Today’s Topic Tuesday answers some of your questions that were posted on our Facebook wall.  Check out all the questions and answers below.  And as always, let’s start a conversation.  Comment on this post or on our Facebook page and let’s keep talking about these topics!

Best advice for a wedding photographer switching to senior portraits?  I think showing what you want to shoot is the first thing.  It is going to be hard to get out of shooting weddings if that is all you show.  So grab some seniors, set up an awesome, think-outside-the-box shoot and go for it!  Having a specific senior section on your blog or website is a good way to really show that is something you are now concentrating on.  I think sitting down and planning out a rep program or something that will get your name out there for seniors is a good thing to do too.  

How do you get swag to put in swag bags for your senior model?  How do you approach boutiques about using their clothing in model sessions?  Anytime you approach a vendor, whether that be to put something in a swag bag or to use clothes for a shoot, it really needs to benefit them.  This question was answered really well by another fan on Facebook but I will try to give my advice as well.  For Swag Bags, something from a makeup artist like a business card or tips on how to get ready for your session would be great to include.  You can explain to the makeup artist that you will exclusively use her for all your senior shoots and by putting something in the swag bag you guys can work together to really get your names out there.  There are lots of other gifts that would be good such as the ones mentioned on Facebook by Christina Cortes.  When approaching boutiques, point out the benefits to them.  Giving them the photos you take to display in their boutique or to use in ads is a great trade.  You can also work with a stylist who has a connection to boutiques when looking for clothing to use in fashion shoots or rep shoots.

How do you find the right candidates for reps?  Finding reps in the very beginning is word of mouth.  Ask everyone you know if they know a senior or junior.  Generally if you can find someone through someone you know then you will know a little about that person.  Having them fill out a rep application and interviewing them will give you a little insight into what kind of person they are and will give you a good feeling as to whether that person will make a good rep.  You do not have to accept everyone, so remembering that will help you in making your decision and picking the right girl.  I always feel that someone who is easy to talk to is a great candidate.  You really want someone that isn’t shy and can get out there and talk to their friends about you.  Someone who is outgoing and friendly.  Some who is involved in a variety of school activities so they have a wide range of friends and not just one specific click that they hang out with.  Someone that embodies the qualities you want in a senior client and somebody who will showcase your brand in the correct way.  Once you get your rep program going, and more and more seniors hear about it, each year will get more attention and you will be able to get seniors to apply to your program.  Once juniors and sophmores see the seniors reps in their school they will be interested in becoming one when they are the right age.  Siblings are also great for reps because the older one has already gone through it and the younger one usually can’t wait to join the program!