We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Education

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How do I get Started in Senior Portrait Photography?

By Amy Hunter
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 7,314
Share

Senior portrait photography can be a very competitive business. Getting started requires an aggressive marketing campaign as well as strong photography skills. Many people mistakenly believe that a talent behind the camera is all that is required to become a success. The fact is, without strong business sense, even the most talented photographer will have trouble making ends meet.

Senior pictures are an important part of high school life. When you combine the significance of senior portraits with the peer pressure that most teenagers face, you begin to realize the difficulty a new photographer can face when entering the field of senior portrait photography. This shouldn’t discourage you however, because it works both ways. Once you develop a reputation as a senior portrait specialist, teens and their parents will flock to you.

The first step to beginning a career in senior portrait photography is to have some samples to show. If you know some kids that are seniors, offer some free pictures. While you don’t want to do this too many times, it is important to build your portfolio so that you have something to show potential customers. Of course, you should work out in advance how many photographs you will provide to your model as part of the offer. Prints can add up quickly.

Ideally, your models will do some of your work for you. If they are happy with the pictures, they will be inclined to take them to school, post them on websites or otherwise show them off. You can draw a huge number of new customers in this way. A new photographer, with new poses and different accessories, will be a hit with teens if they see that the photographer knows what they are doing.

Once you have your portfolio, it is time to get aggressive with the marketing phase of your new business. Senior portrait photography is big business, and if you want to make it your business, you have to be prepared to aggressively go after customers. Offer up your services to take photographs at homecoming, prom and other events.

As part of your marketing arrangement with the schools, offer a drawing for a free sitting for senior portraits. This marketing plan has several advantages. You will quickly build a mailing list of potential names and addresses from the entry forms. Also, while the free sitting will cut into your profits, if you are good at what you do, you should be able to make some money by selling the prints.

Your first few years of involvement in the senior portrait photography business can be tough. If you are able to stick out and develop an aggressive marketing plan, you will find that your business grows each year. Even as your business expands, it is important to continue to market your business, as you will have a new customer base each year.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-do-i-get-started-in-senior-portrait-photography.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.