If you have never been to WPPI before, it is an experience like no other!  I went for the first time last year and I left so inspired and ready to get my business in gear.  I hope that this year will provide even more information and inspiration, and I plan on sharing what I learn with each of you.  Of course, that can’t take the place of actually being there, so if you have the opportunity to go, do it!!  You will be glad you did! (Continue reading this post for a super fun surprise!)

This year at WPPI, they have a lot more classes on Senior Photography and I am so excited.  In honor of this, I have put together several interviews with some of these awesome speakers so you can plan your trip to WPPI accordingly!

First up is a photographer that I had the pleasure of listening to last year during her class at WPPI.  She is back again this year with some new things to share with those that attend her class.

Beth Forester, of Beth Forester Photography, is a senior portrait photographer out of West Virginia.  Her class at WPPI this year is called The Glamourous Life: Marketing and Selling to A-List Seniors.  The class will be held on Tuesday, February 21 at 6:30 p.m.  If you are headed to WPPI, then put this class in your schedule!

Below is an interview with Beth where she shares a little about herself, her photography and what is in store for all those that attend her class.  And as a special gift, Beth was able to get a WPPI Pass to giveaway to one of our readers!!  Make sure to read the complete interview to find out how you could have a chance to win this awesome prize!!  Contest details at end of the post.

