Even though this is Casey’s first year implementing a Senior Rep Program, she took a long time to do her research and decide what she wanted to offer her reps.  By doing that, she was able to implement a program that was distinct to her photography style and really showcased her brand to potential seniors!
Casey, of Casey Rose Photography, learned a lot from her first rep program and I am so glad she is sharing it with us!  Check out what Casey had to say below and be sure to check out her work here.  Thanks Casey!!
How many years have you done rep programs for your senior photography business?
I have been in business for three years, but this year was the first time I implemented a senior rep program.  It has been such an amazing experience.  I wish I had done it earlier!
What is something new that you are doing this year with your rep program?
Everything has been new for me this year!  After doing a lot of research on different programs out there, I spent a lot of time doing some heavy duty thinking about what type of program would work best for me and my business.  I decided I really wanted to focus on details that would help promote my brand and communicate to new clients that I am detailed-oriented when designing their senior sessions.  Every decision for my first year of the senior model program was based with that focus in mind.
Do you do individual rep shoots for each girl or a group rep shoot?
I do both!  The first mission of the senior model program was to organize a large group session.  I wanted this session to include all six of my models and to be shot in a way that I could use those images for an advertising campaign.  This large session was designed to highlight my brand; therefore I chose the colors, outfits, props and accessories (with the help of the girls!)  I took a lot of individual shots of each model during this session, but I also focused on the girls together.
Each model also schedules an individual senior shoot where we work together to create a session that truly represents their unique personality.  We tried to coordinate the individual sessions so only one model would be highlighted each month.  I felt this was the best way to keep the models in the spotlight through the summer and into the fall.
Was there a theme or concept for your rep shoot?
I chose “Southern Charm” as a sort of theme for our large group marketing session.  The location was in Raleigh, NC at an old historic mansion.  The location offered the charm of southern living – including white rocking chairs, a barn, and cotton fields.  Since my maiden name is Rose, it makes for an easy branding focus so I tied this into the theme by placing roses everywhere.  I hung rose portraits on the walls of the front porch, the girls wore roses in their hair or carried a rose bouquet, and I made a large “Class of 2013” rustic sign with my branding on it.  I shot images that brought casual summer days to mind: drinking lemonade on the porch or wearing large sun hats.  I didn’t want the shoot to be too “theme” oriented, but I did want a cohesive look so when I designed the rep cards for each girl (shown), there was a thread that tied everything together.
How many reps do you have from how many different schools?
I have six senior models from four different high schools.
Where did this shoot take place?
The session took place at an old historic mansion in Raleigh, NC.
What time of day did this shoot take place?
We started the session two hours before sunset.  When we first got to the location, we shot inside the barn and around the mansion.  As the sun set a bit, we moved the session into the cotton field.
What equipment was used for this shoot?
I shoot with a Nikon D700 with a 50mm / 1.4
What props were used and where did they come from?
For the session, I brought a few different props with me like mason jars, plates and a wooden tray from a local antique store.  I made the large rustic 2013 sign from an old piece of scrap wood and stencils purchased at Michael’s.   I brought fresh flowers to the shoot purchased from The Fresh Market.
How did you choose your reps?
About six weeks before I needed to choose senior models, I put an application on my blog and my Facebook fan page advertising the positions.  I also emailed all my local friends to help spread the word.  I contacted all my previous senior clients to ask if they had any friends who might be interested in applying.  After the deadline, I called the girls (no boys applied! boo!)  to interview them to make sure they would be a good fit for the business.  I was looking for models who were interested in fashion and design and who understood that modeling was only one part of being a representative.  Once I made a final decision, I met with each of the models and a parent to discuss the contract and details of being a model.  I wanted to make sure the parents were equally invested in the process.
What does each girl receive for being a rep?
One of my favorite parts of my senior model program was putting together the gift baskets for each of the girls.  All baskets were filled with marketing goodies and gifts for the models.  They included a customized mini accordion album of images from the large group session (designed using The Album Cafe), custom rep cards of each girl to pass out to potential clients, business cards tied with a little rose charm necklace, white chocolates, and a custom cd of low-resolution images from the large group session for internet and social media sharing.  Everything was packaged in a cream basket with a white rose to highlight details and branding!  Besides the gift baskets, all of my senior models get a free senior session and a discount on prints, products and collections.  They can also earn $25 for every referral.  Clients just need to give me the model’s rep card when booking their session.
What tips would you give other photographers who want to implement a rep program?
I would start by doing research on different types of senior programs by talking to other photographers.  There is a lot of great advice out there if you ask.   I would do research on basic marketing tools and strategies too.  (I read a few books and talked to a  friend in marketing).  The reason you are implementing a program in the first place is to take your marketing to the next level and if you don’t really understand how marketing works, then your program will not be all that successful either.  Be sure to communicate those marketing strategies to your senior reps too!

Keep in mind that every business is at a different point in it’s growth, so your goals might not be the same as another business.  I decided not to take a lot of great advice because I didn’t think my business was at a point this year that could support certain ideas.  In the end I made a three year plan, so I know (hopefully!) where my senior program will be going in the future.

Seniorologie Rep Week – {Casey Rose Photography}

  1. Susie says:

    Love your theme! What a fun location and lovely models! Thanks for sharing!

  2. Shanna-Kaae Fancher says:

    Your work is beautiful! This is my first year implementing a Rep program-so your article is SUPER helpful!

    I love the packaging….beautiful and definitely compliments your brand.
    Thanks for all the tips!

  3. […] on over to Seniorologie to read about my senior rep […]

  4. Love this….great information and beautiful photos! I love the marketing materials as well, it goes perfectly with the session!!

  5. Jackie Riggs says:

    This was SO helpful for me!! I would love to pick your brain about your program, I’m getting ready to launch my own. You do beautiful work!

heck, yes i do!

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