This week’s Photographer of the Week award and blog feature has been awarded to Rachel of Simply Rachel Photos. Rachel is based in Parkersburg, West Virginia, and she also takes on clients who are on the West Virginia and Ohio border. Rachel also photographs weddings and families.

To see more of her work, you can connect with her here:
Website: https://www.simplyrachelphotos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplyrachelphotos/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SimplyRachelPhotos

This glam session is totally stunning!

Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means the blog owner will earn a small commission, and these commissions help keep this blog running. Using the links will NOT make the item cost more.

What inspired this session and how was it planned?

The inspiration for this session were old-school Glamour Shots! I wanted to take the Glam idea, rev it up, and make it modern and relevant to teens. Glitter was the first thing I knew had to be included in this shoot. We used lots of fine gold glitter and some clear iridescent confetti to try and obtain some variation. I also used some confetti poppers to throw on her while shooting to bring depth. I had her lying and posed on grey paper backdrop and then just started to pour glitter everywhere. I shot from about 5 ft above on a ladder.
I let Courtney (model for this shoot) bring several black or white dresses, and together we chose the glitzy black lace. I also wanted to achieve a timeless look.

What was your favorite thing about this session/senior?

This is my second mini-shoot with Courtney, and I have to say that Courtney, her mom, and I already feel like old friends. She is a remarkable young lady that is active in her school and community. She is very successful in the pageant circuit and is no stranger to having her photo taken. She has an incredible beauty queen smile, but this shoot we tried to go out of our comfort zones and give her more of a serious edge. She worked very well with her eyes! She is so easy going and was up for anything. Shooting with her is a breeze and any photographers dream.

What lenses and other equipment did you use?

I used a Canon 24-105 lens for this shoot. As I was on a ladder most of the time, it gave me the versatility I needed. This was a studio shoot, so I had two flash units from the front sides and on camera flash bounced from the ceiling.

Check out the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 here: https://amzn.to/2CPd5YI

What is your #1 tip for marketing to seniors that you’d like other photographers to know?

I can’t say that I have one sure-fire way to market to seniors. I do try to run my business by a few principles.

• I try make their session an experience. I’ve found that most Seniors care more about the experience itself than having the photos afterward. The parents are usually opposite.
• I customize each session. I send a survey at the time of booking, so I can get to know the senior and find out what they want from their pictures. I limit the amount of times I use a certain location each year, and I never use the same set as another senior.
• I encourage them to bring their bestie if they want. Friends can make them feel more comfortable and relaxed.
• I encourage them to take selfies. I also encourage the parents to take photos with their phones during the session. They usually love doing that and having those memories.
• I try to keep it relaxed, simple, and as fun as possible. 🙂

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