Tell me a little about yourself…where are you from? married? kids? ages? 
Well, let’s see.  I am a 41 year old wife and mother. I am a TOTAL work-o-holic!  I am a huge movie buff and I love to cook!  I grew up in a small town not far from where my studio is currently located where I played basketball, tennis and softball in school.  I even went on to play tennis in college.  So, as you can guess, I am a very competitive person.  I am also a perfectionist and I approach each day as a challenge to better myself as both a photographer and entrepreneur.
How did you begin your journey with photography?
I didn’t pick up a camera until I was 21, when my daughter, Katherine, was born.  Shortly after she was born I got the bug and photography became a full-time obsession.  I started strictly with black and white film and an old 35mm camera given to me by my father-in-law.  It wasn’t until my daughter started kindergarten that I decided to open a studio, so I had practiced on anyone and everyone for about 5 years.
I have always been fascinated with people and even majored in history in college, so it is very fitting for me to love documenting people’s lives.  I truly love sharing in the special moments in people’s lives and I am so grateful to have a job I love so much!
Any Formal training?  In the beginning I was self taught… composition, proper exposure, using  different lenses to achieve different looks etc.  When I wanted to learn about lighting and creating form and shape with light, I began to get trained formally on the various lighting sources and how to use them.  I am still learning though everyday not just about lighting and photography but also about business.  My pleasure reading is all comprised of books on marketing, selling and business.   I pretty much eat and breathe photography and business.
How long have you been in business?
I’ve been in business for nearly sixteen years now.
How long have you been photographing seniors?  I have been photographing seniors for about 14 years.
What made you decide to concentrate on the high school senior portrait market?
I really started to focus my business on senior portrait photography in 1999.  I found it to be the most enjoyable side of my business as well as the most profitable.  Senior portraits are once in a lifetime and thus people will tend to spend more since they only have to do so once.  In the children’s photography market, clients will have to have portraits made of their child year after year so they tend to spend less per session.
How would you describe your photography style? Hmmm….clean, contemporary and consistent.   I am a perfectionist when it comes to skin tones and consistency!   However, as a senior photographer I feel you have to be good at all styles and all types of lighting.   One senior wants something dreamy and romantic and the next wants something edgy:  you really have to be able to shoot a lot of different styles.  So, that’s why I really wouldn’t categorize myself as any particular style:  just clean and consistent.
Who or what inspires you as a photographer?  Everything!  I am such a visual person.  I don’t read magazines…I analyze the images.  I analyze the lighting and to try imagine how it was shot.  I also am a huge movie buff.  I love to dissect scenes and imagine some frames as still portraits.
Do you have a specific senior season?  If so, when?  I actually shoot seniors 9 months out of the year.  I only shoot about 5 senior per week….so they have to be spread out over months.  Plus, since I have a large studio space it is not a problem to shoot seniors in the winter months.  We still venture outside just not as much when it’s cold.
What is your favorite thing about photographing seniors?  Working with teens is very rewarding.  Teens is general are very insecure so when they view their portraits for the first time you can really see what an impact you can make in a young person’s life.   I can see them perk up and start to believe in their beauty.  It really is an awesome experience.  Not to mention that it keeps me feeling young!
What do you feel has been your best marketing technique when it comes to the senior portrait market? Since the beginning of my business career, I have always used word of mouth marketing.  I never had time to create print advertising and I always found that the customers that were “referred by a friend” were my best clients.  Plus, it’s so easy in the photographic industry….word of mouth marketing is built right into our products…everyone loves to show off their photos!  We emphasize heavy on the printed product and how our artistry is best represented in the final printed image.  We have always printed proofs and actually have built them into our pricing structure.  Those images that the seniors and their parents carry and show off to their friends is the most valuable marketing tool I have.
Do you have a senior rep program? Not really.  I live in a very small area and if I start choosing certain seniors over others I would definitely create more enemies than friends.  A large portion of our seniors have been approached by other studios in the area to become reps or models and yet they still wind up at our door.
What are the most popular products ordered after a senior session?  Well, most of our seniors want to get to keep their entire set of proofs.   So it’s pretty easy to get them to the package where they will get to keep all their original printed proofs …for us it’s the $1,275 package.  They mostly all start from there and go up.  Beyond that our DVD slideshows and iTunes podcasts are very popular.  We also sell ton of image collages….seniors like to show off all their different interests so they tend to purchase wall collages with 4-9 images.  We also sell a significant amount of senior storybooks.
What is in your camera bag? Canon 1DS Mark 3, Canon 5D Mark 2, 4-Canon 580 EX2 flashes with radio popper px systems, 28-105 f4 Canon lens, 100 f2.8 macro Canon lens, 70-200 f4 Canon lens, 100-300 Canon EF lens.
Favorite Lens? 28-105mm f4 if I could only have one lens this would be it.  It does everything I need it to most of the time.
You also own a company called Photo Duds…can you tell us about it?
 In my business I found I also had to be a part-time graphic designer as well.  In order to keep my business fresh and exciting, I had to design marketing pieces, products, cards, books etc. all the time.  And I am not a template girl!  So I wanted the design pieces like the brushes, overlays and pretty frames to be at my fingertips so I could design the look of my products and marketing pieces myself.  Thus, the photoDUDS line of graphic design enhancements was born.  It’s everything a photographer would need to enhance their images, to create marketing pieces, and to design awesome products.  Check it out at www.photoDUDS.com
Click here to view the sale on Photo Duds latest products.
What are some of your best sellers?  
The photographer’s toolkits are hugely popular!  And the Beth’s Senior SMART Marketing kit….it’s everything we use in our senior business: coupons, price list, newsletter, marketing pieces, etc.  It’s the complete package and all the prices and wording is included so you can see just how we do everything from marketing to selling.  We also are just about to finish a comprehensive senior magazine that’s a studio marketing piece to help guides seniors through the entire process and to help increase your sales!  I am pretty excited about it!
What is one tip you can share with other photographers wanting to break into the senior portrait market? Set goals!  You can never achieve anything without first making a goal.

You are one of the speakers at WPPI this year.  Congratulations!  Tell us why you chose “The Glamourous Life: Marketing & Selling to A-List Seniors” as your topic? Well, although I shoot just about everything, I specialize in senior portraits.  It’s the type of photography I enjoy the most.  Plus, it’s the market that I can achieve a higher average of sales per hour of shooting.  West Virginia has been in a recession since 1950 so I do know a little about marketing and selling to people in a down economy.  High School senior portraits are once in a lifetime and, honestly, people are willing to spend more when they know they will only have to do so once.   Plus, seniors are brand oriented and they want the best:  they demand and have no trouble spending their parent’s money.

