Throwback Thursday is a new series on Seniorologie.  It is a chance for us to revisit some of our most popular posts and photographers that we have featured here.  A lot of these Featured Photographers have become speakers on our tours and we think they are some of the best in the business!

Featuring photographers, interviewing them and getting their perspective on this business is something I love to share on Seniorologie.  I would love to hear who you would like to read about or who you would like us to feature in a future Featured Photographer Post.  Leave your suggestions in the comments below this post.

For now, check out this awesome post about Michelle Moore and her rep program which was originally posted on Seniorologie July 2, 2012.

Michelle Moore takes beautiful photos!  That is always evident in her work, and especially evident in her senior rep photos, which she shared with us below!  I always think that her photos are both natural and fashion forward.  She shows off the clients beauty and gives them photos that they will treasure for years.

Not only is Michelle sharing some information below about her rep program, but she has a new Posing Guide out.  You can check out the review of her guide and get the link to purchase by clicking here.

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

I started my first rep program in 2007 with the Class of 2008, so this is my 6th year of Reps!!

What is something new that you are doing this year with your rep program?

Every year I have modified and changed things a little, but last year (for the Class of 2012) I did a major overhaul, so we are doing the same again this year, because my new system is working really great!

Do you do individual rep shoots for each girl or a group rep shoot?

I do individual sessions only – our Reps book their actual Senior Portrait session the spring of their Junior Year so they have their photos done first, and can promote us all summer leading up to fall (and throughout the year).  In Seattle the summer & fall are the busiest times of year because it is when the weather is the nicest!!

Was there a theme or concept for your rep shoot?

I don’t do themes or concepts – they are our actual clients, and I want to represent them exactly as they are!!

How many reps do you have from how many different schools?

This year we have 11 reps from 8 different schools.

Where did this shoot take place?

These images are from a few of our sessions we have already shot and completed!  They were photographed all over Seattle at my favorite locations.

What time of day did this shoot take place?

My shoots always take place between either 4-6pm or 11am-1pm – and the weather varied between all these sessions from cloudy, to sunny (and even drizzly on a few!)

What equipment was used for this shoot?

I used a Canon 1Ds MK II (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00064O8Z8?ie=UTF8&tag=moorephoto-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B00064O8Z8) with two of my go-to lenses for Senior Portraits; the 85mm 1.2L (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000EOTZ76?tag=michemoorepho-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=B000EOTZ76&adid=0KHST2341DM3GFG84GZM) and the 45mm TSE (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00009XVCX?tag=michemoorepho-20&camp=14573&creative=327641&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=B00009XVCX&adid=0AYABWBFW9KZS58Q6TDX&)

How did you choose your reps?

Every winter (starting in January) we post an application on our blog, and Facebook page.  Previous clients, reps and friends help spread the word.  We get a ton of applications each year (over 50!) – and accept between 10-15.  We require our Senior Reps to in fact pay for their session (with a generous discount of course!) – because they value your work THAT MUCH MORE and are willing to spread the word because they are a happy paying client – who receives something in return for marketing our brand.

What does each girl receive for being a rep?

A very generous discount on their session, lots of extra Facebook photos, and cash back for the number of referrals.

What tips would you give other photographers who want to implement a rep program?

DEFINITELY have your reps pay something for a session – there are so many Photographers out there, and many girls are just looking for free photos.  They can go to anyone for free (and usually go to multiple Photographers!).  You want something that will create brand loyalty to YOU – and something that makes them excited to work hard for it!!  Those girls are not the clients I want, so I steer away from that.  My experience from starting out years and years ago was that any time I did a shoot for free – those were the worse client experiences.  People just do not value something that is “free”!

What is one thing you have done in the past that has not worked and one thing you have done this year that is working great?

My old incentive program had them earn things like print credit and albums – but I found my reps weren’t as motivated about those items.  Last year we changed it all up – and now do cash back. This really has motivated the girls even more because now they can earn money back (once they have paid, completed their session, and then referred enough people)!