As a speaker, host and planner of this event, I thought I would ask myself the same questions that were asked of the other speakers this week.  It is so weird to interview yourself!  ha!  But here goes…

I am so excited to be going to Alexandria, Virginia for this stop on the tour because it is where you, the fans, wanted us to go.  I am looking forward to setting up the photo shoots in Old Towne and really enjoying the unique locations around the hotel.  I will be sharing with you the steps to building your senior portrait business.  Things like how to find those first seniors to marketing to them and even telling you what they want!

If you haven’t signed up yet, do so before July 8 to get the special introductory price!  To register or to find out more information, click here.

Meet Leslie Kerrigan…

Tell me a little about yourself….I am a mother of two boys who are my world!  I am also a photographer and blogger.  I love to travel, run, read and shop! 🙂  I am obsessed with Nutella and I can’t go a day without a Real Coke – Not Diet!  (it’s a habit I’ve been trying to break with no luck)  I run a photography business in Greenville, South Carolina and I specialize in seniors and family portraiture.  I created Seniorologie as a place for senior photographers to learn and grow in this industry.  I love to help others and provide a fun environment in which to learn and be inspired!

How did you get into photography?  Like most stories you have heard before, I started when I had my kids.  I actually wanted to study it in college as an elective but heard through the grapevine that the professor was hard and I didn’t want anything to do with a class that could be hard.  So I forgot about it for a while.  Then I dabbled with it, trying to teach myself and read books, and use my dad’s film camera.  I wasted a whole lot of film!  I again put it down until I had kids.  I remember spending a week at my in-laws house being glued to her laptop, trying to read any and all information I could about photography.  I even went out and “practiced” with my point and shoot.  Still today, one of those photos I took of my kids is my favorite.  After that, I was hooked.

Any formal training?  No!  All self-taught with some local community classes here and there and tons of research on my own.

How long have you been in business?  4 years

How long have you been photographing seniors?  3 years

What do you love the most about photographing seniors?  I love their personalities!  I love getting to know them and being able to showcase each of them through their photos.  I love to give them a session that makes them feel beautiful.  I also love that they remind me of when I was that age, which was long ago! 🙂

How would you describe your photography style?  I try to take photos that show the seniors personality in a natural way.  I also love color and love for my photos to be bright and cheery.

What is in your camera bag?  Nikon D700, 50mm 1.4, 24-70mm 2.8 and lots of random stuff like batteries, business cards (mine and others)

What’s your favorite lens?  Well I have always loved my 50mm.  It is the first prime lens I ever owned and it is an oldie but goodie.  But I love the 85mm, which I rent all the time!!

What are you most excited to share with the attendees of The Seniorologie Tour Virginia?  I honestly love to share that we all start somewhere and there is room for everyone.  I love to try to instill confidence in the attendees.  I know how they feel and I just want to help them grow!

Since you have been a speaker at previous Seniorologie Tours, what is your favorite part?  I love getting to know each attendee and watching them grow!  From Atlanta to Dallas to California, I am seeing these photographers do so well!  It makes me smile!  I also love seeing the different locations and cities.  Being able to location scout in a completely different location than what I am used to is challenging and rewarding.  Courtney and I usually get there first and we love to walk the streets to pick out the perfect spots for the attendees to photograph the models.

And what advice would you give people thinking about coming to the tour?  Do it! 🙂  Everyone of the tours has been so fun and so informational!  Each set of speakers have taught different things and both the speakers and attendees learn at every stop.  It is a great place to be with your peers and learn.