What can attendees expect to learn?   Well, a better topic for the program might be “Show Me the Money!”  It’s all about making sure you get paid for your time and how to ensure higher average sales. How many times have you broken your back on a shoot only to find that the customer placed a puny order.  I know I have been there. It’s disheartening!   So, after getting tired of being abused, I put a system in place that ensured specific sales for specific types of sessions.   Plus, we have great incentives for seniors to purchase specific packages!  I can’t tell you how many people have taken my class and told me that their senior averages doubled or tripled after implementing my tactics.

Who is this class for?  Anyone who wants to understand the senior market better:  What do seniors want? Who am I selling to and how do I sell to them?

 When is it?  Tuesday, February 21

6:30-8:30 p.m.

What is your favorite thing about WPPI?  The energy and the people…..It’s hard to put into words but it’s like being dropped in the heart of Manhattan…but Manhattan is now all geared towards everything photography.  It’s faced paced, in your face and stimulating!

What is your best tip to making WPPI successful for photographers?  WPPI is really big and you can get overwhelmed really fast and end up really not staying focused.  I suggest sitting down and making a list of 5 things you want to learn/see at WPPI.  Once you know what it is you need to focus on, then I would research the programs to see which speakers are going to best serve your needs.

And now for the GIVEAWAY!!  Beth was able to get a pass to WPPI for one lucky reader!!  How awesome is that?!  This pass is for one person only and does not include a buddy pass.  To add a buddy, it is $150.  The pass does include access to the trade show and the platform classes, so the winner will be able to enjoy Beth’s class and learn from her!
To enter, all you have to do is leave a comment below telling us what is the one thing you want to learn from WPPI.  A comment will be chosen at random and the winner will be announced on Monday, February 6.  Only comments on this post will be entered into the contest.

WPPI Senior Line-Up – {Beth Forester Photography}

  1. Michelle says:

    I would like to learn more about off camera flash.

  2. I want to learn how to run a successful business that has a constant flow of awesome customers!

  3. I want to learn how to increase my high school senior sales.

  4. Kim Nehrt says:

    I would LOVE to go to WPPI and definitely want to learn more about the senior market! Pick me!!

  5. Michele says:

    I would like to learn more about OCF.

  6. Anything I can learn from Beth! Had a chance to attend several of her classes recently at another educational event and picked up so much from her.

  7. Shack Shelley says:

    I’d love to learn how to market to seniors. I’d also love to see more about posing and getting teens to feel natural in front of the camera.

  8. I’d love to attend WPPI and learn anything that would help me succeed in the senior market – attracting the right clients, higher average sales, creative looks seniors are looking for…long list of stuff.

  9. Thanks for the opportunity to enter this giveaway! At WPPI, I would LOVE to learn more about how to get referrals from my existing clients. Great post by the way!!

  10. Ronald says:

    I would love to learn how to work smarter not harder. To find a balance with my business, and family.

  11. I would love to learn how to market to seniors more successfully.

  12. Nissa Olson says:

    What a wonderful Giveaway! I have been to WPPI for the past two years and know how important it is to learn from the best and see all of the new products available to photographers. I opened a new store front, so money is tight and unfortunately, had to make the decision to pass going to WPPI this year. SAD… BOO…. Winning this could make going a possibility!!!!! Thanks for the opportunity. You are amazing and inspirational!

  13. Jen says:

    I would love to learn more about lighting and Seniors, as well as just absorb everything that I possibly could.

  14. Karen Long says:

    There’s so many things that I want to learn, it’s hard to narrow down… but the thing I want to learn the most is the business aspect of a photography business… I believe it would give me the the confidence I need, thus making it a full time dream instead of a part time possibility… Please pick me!! 🙂

  15. Tina Raibley says:

    What a great interview, I’m even more excited about the opportunities at WPPI! I met Beth at WPPI a few years ago at her booth was introduced to Photoduds, let’s just say I am addicted! I am looking forward to learning how to better increase my sales and bringing in more seniors to our studio. I am also looking to learn more about off camera flash photography. Thank you for this opportunity.

  16. Stephanie Ooten says:

    Beth did my sister’s senior photos last year and since then I’ve been dying to take one of her classes and learn from her. Lighting, posing, and marketing are 3 of the aspects I really want to work to improve. I’d be thrilled to go to WPPI!

