When Seniorologie first began one year ago, I was so excited to feature senior photographers from all over the country. I searched and found some of the best sessions I could find, interviewed the photographers behind these sessions and began Seniorologie.
Now that Seniorologie is ONE, I thought I would revisit some of the first photographers featured on the blog. This week is dedicated to those photographers. I can’t wait to see what they have been up to over the past year and showcase some of their work from the past year.
Each day this week, we will feature a photographer that was first featured this time last year. And first up is Lexi Vornberg. Lexi is known to a lot of you for her inspirational magazine Lemonade & Lenses but I first knew her as a senior portrait photographer, Lexi Vornberg Photography, out of Cincinnati, Ohio. Her work is light-filled and beautiful. You can see her first feature on Seniorologie here. Below, read what Lexi has been up to in her own senior photography business.
When did you photograph your first senior client? I photographed my first senior client Fall of 2010.
When did you realize that you wanted to specialize in senior photography?
Right after my first senior session. I had photographed everything else, families, children, etc, but only enjoyed seniors. And if you are going to have a job in something you love might as well only photograph what you love.
How long have you been in business? How long have you been specifically in the senior portrait business?
I have been a photographer for 4 years but have specialized in senior for almost 2 years.
How has your business grown in the last year since you were first featured on Seniorologie?
My business went from 2-3 sessions a month to about 4 sessions a week (my max) with being booked out for 3 months.
Was there a breakthrough or “a ha” moment when it come to your senior business? If so, what?
Yes! When I decided to invest in custom high end branding. There are so many photographers out there and it’s so easy to grab a cheap logo and a blog. But that’s what everyone does. I wanted to make sure I stood out and my branding matched my personality, style and studio. So after I investing in branding I was getting the clients I wanted and the sales I wanted. It really turned my whole business around. It was also right before I quite my day job and because a photographer full time.
How many seniors did you have last year and how many do you have this year?
I did around 13 seniors last year and this year I have over 40 so far on the books, and I am only booked till September. I will probably do about 60 seniors this year (2012).
What do you love the most about working with seniors?
I love how relaxed a session is for me. I don’t have to worry about chasing kids around or getting a family to look at me. Seniors want to be there and want to have their pictures taken so they will do anything you ask. It defiantly lets you let your creativity fly.
How do you plan your senior shoots? Do you include the senior in this process?
Yes. I start all my sessions off with a pre-session consultation. I talk to my senior about outfits, locations, hair, make up, etc. We literally plan her whole session right there. That way when her session day comes we are all on the same page and already know each other.
How do you feel your confidence has grown from when you first started working with seniors until now?
Senior sessions have become sort of a sequence for me. I know the shots I have to get and what will sell. So the way I run each session is pretty much the same which has almost made it a 2nd nature to me. This is not saying all my shoots match but when your doing the same thing over and over again you don’t have to think about it anymore.
How has your photography style grown?
I believe everyones style is always growing but I have seen my style go back to what it was originally when I started out. Very clean, muted and film inspired.
What are some business struggles you had in the beginning and how did you overcome them?
I would say getting my name out there. When you first start it is very hard and stressful to get clients and bookings. But once you find your foot in the door and offer your clientele something no one else does you will never go back to that feeling again.
Where do you go for inspiration when it comes to senior portrait photography?
The sun and my clients personality. I am one of those people who won’t look at others work to inspire me. I feel like I would just want to copy them then. I find all the inspiration I need in amazing light and my amazing clients.
Her work is so beautiful! Such inspiration!