Incorporating one theme into a shoot can be challenging, but can you imagine incorporating two entirely different themes into one big rep shoot?  Well, Misti Davis of Pink Fly Photography did it and did it beautifully!!  Misti wanted to give the girls two completely different looks, both full of fun colors and great props.  So she split the group into two and did two totally different concepts, Cotton Candy and Summer Fun.  I absolutely love that she made Dallas, a town no where near the beach, look like a beach town by finding the perfect locations to support her concept.  Both looks are full of color and they just so happen to encompass Misti’s bright and colorful brand too!!  By incorporating props that told the story of these concepts, Misti was able to create two unique reps shoots that stand out!  Check out what else Misti had to say about her rep shoots below and be sure to check out more of Misti’s work here.  Thanks for sharing Misti!

How did you come up with the theme or concept for your rep shoot?  

My goal was color!  I wanted this shoot to pop, be super colorful and have a really fun feel.  With 14 reps I decided to split them up into 2 groups and shoot 2 different concepts.  The first concept was inspired by sweets.  I wanted to do something with cotton candy and from there started incorporating macarons, taffy and vintage sweet drinks.  I had the girls dress in all the pretty spring pastel colors that were in the stores and we photographed at a neat little area with old historical homes.

My second concept was based around summer fun.  Being in Dallas we are super far from any beaches so I found a nearby shopping center that had sand volleyball courts and a closed down Hawaiian fish restaurant with a really cool painted mural.  I had skateboards, sun glasses, a beach blanket and borrowed a fun bike to make it feel even more like summer.  I wanted that Roxy girl vibe.  The girls did great putting all their looks together.      

How did you find your reps?

I did a two week modeling call and used images from last year’s model shoot and posted onto facebook and instagram.  A lot of my models from last year told girls below them how much fun it was and that they should apply.  The application was posted on my facebook page for the girls to fill out.  I had a fun little cupcake meeting at my house with all 30 of the applicants and then narrowed down from there.  There were so many super great girls this year it was hard to pick!

How many different high schools are represented with your reps?

I have 14 girls at 8 different local high schools.  

What qualities do you look for in a rep?

I look for girls that have a great personality, talkative, are involved in school activities and show a real interest in being a part of the program.  Those girls that sent me a “thank you” message or note after we met are usually the ones that are really excited about possibly being selected and let’s face it…..everyone loves good manners.  🙂  

How many years have you done a rep program for your senior photography business?

This is my 4th year doing a rep program.  Every year I change it a bit more.   I think it’s just one of those trial and error things.  You have to see what works best for you and I notice every year little things I need to improve or tweak for the next year.

What incentives or rewards do the reps receive?

My reps receive a super cool goodie bag that I give them when they see the images for the first time that’s filled with all the essentials they need to spread the word as well as feel extra special.  For every rep card that is turned in I give them a $25 gift card to a local clothing boutique as well as a $50 print credit to use towards their very own senior session. I like how mom and daughter both get something out of it.

What is one tip that you would give another photographer on how to build a successful senior rep program?

I’d say to remember that this is for you and your business.  As photographers we tend to forget that because we love it that we deserve to gain from it.  Hence why so many charge so little but your reps need to work for you and you shouldn’t give them a ton of free stuff until they do or else I promise you they won’t feel they need to.  They are 17 after all.  🙂