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Welcome to this week's edition of SeniorInspire the Newsletter!

One of the questions I've been getting a lot lately is, "When's the next contest?" Well, good news... the wait is almost over.

Coming this July is our annual Influencers Contest, which means it's time to start thinking square. And yes, I mean that literally. This is our annual square-format competition, where the winning images will be featured in the mid-year Square Issue of SeniorInspire the Magazine.

That's right... be there or be square. 😎

Every year this contest produces some of the most creative, unique, and memorable work we see from the SeniorInspire community. It's a chance to get your images in front of other photographers, earn a feature in the magazine, and maybe even inspire the next photographer who's looking for a fresh idea.

So if you've been creating work you're proud of, start digging through your recent sessions, flagging your favorite images, and getting your square crops ready. July will be here before you know it.

Now, let's get into this week's issue.

—Nick

The Most Dangerous Time in Your Business Is When Things Start Working

Most photographers think the dangerous part of business is getting started.

I disagree.

The most dangerous time in your business is when things finally start working.

When you're struggling to book sessions, every problem is obvious. You know you need more clients. You know you need more marketing. You know you need to improve.

But once the inquiries start rolling in and you're booking seniors consistently, something interesting happens. You relax. You assume things are working because, well... things are working.

And that's exactly when mistakes can start hiding.

🎉 Success Creates New Problems

There's no question that booking seniors feels great. You remember those first few inquiries. Then those first few bookings. Then suddenly you're looking at your calendar thinking, "Wow, this might actually work."

The problem is that success can distract you from asking important questions. Questions like:

• Am I charging enough?
• Am I actually making money?
• Am I saving for taxes?
• Am I building a business I enjoy?
• Am I creating a life I actually want?

When business is slow, you notice problems immediately. When business is busy, problems can hide for years.

📸 The 100 Senior Trap

I remember when I first decided I wanted to become a full-time senior photographer. The magic number everyone talked about was 100 seniors. I had no idea who picked that number, but it seemed to have become the industry standard for success.

So naturally, it became my goal too.

Four or five years later, I finally got there. One hundred seniors. Goal achieved. And by the end of the season I was exhausted.

I was spending my days editing, marketing, answering emails, placing orders, and trying to keep up with the business. Then I'd spend most evenings out photographing another senior. Instead of relaxing by the pool during the summer, I was working. A lot.

I learned something important that year. The goal itself wasn't the problem.

The problem was that I never stopped to ask whether 100 seniors was actually the right goal for me.

Success can be dangerous when you're chasing somebody else's definition of it.

💰 Success Makes You Want to Buy Stuff

Once I started booking seniors consistently, another temptation appeared... Gear. Lots of gear.

That new camera body. A faster lens I'd been eyeing for months. New lights. And of course, every Photoshop action pack that promised to transform my editing with one magical click.

Some purchases were worthwhile. Some weren't. In fact, I'm pretty sure every photographer has a computer folder somewhere filled with Photoshop actions they were absolutely convinced would change their life. Spoiler alert: they didn't.

The point isn't that you shouldn't invest in your business. The point is that success often creates the illusion that every dollar coming in should immediately be spent on something.

But sometimes the smartest business investment is keeping the money.

⏰ Busy Can Become a Trap

Most photographers spend years trying to get busy. Then they finally get busy and realize being busy isn't the same thing as being happy. Or being profitable.

And being busy certainly isn't the same thing as having a balanced life.

It's surprisingly easy to build a business that consumes every evening, every weekend, and every ounce of creative energy you have.

Then one day you wake up and realize the business owns you instead of the other way around.

🧮 This Is When the Numbers Matter Most

Ironically, the moment your business starts working is the exact moment you should become more focused on your numbers.

That's when you need to understand:

• your pricing
• your profit
• your costs
• your taxes
• your retirement savings
• your personal goals

Many photographers do the opposite. They assume that because money is coming in, everything must be fine.

Sometimes it is. Sometimes it isn't.

Revenue has a way of hiding problems. Profit tells the truth.

🎯 The Real Goal Isn't More

The goal isn't necessarily more seniors The goal isn't necessarily more revenue. The goal isn't necessarily more followers, more awards, or more gear.

The goal is building a business that supports the life you want.

For some photographers, that means growth. For others, it means flexibility. For others, it means photographing twenty-five seniors a year and spending every Friday afternoon on a golf course.

None of those goals are wrong. The key is making sure they're your goals.

The Bottom Line

When your business finally starts working, celebrate it. You've earned that moment.

Just don't let success convince you to stop asking questions.

The photographers who build lasting businesses aren't necessarily the ones who get busy. They're the ones who get intentional once they do.

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If you’re looking for help making sense of your pricing, your numbers, and the business side of senior photography, grab your copy of Start Smart: The Senior Photography Business Guide I Wish I’d Had on Amazon today!

