Sarah Lane, of Sarah Lane Studios and Studio 12, is a senior portrait in Napa Valley, California.  With such a beautiful backdrop out her back door, you would think she would spend all her time photographing in vineyards! But according to Sarah she is anti-vineyard!

Instead, Sarah finds the right light and focuses on the senior she is photographing rather than focusing so much on the background.

“Finding the perfect light allows me to shoot in just about any location,” says Sarah.

And focusing on the high school senior she is photographing allows Sarah to pull out the true personality of each of her clients.  Being able to shoot what she loves by specializing in high school senior portraits, allows Sarah the opportunity to follow her passion.

I had the opportunity to interview Sarah about her photography business and life.  Read what she had to say below and be sure to check out her website here.

How did you get into photography?  I have been obsessed with imagery since I was about 7-years-old.  I remember plastering my walls with photos ripped from magazines.  My mom always said that I would either be in marketing or a photographer.  I guess she knew before I did what I was going to do!  It is really my God-given passion and I feel so much at home behind the camera.

Any formal training?  I have had classes but I really feel that most of my knowledge came from hands-on experience.  Shooting, learning and experimenting is the best way to learn.  It allows you the creative freedom to push the limits instead of being confined to a classroom.

How long have you been in business?  3.5 years

How would you describe your photography style?  I love fashion and editorial shoots so I try and gear my sessions toward that style of photography.  I also feel my work is authentic.  I strive to pull out the real emotions of the senior I am photographing.  I often hear parents say, “you did such an awesome job showing my child’s personality!”  I love that!  I want the smiles to be because I made you laugh or the serious face to be because that was how that senior was feeling.  I aim to show the true emotion of each client.

How long have you been photographing seniors?  I started out wide, shooting everything, but I quickly discovered that seniors were my passion.  I really feel it is so important to specialize and shoot what you love to shoot.

Do you have a specific senior season?  My senior clients are year-round.  I definitely feel like the summer and fall are my busiest but the spring is busy too!

What is your favorite thing about photographing seniors? I love styling them and coming up with a creative concept that fits their personality!  I also love the relationships, laughing with them and hanging out with them.  When we first start a shoot, some seniors can be so nervous.  But once we get started and I show them the images I am getting, they get so excited!!  I love seeing the change in them throughout the shoot.

What do you feel allows you to relate to the seniors you photograph?  I have been a youth leader at my church for the past 11 years!  I love being able to talk with this age group about all the things going on in their lives.  I feel like being able to portray seniors in a positive way is such a blessing.

Do you have a senior rep program?  I had a senior rep program that consisted of at least 10 different models from 10 different high schools and I was giving each of them free sessions, etc.  But recently, I completely redid my senior rep program, and it has tripled my senior bookings and sales!!  I am excited to share with your readers a senior workshop that is in the works!!  I am teaming up with Meg Broders for a workshop called Prime Workshop!  One of the things we will share at this workshop is how to create a successful senior rep program just like the one I did for my business!  This workshop will be announced very soon and you will be able to find out all the details at www.primeworkshop.com.

What are your most popular senior products?  Digital images and lay flat books from Millers

What is in your camera bag?  Canon 5D Mark II, 85mm, 35mm and 50 mm lenses.

Favorite Lens? 85mm

Favorite time of day to shoot?  2 hours before sunset!

What is one tip you can share with other photographers who want to break into the senior portrait market?  Shoot what you love!!  Don’t spread yourself too thin and try and shoot everything.  Specialize and be passionate about what you shoot.  It is very important to only show what you love on facebook, your blog, etc.  This way the people that book you will be the clients you want to attract.