Seeing photographers doing what they do best is really the best way to tell the story of a shoot out!!  You can literally see how they are setting up the shot, the backdrop and more importantly, the fun we are all having!!  And thanks to Michele Poole of Michelle Poole Photography and Misti Davis of Pink Fly Photography, you can literally feel as though you were there in all the action with these behind the scenes shots!

If you ever wondered what a shoot out is and are thinking about taking part in one, check out the information below.

What is a Shoot Out?  A shoot out is an opportunity for photographers to get together and photograph a completely styled photo shoot to build their portfolios in a fun and relaxed environment.

How does a Shoot Out work?  Attendees are divided into small groups (no more than 5-6 photographers in one group) and each group is lead by a main photographer (usually a speaker from a Seniorologie Tour including myself).  The groups are able to shoot each model/set for a set amount of time and then rotate to the next model/set.  This allows a very structured chance for each attendee to get all the shots they need of each model and allows for plenty of hands-on learning.

What is included in a Shoot Out?  A shoot out includes all the models, props, hair and makeup by a professional artist for all models, location, tips and tricks while shooting and goodie bags with gifts from our favorite vendors!  There is also plenty of opportunity to meet other photographers and build a support group for yourself.

What a Shoot Out is Not?  A shoot out is not a formal workshop.  However, you will learn a ton by doing!  Nothing teaches you better than practice and a Shoot Out is the perfect opportunity to practice without the pressure of a paying client.  A Shoot Out is the perfect time to try new techniques, push yourself out of your comfort zone or think outside the box.  By being in small groups while shooting, you are able to share amongst others in your group, learn from them and share with them.  You are also lead by a main photographer who will help with posing, lighting and other tips and tricks.  A Shoot Out may not be a formal workshop but it IS a great place to learn and practice your craft!!

How does a Shoot Out help those wanting to shoot more seniors?  I have done shoot outs in Vegas and at The Savvy Photographer Workshop and in both situations, attendees leave wanting to shoot more seniors.  I think just getting out there and practicing with real seniors that aren’t your clients will boost your confidence for shooting that age group.  Some photographers are nervous to photograph seniors because they don’t know how to act around them or they are afraid the senior will think they are not cool.  But getting out there and interacting with them will help you see that they are a fun age group to photograph!  I also think that if you are wanting to get into the senior market it is super important to have seniors in your portfolio.  Show what you want to shoot so people will start to look to you for senior portraits.  Showing cool things that maybe you wouldn’t normally do will attract a cool clientele and broaden your reach in your area.  You may not get the senior wanting to be snow white, but you will get the senior who thinks that is cool and will remember you because of that awesome photo shoot you did.

It is such a great way to learn, grow as a photographer, gain experience and gain beautiful photos for your portfolio.  Every time you go out and shoot, you are gaining knowledge, experience and improving your skills.  Shooting without the pressure of a paying client, gives you the freedom to think outside the box and push yourself past your comfort zone.  At all our shoot outs, we pair attendees with a photographer who guides them through the process, shows lighting and posing techniques and answers questions.  Attendees have gone on to add seniors to their business or they have built websites with to-die-for portfolios.  And all of the attendees have not only learned something from the photographers on hand to teach but also those that attended.  And they have left with a support group like no other!!!

When is Seniorologie’s next Shoot Out?  VEGAS BABY!!  That’s right, we will be in Vegas March 10, 2013 and we will be hosting our Second Annual Vegas Shoot Out!  There are still a few spots left and we would love for you to join us!!  To register, click here.