Partnering up with a boutique is a great way to style your senior model program, and Mackenzie, of Mackenzie Lee Photography, did just that for her 2014 Model Campaign.

Mackenzie approached a boutique in her town about styling and using their clothing to both showcase these beautiful clothes but to also provide her models with fun and modern images with a bit of a vintage vibe.

Check out the session below and read what Mackenzie had to say about this fun model shoot!  Be sure to check out more of her work here.  Thanks for sharing Mackenzie!

What was your inspiration for this photo shoot?  I love this little boutique in our town and its owner, Katie, is fabulous.  I approached her about styling the session and the rest kind of domino-ed from there.  Her unique clothing and accessories played center stage followed by a few props to accent the  boho-vintage feel that she has to her boutique.  I wanted the images to be fun and modern, with a bit of a vintage vibe to them.

How did you come up with the theme or concept for your rep shoot?  I began by partnering with a local boutique that was willing to style my models for the shoot.  We met a few times before the event and discussed the ‘looks’ we were going for with the clothing along with hair and makeup.  My makeup and hair stylists played a big role in this as well, as they individually designed a look for each model.  I wanted the focus to be on the models and their style so used just a few props, with the attention continually being drawn back to them as seniors.

How did you find your reps?  In February, I contacted former senior clients and all my portrait clients to ask for recommendations.  I narrowed those recommendations down to about 12 individuals, with 8 choosing to partner with me!  

How many different high schools are represented with your reps?  My senior models represent five schools in two different counties in Indiana.

What qualities do you look for in a rep?  It was important for me to select the seniors based on recommendations from others I know and trust.  I wanted the models to be solid individuals who are good role models and leaders in their schools and communities, as they are the face of my senior business for 2014.

How many years have you done a rep program for your senior photography business?  This is my second year with a model program, and I completely revamped it from last year.  I wanted to get away from the traditional way of asking others to represent you and really make it about the experience.  If they love the experience they have with me, they will naturally tell others (as will their moms!).  It has been such a fun experience for me as well and we haven’t even begun the 2014 school year!

What incentives or rewards do the reps receive?  Each model was able to choose what level of participation in the model program they would like and the eight represented here all chose to be a part of this model shoot.  Their actual senior portrait session will take place this summer and they will earn cash and/or print credit for each friend they refer.  They also know they are my go-to gals for any time I am in need of an extra model for a styled, fun shoot!

What is one tip that you would give another photographer on how to build a successful senior rep program?  Be willing to step out of your comfort zone and take risks on yourself and your business.  I believe that a program like this is successful when you are confident in what you do (and excited about it!).  I also believe in the importance in supporting other local businesses as much as possible.  They have the same clients that you do and as partners, you can be great marketers for each other in the process.

Where did this photo shoot take place?  Lux Boutique in Kokomo, Indiana, an empty third-story space in the downtown area, and a local park.

What camera, lens or other equipment was used for this shoot?  Canon5dmkii and 50 1.4

What time of day were these taken?  We started the day at 2:30 with hair, makeup, and styling and the shoot started around 6 (two hours before sundown).

Can you share any post-processing techniques used when editing this session?  I use a combination of Lightroom and Photoshop for my editing.

What is your favorite thing about this session?  Hands down – the video.  Rob Moss of RL Moss Productions worked with me every step of the way to combine my creative vision with his. By coupling his videography with my final images, the seniors truly have something they are proud to be a part of!  It has been so fun to see all the feedback from the video – I feel like it has set me apart from the typical senior model experience.  You can view the video here.

What do you want this session to convey about this senior and about your senior photography style?  I like to think outside of the box.  I love to try new things and cater each session to the individual senior and who they are.  I am also a firm believer of supporting local business through mine and building great relationships that can better each business through the process.

What is one tip you can share with other photographers regarding photographing seniors?  I believe that so much of senior photography is about the relationship you can develop with each client.  I am not only their photographer, I become a person who joins in their dreams and helps them to share it with their world. What we do is important and powerful work if done in relationship.  We have the opportunity to share a story of each senior’s life and where they hope to go.  I get excited every time I have the chance to do this!