Photographers will learn how to book more senior sessions by running practice shoots with high school juniors, posting consistently across Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest, and setting up simple backend systems like an inquiry form, pricing guide, and contract before marketing kicks in. Emily Noelle also explains the difference between senior and grad photography, and how she decided a senior rep team was not necessary for her business.
Emily Noelle is an Oregon based senior adventure photographer who built her business from scratch after moving to a new state where she knew no one. She shares the exact steps she took to go from zero local connections to being booked solid for the year, including the backend tools, marketing platforms, and mindset shifts that got her there.
About Emily Noelle
Emily Noelle is an Oregon based senior adventure photographer specializing in dreamy, natural, and earthy senior sessions in nature locations like the coast, mountains, and forest. She has photographed seniors since 2017, went full time in 2021, and is now also doing mentor sessions with senior photographers and training an associate photographer.
Key takeaways
1. Do practice shoots with high school juniors
Emily suggests reaching out to a handful of high school juniors with a full mood board and doing free styled shoots in the exact style you want to book. In exchange, ask them to post the photos and tag you within a set number of days, which gets your work in front of their friends.
2. Set up your backend before you market
Before sending out any invites, have a free inquiry form like Google Forms, a simple pricing guide, a contract, a way to take payment, a gallery delivery system, and a booking calendar. Without these in place, a flood of inquiries will quickly turn into chaos and double bookings.
3. Always collect payment before the shoot
Emily was ghosted by a client on the day of a paid session and never heard from her again, but because the retainer and full session were already paid, she did not lose money. She now requires payment a week before every shoot and will not drive to a session unless it is in place.
4. Match your platform to your niche
Emily found that her unique, nature based style attracts seniors who search on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest, while more classic senior photographers may get better results from in person marketing and word of mouth through parents. She recommends asking your ideal clients directly which platforms they spend time on.
5. Treat Pinterest as a search engine
Unlike Instagram and TikTok, Pinterest pins are evergreen and work based on keywords in the description, similar to search engine optimisation. Emily researches the phrases seniors might search, like unique senior photos, and has had inquiries come from seniors whose Pinterest boards were full of her own photos.
6. A senior rep team is not mandatory
Emily ran a senior rep team for three years but decided it was not necessary for her because her bookings were coming from other sources and the time commitment was heavy, especially since hosting events for a rep team suits extroverts more than introverts. She notes that doing practice shoots with juniors already functions as an unofficial rep team.
7. Insure your gear and never leave it in the car
Emily had her car window smashed and lost about $12,000 worth of gear, including her laptop and hard drives, in just a few minutes while she was not carrying insurance. She now insures everything and never leaves gear unattended in a vehicle, even briefly or in the rain.
Favourite moments
"With weddings and couples, it's more about their story. With my seniors, they come to me for a certain style and a vision, and we make it come to life, and that is so fun for me."
Emily Noelle
"I am very much of the belief that you should find locations yourself."
Emily Noelle
"That is the best way to book, is to look like you're already booked and busy."
Emily Noelle
"Always get paid before your session."
Emily Noelle
"Never leave your gear in the car, even if it's raining. Just keep it on you at all times. 'Cause you never know."
Emily Noelle
Listen to the full episode
Watch the episode above, or listen to How to Book More Senior Photography Sessions with Emily Noelle on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I book my first senior photography client?
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