  17. There are so many things I would like to learn but most importantly how to run a successful & profitable business and understanding OCF!

  18. Susie Larsen says:

    I just solidified plans yesterday to go to WPPI! I am so excited and more so now that I know Beth will be there teaching! I have loved watching her on Photovision DVDs.
    At WPPI, I hope to learn how to find my own style, but mostly, I hope to gain more confidence all around in my skills!

  19. Laura Bristo says:

    Love the information! I am thinking of branching out into the Senior market, as my specialty, where I live. It’s a niche that hasn’t been filled. So I am reading any and all information that I can find. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
    Would love love love! if my name was drawn!!!

    Laura

  20. I am a self taught photographer. I’m just opening my own studio, so expenses are tight! I would love the opportunity to see the pros in action and learn from the best!! I want to take my photography to the next level in all aspects such as lighting, business, creativity, editing, posing, the works!!!! I want to be a sponge and ABSORB everything:) I’ve wanted to attend something educational for a very long time and haven’t had the opportunity to do so. I want to learn more about lighting and making one of a kind images, unique! I’m very creative and out of the box so to say….. However, I’m sure when you see the best of your kind, it opens a whole new world to you!! I want to make memories that last forever and provide a wonderful experience for those who choose me to share those un forgetful moments of their life.

  21. Brian Smith says:

    I have been working as a photographer for 30 years. After watching Beth on the PhotoVision DVD’s I once again became energized wanting to learn more from Beth and her exciting style and interaction with the seniors she photographs.

  22. Jamie Rubeis says:

    I am so excited about this and the shootout. I definitely will be taking some classes. I really want to break into the Senior market this year full force!

  23. I love Beth’s style and would love to learn her lighting technique for that creamy beautiful skin! She is a total rockstar and it would be awesome to see her in person! Plus I bought her senior marketing package and it is amazing!

  24. Meghan says:

    I would love to learn more about posing and working with clients during a shoot!

  25. Morgan says:

    I would absolutely love to attend Beth’s class and learn more about starting a successful senior photography business!

  26. Aeron Johnson says:

    I love Beth’s work and look up to her professionally. After first seeing her on Photovision I always looked forward to getting the next DVD just to learn anything that I can from her. In my opinion, she has the best senior portrait technique and style.

  27. I’m so excited to go to WPPI and listen to Beth!!! She’s on my pre-reg list anyways! YAY!!!!!!!! Thank you for this awesome interview and inspiration!

  28. I’m so excited to go to WPPI and listen to Beth!!! She’s on my pre-reg list anyways! and I’m so excited to learn about light and unique posing Thank you for this awesome interview and inspiration! YAY!!!!!!!!!

  29. Leslie Barber says:

    I really want to learn the best ways to “break” into the senior market.

  30. Jennifer Hardwick says:

    I would be honored to listen, attend this workshop. The inspiration in your images is Infectious!

  31. I would love to learn more on how to attract the right clients that will invest more in their senior pictures.

  32. Kacky Finnell Bucher says:

    The one thing I would like to learn is how to be a better photographer! How’s that for limiting myself? Love your style and thank you for the opportunity.

  33. Diana says:

    Would like to learn more on the subject of pricing/packaging
    to turn a profit!

  34. Yvette says:

    I’d love to learn pricing and marketing to this market. Thanks so much!

  35. Wendy says:

    I would absolutely LOVE to attend Beth’s class at WPPI. I’ve watched Beth on the Photovision videos and am in awe of her studio and her style of working with seniors. This last year was my first year in business, I was was able to do over a dozen seniors. (not bad for this little area of Eastern WA where most seniors go to one studio in particular). And I LOVE working with seniors. At trip to WPPI would be AWESOME!!!!!

  36. I just found this and was excited that I hadn’t missed the cut off for the Giveaway. The one thing I would like to learn at WPPI 2012 is lighting. Hope I win!

  37. I would love to attend this class! I am really wanting to grow and expand, and would love to learn about properly marketing my business!

  38. Jamie Rubeis says:

    Just preboarded for this class. Can’t wait!

heck, yes i do!

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