more about the program and how to join!

4 Reasons You Need A Senior Rep Program As A Senior Photographer

To have a senior rep team, or not to have a senior rep team…that is the question.

Any time I explain to my senior photography students or even people outside of the photography world how I've designed my senior rep program and made it an integral part of my photography business (read: being booked out year after year, baby!), they often stare into the distance for a second and then come back with, "Wait...that is genius." It works — I'm telling you. But don't just take my word for it, check out the evidence below to see for yourself!

First, what is a senior rep program? It is a curated team of qualified high school students who represent your senior photography business throughout their senior (and sometimes even their junior) year. Having a senior rep program empowers photographers to make a name for themselves in their local senior photography market and grow a raving, referral-based business. At the same time, a senior model program that is set up effectively will be profitable, effective in drawing in qualified leads, and honestly… a whole lot of creative fun, too!

My senior photography business experienced a night and day change once I implemented my improved senior rep program model. I went from generating less than $10,000 in annual photography revenue to hurdling past my first 6-figure year. These results speak for themselves when it comes to whether or not I think senior photographers should have a senior rep program, but we can break down the “why” even further.

1. Social media is always changing, but word-of-mouth is forever

While senior photography client leads can come from numerous sources, like Pinterest, Instagram, TikTok, your website's SEO-optimized blog, print marketing, mail campaigns... there is one referral source that most often brings eager, kind, ready-to-book leads into my pipeline — and that is, people who heard about me from someone they know that took their senior photos with me.

So how do you get more people to talk about your business? You kick up dust. Make a splash. Become visible in your market.

Easier said than done, sure — but the truth is, NOT having a senior model program could be costing you some seriously awesome clients.

According to a study by Nielsen, 92% of consumers trust recommendations from friends and family over all forms of advertising. Another study by McKinsey found that word-of-mouth is the primary factor behind 20-50% of all purchasing decisions.

Knowing how to nail personal networking AND social media with video marketing skills is non-negotiable in today's photography business landscape.

TL;DR:
Having a senior rep program means leaning into personal networking FIRST, and social media second. A strong personal network in the senior photography space leads to warm, often pre-qualified word-of-mouth referrals, regardless of what 'the algorithm' is doing.

2. Don't know what to post? Group photo shoots are a content creator's dream

Do you ever feel like you want to attract more senior photo clients, but don't have any exciting senior-related bookings or events coming up on your calendar? Having a senior rep program means having beautifully styled, fun photo events taking place on your calendar year-round, so you'll never NOT have something to share online.

Senior rep events and group photo shoots are perfect opportunities to share what it's like to work with you — plus, you can market both your rep team AND regular senior photography portrait services at once.

There's a lot of talk about "showing your face more" and how important having a "personal brand" is for business owners in today's photography business space. For a while, as social media carved its path into more traditional, faceless marketing tactics, many business owners dragged their feet when it came to showing up online. The thought of filming ourselves, having to learn how to edit videos, and facing the fear of being perceived by strangers on the internet was daunting. But what if we re-framed those thoughts? What if incorporating video marketing into our social media strategies could be fun, quick, easy & effective?

Video marketing, short-form and long-form, is here to stay, and storytelling will become more important than ever for the success of your photography business. If you have any content-related goals this year, let it be this: prioritize setting your content apart from the rest through storytelling! Check out this reel for more on how to do it!

TL;DR:
Content is about more than just your usual bookings. You can utilize your senior rep program for portfolio work and behind the scenes storytelling to boost your marketing to the next level.

3. They build lasting referral sources

Unlike marketing strategies like paid advertising, offering discounts, or time-sensitive mini sessions, a well-designed senior ambassador program will attract high quality leads who want to work with you specifically year, after year, after year.

You see, a senior rep program takes on what I teach my students as the "Rep Ramp" — a 3-part process where the rep team is established, grown, and, finally, free to run on autopilot. While having a rep program is a long-term marketing strategy, the beauty of it is that you're planting seeds now that will reap bountiful harvests later, like:

-when your super unique group shoot photos become found on Pinterest 2 years after they're taken, or 

-when the younger siblings of your current rep team's member finally become a senior and refuse to work with anyone else, or

-when the freshman who found you on social media from a senior rep group shoot post started following you, and has been on your waitlist for years

Choosing to start a senior rep team takes more effort and input in the beginning, and eventually gains enough momentum to run itself. There are, of course, always new and exciting updates made to the program, such as which new photoshoot concepts to introduce, adjusting your booking process, and raising your prices to stay profitable and ensure a positive experience for all team members.