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After countless requests, Max Lee is finally hosting another workshop.

This July 28th, join Max for an exclusive 2-day photography masterclass in Phoenix, Arizona. Designed for photographers who want to create, not just listen. This intensive experience focuses on hands-on shooting in the desert, urban environments, and studio settings.

You'll learn how to master natural light, reflectors, off-camera flash, harsh midday sun, and dramatic sunrise conditions while building an incredible portfolio along the way.

Only 4 spots remain.

A 75-mile radius restriction applies around San Antonio, TX and Eau Claire, WI.

Interested? Contact Max directly for details and availability.

Each week, I’m spotlighting one standout image from the thousands of senior photos we’ve featured over the years — in the magazine, on Instagram, and beyond. Whether it’s the light, the vibe, or just that unexplainable something, these are the images that made me stop and say, “Wow.” 

This week’s image comes from Iowa photographer Dan Dalstra, and it was submitted to our 2023 March Madness competition. There are sports portraits, and then there are sports portraits that make you feel like something incredible is about to happen. This image definitely falls into the second category.

The first thing that grabs me is the timing.

Dan captured this athlete at the exact moment where anticipation is at its peak. The ball is secure. The body is fully extended. The player is floating through the air with perfect form. We all know what happens next. A fraction of a second later, somebody is getting dunked on, the crowd is losing its mind, and the rim may be filing a complaint. But Dan wisely chose the moment before the payoff, and that makes the image even stronger.

The lighting is absolutely beautiful.

Sports portraits can quickly become a cluttered mess when photographed in a gym, but Dan uses light to simplify everything. The brightest area of the image falls right across the athlete's face and upper body. Your eye goes exactly where it should go first. The dramatic edge lighting helps separate him from the dark background, while the highlights on his arms and legs emphasize the athleticism of the pose.

Then there are the blues.

The harmony throughout this image is fantastic. The uniform, the lighting, the bleachers, and even the cool tones in the background all work together to create a cohesive color palette. Nothing feels accidental. Every element supports the overall mood and energy of the photograph.

Compositionally, this image is doing a lot of heavy lifting too. The athlete is positioned beautifully within the frame, giving him room to fly into the scene. The negative space around him adds drama and makes his leap feel even bigger. Rather than looking like he's jumping in a gym, it feels like he's suspended in midair.

And now we need to discuss my favorite detail... The volleyball banners.

There he is, soaring toward basketball glory while a long row of volleyball championship banners stretches out in front of him like a silent audience. I can almost hear the basketball player saying, "Suck it, volleyball..."

In all seriousness, the banners add context and visual interest without distracting from the subject. They help tell the story that this is a real athlete in a real gym, not a generic sports composite.

What I appreciate most about this image is that it combines technical excellence with storytelling. The lighting is excellent. The timing is excellent. The composition is excellent. But beyond all of that, it captures something every athlete wants to feel: powerful, confident, and larger than life.

That's exactly what great senior sports photography should do, and Dan absolutely nailed it here.

So yeah, that’s why I love this image.

This Week’s Question:

I started my photography business a little over a year ago and all of a sudden a lot of my friends and family are expecting freebies. What’s the best way to handle this?

My thought on friends and family was always simple... Charge them double.

Okay, maybe don't actually do that. But if you've been in business for more than about six minutes, you've probably discovered an interesting phenomenon. The moment people learn you're a photographer, some friends and family members suddenly begin viewing you less as a business owner and more as a walking camera.

"Can you just bring your camera to the party?" "Can you grab a few shots while you're there?" "It'll only take a minute." And my personal favorite... "Since we're family..."

The truth is that this is one of the first real business challenges many photographers face. Not because taking the photos is difficult, but because setting boundaries with people you care about can feel uncomfortable.

The first thing to understand is that there's no single correct answer. Some photographers photograph friends and family for free all the time and are perfectly happy doing it. Others have a strict policy that everyone pays. Most of us fall somewhere in the middle.

The important thing is that you decide where your boundaries are before you're standing in your cousin's backyard trying to explain why a "quick little session" somehow turned into three hours of work.

🎯 Decide What You Want Your Policy to Be

One mistake newer photographers make is handling every request individually.

That sounds reasonable until one friend gets a free session, another gets a discount, and a third person pays full price. Before long, you've created a system that even you can't explain.

Instead, decide on a simple policy. Maybe immediate family gets complimentary sessions and friends get some kind of  discount. Or, maybe everyone pays.

Whatever you choose, consistency makes life much easier.

💼 Remember: This Is Your Business

One thing I've noticed over the years is that many photographers feel guilty charging people they know. But let me ask you this. If your friend owned a restaurant, would you expect every meal to be free? If your cousin was a plumber, would you expect him to spend an entire Saturday replacing your water heater for exposure? Of course not.

