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.

View this post on Instagram

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.

Twin Senior Pictures 101 | Senior Photo Ideas

What’s not to love about twin senior pictures?! I get to work with not one but TWO seniors in one day? Two seniors who know each other better than anyone else? It's the most fun, fascinating, third-wheel experience there is in my opinion. Twin senior pictures sessions have similarities to solo sessions, but by nature, they’re double the fun!

More than anything, what's unique about twin senior sessions is experiencing their bond and their dynamic. I absolutely love asking mom or dad (whoever is at the session with us) how each twins' personality differs. It's so fun learning about it from the parent! I'm always curious who is taller, who is more outgoing, who is more shy… the concept of twins is just so cool in general, so to meet so many pairs of siblings who have so much in common yet are still so independent is such a cool part of my job as a senior photographer.

If you asked me what the hardest thing about shooting twin senior pictures was, it’d be an easy answer — remembering who is who!! Especially when they are identical. Fortunately, initial necklaces are really popular right now, which definitely helps me put names to faces in the first few minutes of the session. You really need to study their features at first because once they change outfits, you have to start over! You originally thought, “okay, blue dress is this person, red shirt is this person" but that goes out the window when they change clothes. That's why it's important to know them by their features rather early on in the session.

PHOTOGRAPHER TIP:

It's so important to know a client by name, because you'll be using it throughout the session and it helps the client to feel special, seen, known, & relaxed. Did you know the brain reacts in a specific way when someone hears their own name versus hearing the names of others? So cool!

Speaking of twin senior pictures outfits, there are a few ways you can approach selecting outfits for a duo. In my twin sessions, I typically see a coordinating outfit, such as matching white dresses, one independent outfit so they can each shine on their own/express their own independent style or college choice, and then one more outfit that doesn't "match" as in being the same color or type of clothing, but rather their outfits  "go together." Examples of this are complementary colors, or a girl senior wearing a long dress while her twin brother wears a more formal look.

Posing is one aspect of twin senior pictures that needs to be handled slightly differently than solo senior sessions. There's a specific flow I'll follow when it comes to posing twins, and it's one that ensures we get enough solo time for each senior while still making sure we pause for sibling shots, too. That's often a misconception about twin sessions — parents either think they'll need to book two separate photoshoots, or that there won't be enough time to do both solo and sibling images. That's why I follow my PB&J flow that I teach to photography students in my Posing on Purpose course! 

Here are 4 twin senior pictures pose ideas to get you started:

Pose 1: Back to back or side to side

This is a fun way to see each twin and their features side by side.

Pose 2: Cap toss - of course!

Whether the seniors are holding their cap out in front of the camera, tossing the cap in the air, or walking away while holding the cap, they’re all classics in the world of senior photos!

Pose 3: Walking

Get them moving! Walking away or walking toward the camera, holding hands for twin girls, arm-in-arm for guy/girl twins, and a little space in between for twin brothers.

Pose 4: Piggy back

Not only is this a cute pose, but capturing one twin running and jumping onto their sibling’s back makes for an extra fun series, as well!

---

Even though we're working with twins, it's definitely important to make each individual feel seen and celebrated for their uniqueness as well. If one twin has a unique sense of fashion compared to the other, we'll make sure to give them a solo outfit moment to highlight it!

The most important thing about making sure we get it just right for twin seniors is having a video consultation call where I can get to know each senior virtually. That way, I can note who is passionate about what, who wants to avoid this, highlight that, etc. Pre-session calls are extremely important to the success of the session, which is why we do them with every client — not just twins!

If you're on the fence about getting twin senior pictures taken, remember that this may very well be one of the final seasons of your kiddos under the same roof. While they may or may not be best friends at this stage in their life, it will certainly be a memory they will share for decades to come. Just think of how often they'll pull out their senior photo album to show it to their kids and kids' kids in the future. No doubt about it — senior year will come and go. Take an afternoon to capture it!

If you want to learn more about posing twins and other seniors, check out my free 9 piece posing kit!

Are you a senior who wants to book your own twin senior pictures session? Apply here!

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.

---

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.