TL;DR:
The referrals you get from an established senior rep program snowball and continue to reap benefits for years!

4. Senior Rep teams maximize the already existing social dynamics of high school students

Unlike photography genres such as newborns, weddings, and even family sessions, the senior photography niche is complimented perfectly by having a limited-time team in place (i.e. 12 months of being a high school senior) to attract current and future leads. Not only do rep teams support the ever-popular teenage habit of posting photos online, but having representatives who are currently enrolled in local high schools automatically spreads your work into pre-existing, extremely tight-knit high school student & parent communities.

Gen Alpha spends 4 hours a day on social media... so the importance of meeting these clients (and let's not forget: their parents) where they're already at is undeniable.

But don't forget that social media is only one piece of the marketing puzzle — it's never been more important to nurture and grow a real-life community within your brand.

TL;DR:
With actual high school students representing your business, you’re showing up exactly where your ideal client already is.

Not only does a senior rep team benefit your business, there are additional benefits that are so fulfilling. It’s hard to pick just one, so I have two favorites. First, the relationships I’m able to build with the girls throughout our time together, including seeing them grow SO much in one short year and sending them off into their next chapter by the end of it. Second, the cool destination locations we visit as a part of our group photoshoot adventures. Nothing brings a group of people together like exploring, adventure, and figuring-it-out-as-you-go!

When I implemented my rep program, I went from a wide-open calendar to having to create a last-minute, makeshift waitlist when my schedule got too full. My favorite part of all? I went from booking any photography gig that came my way (weddings, events, you name it) just to make end’s meet to gaining the freedom to pick and choose projects from a place of light-hearted desire — not financial necessity.

Want 5 clear tips on how to start a successful senior rep program for your photography business? Check out my free guide here!

5 Reasons to Niche to Senior Photography

Have you ever found yourself eagerly looking forward to certain types of photography sessions you have booked, and dragging your feet to go to others? 

Well, then, it may be time to take a good, hard look at which types of bookings you’re becoming known for. Some call it a niche, some call it a focus…the important thing is that you choose one based on what supports your growth as a business owner AND your creativity as an artist.

Let’s face it: every photographer has a different set of personal values, and I believe all photographer’s personal values spill over into which type of bookings they gravitate toward. 

This means the photography niche you choose to focus on is not only an important step in your journey, but a necessary step toward a burnout-free, financially sound photography career! 

(And, as to whether or not “niching” is required to be a successful, full-time photographer…I believe that it’s important to experiment with niches in the beginning of your career before ultimately choosing one major niche, and maybe 1-2 complimentary niches as your primary offering. The topic is debated, but the truth is — a lightning bolt is only the width of a thumb, and still hotter than the sun.) 

As a seasoned photographer in the senior photography niche myself, there are many things I love about working with seniors, teens & their families. In this post we are calling out 5 values that senior photographers usually hold. If you find yourself reading through any of these values, nodding your head and resisting the urge to grab a pitchfork and shout out “Hear, hear!” in your place of reading…then it just might be that the senior photography niche is the perfect one for you. Let’s dive in!

1. You prefer individual portraits vs groups

In photography, there are many niches: weddings, events, nature, seniors, boudoir, newborns, families, and even pets. If you're someone who is beginning to realize you enjoy the more calm, 1:1 nature of a portrait session versus, let's say, a wedding day or event photography — then congratulations, you may have just taken your first official step into the rewarding world of portrait photography!

Many photographers start booking couples shoots and weddings as a way to bring in more substantial booking income. I get it! It can seem that the only way to really 'make it' as a photographer is to work within this niche. While it is a really great way to build your portfolio and get your name out there, working with more than one subject means additional posing instruction and sometimes even managing the dynamics between the subjects. Then, you factor in things like age (working with kiddos), tight schedules (15 minutes to capture 20+ family formal photo combinations), and/or the unpredictability or working event venues you've never been to before (eg. being hired to photograph a company holiday party) — and next thing you know, you're spending more time adapting than you are creating beautiful artwork via your photography skills!

It's important to try as many genres as you can in the beginning, so you can experiment with the types of photography you enjoy and the types that don't fulfill you creatively or professionally.

TL;DR:
It IS possible to make a full-time photography income shooting only senior portraits.

2. You enjoy fashion + editorial work

Let's face it, teens know what's cool! For that reason, there's an inherent degree of fashion-forward, cutting-edge trends incorporated throughout the wardrobe brought to senior sessions

While breaking into the fashion industry may or may not be your goal, working with trendy, fun-loving, naturally youthful teens is an inspiring, fashion-adjacent category.