Photography sometimes gets treated differently because people see the fun part. They see you carrying a camera around a park. They don't see the editing, communication, planning, ordering appointments, bookkeeping, marketing, insurance, equipment costs, and everything else that goes into running a business.

Your time has value. Your expertise has value. Your business has value.

🤝 Learn to Say Yes... Differently

Sometimes the best answer isn't no. It's "yes, but."

• "Yes, I'd love to photograph your daughter. Here's my friends-and-family pricing."
• "Yes, I'd be happy to help. Here are the packages I offer."
• "Yes, let's get something scheduled after my busy season is over."

You don't need to apologize for being a business owner.

🎁 Give Gifts When You Want To

One of the best pieces of advice I can give is this... Never feel obligated to give something away. Give it away only if you genuinely want to. There's a huge difference.

I've photographed family members for free. I've done sessions as gifts. I've helped friends when it felt right. The key is that it was my choice.

The moment generosity becomes expectation, resentment usually isn't far behind.

😄 Don't Forget the Bigger Picture

Most friends and family aren't trying to take advantage of you. They simply don't understand what goes into running a photography business because they've never done it themselves.

A quick conversation often solves the problem. And the ones who genuinely support you will usually be the first people to understand.

Final Thought

When you're new, every session feels precious and every relationship feels delicate. It can be tempting to say yes to everything because you don't want to disappoint anyone.

But one of the skills every successful business owner eventually learns is how to set boundaries without feeling guilty.

You can be generous. You can be kind. You can absolutely help friends and family when you want to. But remember that building a photography business and giving away a photography business are two very different things.

And if all else fails, you can always tell them your friends-and-family rate is double. 😉

Have a burning question you want answered in a future column? Head over to www.seniorinspire.com/asknick. I’ll be there manning the phones and waiting for your questions...

This week’s Photographer of the Week is Christine Kiscoe of The Woodlands, Texas.

Christine has been a longtime contributor to SeniorInspire, and she’s one of those photographers whose work I always enjoy seeing pop up on the gram. Over the years, she has consistently produced strong, polished images, and it’s been fun watching her continue to grow and refine her craft.

I’m excited to feature Christine this week. Take a look at the images we’re sharing and get to know her a little better in the bio below.

Hi everyone! I'm Christine, the owner and photographer behind Christine Kiscoe Photography, located in The Woodlands, Texas.

Photography has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. I took my first photography class in 2000 to learn how to use my first "real" camera, and from there I spent years practicing everything from maternity and weddings to candids for school yearbooks. After spending several years at home raising my children, I officially launched my business in 2018. While I began by photographing families, I quickly discovered that senior photography was where my heart truly belonged.

I love the one-on-one connection with seniors and the opportunity to capture such an exciting and meaningful season of their lives. I moved to photographing seniors only a few years ago and have zero regrets. Getting to be a part of such an exciting time in their lives truly has me leaving every session rooting for their success in the future, whatever that path may be!

I'm what I call a "shady shooter." I love open shade, true-to-life tones, and creating clean, flattering images with beautiful light. I am also comfortable with a flash and gaining more confidence in direct sun to handle any situation that comes my way. I love a close-up shot and beautiful bokeh more than anything.

Serious and smiling both have a place in every session, as do movement and incorporating anything my senior has a passion for. I love providing a little of everything. I have a strong attention to detail and carefully plan each session, including timing outfits and locations to maximize variety and efficiency. That said, if everything is flowing well, I may run a little over schedule when my seniors really start to warm up and I am having too much fun.

My goal is to make sessions easy and enjoyable for every one of my seniors. I provide guidance with posing while keeping the atmosphere relaxed and stress-free. I want to allow each senior's personality to shine through naturally. Above all, I want every senior who steps in front of my camera to come away feeling amazing, loving their photos, and seeing themselves the way their family and friends see them: confident, beautiful, and worthy.

Hey! Want to be considered for our Photographer of the Week feature?

Head to www.seniorinspire.com/potw and submit your work.

Remember, you don’t have to be the loudest. You don’t have to have the biggest following. You just have to be doing good work and willing to share it.

Thanks for reading all the way to the end. I appreciate you spending part of your week with me.

This week we talked about two things that can get photographers into trouble: photographing family and friends, and having your business start working.

The first one is obvious. The second one sneaks up on you. One day you're begging the phone to ring. The next day you're shopping for a new lens, a new camera, a new CRM, a new website, and one hundred different presets that all promise to make your dreams come true.

So brace yourself because success has a funny way of convincing us that every new dollar should immediately be spent.

And when it comes to family and friends, just (try to) say no.

In the meantime, keep building. Keep improving. And remember, a growing business is a wonderful thing. Just try not to spend all the profits before they arrive.

See you next week. 📸

Nick
SeniorInspire

One last thing before we go... If you made it this far and have any opinions or ideas I'd love to hear it. Good, bad, whatever. Just hit reply or send me an email and let me know what you think. I love the feedback!

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