I love seeing what different photographers do for the Senior Model Photo Shoot!!  A Model Shoot that really showcases your talent as a photographer, shows off styling that matches your brand and represents you and your business is a great way to create buzz for your business and reach potential clients!

Lindsay Garrett of My Little Umbrella in Fort Worth, Texas did just that with her Class of 2014 Seniors Model Team.  Check out the beautiful session below and be sure to check out more of Lindsey’s gorgeous work here.  Thanks for sharing Lindsay!

What was your inspiration for this photo shoot?  I wanted to do something I haven’t seen before and incorporate my brand as a whole, colors and all. I love my colors and thought that it would be so amazing for my models to show that they represent me as a whole. My photography style is bold and colorful as are my brand colors and what better way to have my girls show their style than in my colors???

How do you find your models for your model program?  I have my reps for the current year do some scouting for me to start the process because they know what’s required and they know who will be a great fit.  Since I am very involved with my models on a regular basis I actually meet some of their friends or friends of friends along the way and I scout them out that way.  When I need a few more, I will put out a model call for the schools that I am targeting and have the girls that are interested submit applications and answer some questions about themselves, their style, activities and goals.  Everyone goes through the application process because I feel it’s important to get to know your potential model before you meet face-to-face.

What do you look for in a good quality model?  Someone who is so excited to have the opportunity and really will go above and beyond to not only earn their referral credits, but to bring My Little Umbrella clients.  They have to be involved in social media and be willing to market me and be excited about it.  I also look for the girls that are very involved in school activities, have great style, are relatable and that can flat out relax and have fun!  I also have to really click with them in the meeting.  It has to be an open line of communication always on both ends.

What incentives do the models receive?  They receive their first preview shoot (introduction as a model) at no cost, aside from paying for hair and makeup.  It’s super important that they get the full experience so they have something to tell their friends about.  For each referral they send, they either receive a $25 cash credit or a $50 print credit.  After 2 referrals come in, they earn their own personal shoot (their senior session) on me, with hair and makeup included.  And after 5 referrals, they receive an additional discount on their package order.

What do you think is the most important thing about a model program?  Being involved!  I feel that it really builds a good rep for my company to do so as well as shows the girls that I care about them and want them to earn their products.  People love when I’m involved, that’s what makes me different.  The way I run my model program shows how close I am to the girls, how much I love what I do and how much I care about them.  I keep in contact with my models regularly.  We even have a facebook group where we can chat, post pictures and all the other things in between.  My girls are like family to me!

What tips would you give other photographers when it comes to implementing a successful model program?  Most importantly be involved and keep in contact with the girls on a regular basis.  They will help you in the long run and let you know what’s working, what’s not working, etc.  Make sure they are clear on all of your requirements and sit down and have a one-on-one with them.  It’s not enough to just give them free stuff.  It is their Senior Year, and they have soooo much going on that it is so important to be there 100% of the time.  They are going to be working for you, to bring you clients…you have to be involved, communicate and really just love the girls and support them!

Where did this photo shoot take place?  3825 S. Bowen is an amazing location available for rent in Arlington, Texas. It was perfect. Our shoot took place on a super hot day ( 104 degrees ) so the girls had a place to relax and get their hair and makeup done inside while I was shooting the other girls.

Did you collaborate with this senior to come up with the clothing and/or concept for this shoot?  Not particularly no. The minute I put my team together I knew I wanted to focus on my brand as a whole.My colors are the main focus and I wanted to incorporate something I haven’t seen before. I had the girls  bring that they had in my color scheme and we kind of worked through it that way. We would do one bold color with a necklace in another color, or we would mix all the colors together in one outfit. All of my models are pretty stylish and they knew what I was looking for so they made it easy on me.

What camera, lens or other equipment was used for this shoot?  Nikon D600, 85mm 1.8


What time of day were these taken?  This was an all day event

What is your favorite thing about this session?  Everything! haha…is that an answer?! I really was so happy with everything…it turned out just as I was hoping. The ultimate highlight were definitely the smoke bombs…they turned out awesome!

What do you want this session to convey about this senior and about your senior photography style?  The idea behind the shoot was to represent me and who I am as a photographer. I love that the girls are so open and stylish that they really worked hard to pick the right outfits and to represent me in the right way.  My style is bold and colorful and fun, and I think we accomplished that with this shoot.

What is one tip you can share with other photographers regarding photographing seniors?  Be relatable. I communicate with my girls in a way that makes them feel comfortable. I am still young myself so I am so comfortable talking shopping, boys, and all the gossip in between. I build a special bond with them that they and myself cherish as a special memory.

Senior Rep Inspiration – {My Little Umbrella}

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heck, yes i do!

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