If you're a photographer who's fascinated by Paris and New York fashion week, love a good Pinterest-sesh, have always taken an interest in sewing, fabrics, or design (Hello, Project Runway! I myself may or may not have visited the Mood fabric store and left with a "thank you, mood!" t-shirt as a souvenir - if you know, you know) — if that's you, then don't be surprised if you feel naturally pulled to work with seniors! 

TL;DR:
Senior photography is not only a viable career option financially, but it's also extremely fulfilling creatively for fashion-lovers.

3. You feel called to celebrate others

By default, being a senior is all about celebration. Celebrating turning 18 and becoming an adult, celebrating the completion of your secondary education, and potentially celebrating the next chapter which comes after turning the tassel and collecting your diploma. As such, when you're working with seniors and their parents, the mood is naturally full of excitement, hope, pride & appreciation. Who doesn't want to work with that?!

As photographers, feeling a sense of purpose in our work is an important safeguard against burnout. Knowing your 'why' in photography, what drives you, is not only a key part of your messaging in marketing your senior photography business (I teach this to my students in Rep It!) but it also provides YOU, the artist, with a sense of pride in your own mission.

TL;DR:
You are more than a photographer who delivers images. You operate as a part of a bigger, more meaningful purpose in the lives of your clients.

4. You prefer not to work on weekends

I'll never forget the lightbulb moment I had in year 1 of my photography career. I thought to myself, "Wait. So if I get really good at this whole wedding photography and engagement photoshoot thing...and I get 'booked out'...then most of my Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays are going to be spent...at work?" It didn't sit right with me. 

As photographers, we have the privilege and freedom to create our own schedules (queue the confetti poppers!) but what happens when that suddenly turns into weekends traveling for all-day wedding engagements and weekdays editing thousands of images? 

All photographers will reach a point in their career when they meet a fork in the road, and have to hold up their written list of values and use this list to decide which path to take. For me, I value weekends at the beach with my surf-loving family, and would much rather keep my photo sessions on weekdays. (Haven't written down your values yet? Do that now! It'll be your guide as you navigate business ownership.)

TL;DR:
Senior photography means true freedom of schedule.

5. Gives you the ability to work with a fun-loving age group

No two teenagers are the same and you’ll certainly work with a wide variety of personalities over the course of your senior photography career, but it’s safe to say that you’re bound to have loads of fun at your senior sessions.

You remember what it's like to be a teenager! School, friends, football games, homework...that is your world, your reality. It's fun to tap into their life, reminisce alongside them, and ask them about what's next.

Being around younger people can feel rejuvenating. Seniors are often bubbly, respectful, and great listeners. In general, being around them is enjoyable.

Plus, the parents! A HUGE part of working with seniors is, of course, working with their parents, too. It's an incredibly sweet dynamic to witness. While spending time with the seniors is fun, silly, & fountain-of-youth-y for us, speaking with the parents gives us a sense of camaraderie, of wisdom, and shared pride in their awesome senior!

TL;DR:
Senior photographers cater to two groups: seniors and their parents.

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My favorite thing about being a senior photographer is witnessing the love and support that my seniors experience from their friends and families. In a way, the photos I take and the artwork I deliver is just a vessel for people to come around the seniors and help them feel loved & celebrated in the way they deserve to be. From the parent's POV, I get to help them properly document an undeniably special time — the official transition from childhood to adulthood. 

Want to know the most common word used in my feedback form? "FEEL." 

At the end of the day, parents of course want nice photos of their son or daughter, but more than anything, I think they appreciate the feeling of confidence that comes from a well-prepared senior photographer's photo experience. And from the student's point of view, watching seniors hype each other up online when they post their images is so sweet to see.

The main things that drove me toward senior photography were my two younger sisters. We are extremely close, and growing up I just always had a way of watching over them, supporting them, and eventually, taking their senior photos! I also coached cheerleading after graduating college, and that reinforced my passion for being around teenagers during what can be difficult years of one's life. I've always felt comfortable with teens, like I get the sense I can read them well and understand their queues (when they're uncomfortable, or starting to get more comfortable), which is an important skill to have on set.

If you're thinking about leaning into senior photography, take a close look at what's important to you, your values — in your life and business. You might be surprised to learn that creating a thriving, booked-out senior photography business where you are truly in control of your schedule and your income is absolutely possible for you, no matter where you are located or how much experience you have. We all have to start somewhere. 

Ready to start with more seniors? Download my 5 Things Every Senior Photographer Needs to Know guide to learn how to make a splash in the high school senior photography world.