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Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and managed to survive the food, the family, and the annual debate over who really makes the best stuffing.

Now that the tryptophan haze is wearing off, we’ve got a fresh post-holiday edition of SeniorInspire the Newsletter to jolt you back into photography mode.

This week, we’re diving into a big topic: AI and Senior Photography — what it means for your work, your clients, and your future (spoiler: the robots haven’t won… yet).

We’re also featuring an image I absolutely love from Jane Engs — stylish, bold, and exactly the kind of work that reminds you why you picked up a camera in the first place (instead of, say, becoming a CPA).

For all of you navigating the wild world of social media, we’re sharing some helpful tips on working with Instagram’s newish Teen Accounts, so you don't spend your summer upset your seniors aren't reposting you when secretly they are.

And finally, our Mentor of the Week is none other than Gary Box — and honestly, if you look up mentor in the dictionary, you’ll probably find a picture of Gary wearing his Magic Lighting Helmet.

Alright, let’s dive in!

--Nick

PS Don't forget to check out Annie Marie's Black Friday sale! She's got an amazing deal on bungles going on today and thru the weekend!

This Week’s Question:
I’m just starting out, but I keep hearing photographers say AI is going to replace us. Is it even worth building a photography business in 2025?

If you’re worried about AI taking your job, you’re not alone. Every photographer I talk to — new or seasoned — is trying to figure out what the future looks like. And honestly? It is a valid question. AI is fast, powerful, and getting better at an uncomfortable speed.

But here’s the part you may not realize: this exact type of fear isn’t new.

Back when I started my business in the early 2000s, digital photography was exploding. And the word on the street?

“Digital is going to kill senior photography.”

Film shooters swore the industry was over. People were absolutely certain that once kids could see images on the back of a screen, the magic would disappear.

Want to know what actually happened?

Digital photography opened the floodgates of creativity. No more rationing film. No more waiting 3 days for a lab to tell you whether you nailed focus.

It didn’t kill photography — it supercharged it.

And before digital, even older photographers had the same panic over autofocus. “If the camera focuses for you, who needs photographers anymore?” Spoiler: everyone still needed photographers.

Every generation thinks the tech of their time is going to be the thing that ends everything. Every time, the craft evolves — and the photographers who embrace new tools end up thriving.

AI is no different.

🤖 1. Yes, AI Is Good — But It’s Not You

Let’s be honest: AI can produce wild imagery. It can copy styles, generate faces, and build a background you’ve never seen before.

But it can’t replace the way you interact with clients, direct a session, interpret personality, build trust or create an experience. And AI definitely can’t walk into a session and make a nervous 17-year-old feel instantly at ease.

This job has never been about pressing the shutter. It’s about being a human with taste, intuition, timing, and vision.

📸 2. Real Teens Still Want Real Shoots

Teenagers want connection. They want to feel seen. They want the experience — the hype, the styling, the outfits, the transformation.

They want someone saying, “YES! That’s it! Oh my gosh, look at you!”

AI can generate a photo of them, but it cannot give them that feeling.

👀 3. Parents Want to See You in Action

Parents feel more confident when they see you working with their kid, guiding poses, and creating real expressions. They trust your professionalism — not a software-generated file.

A real shoot signals effort, intention, and value.

🧠 4. AI Is Replacing the Bottom of the Market — Not the Top

Here’s what I believe: AI doesn’t threaten photographers who offer strong branding, good communication, and a great client experience. AI threatens the “$50-all-digitals-in-DropBox” crowd.

The photographers who are doing the bare minimum are the ones in danger — not the ones building real businesses.

⚙️ 5. Smart Photographers Use AI to Become Better

AI is a tool — just like digital cameras, Lightroom, or autofocus. The people who learn to partner with AI will fly past the ones who resist it.

Let me say that again, it's important...  The people who learn to partner with AI will FLY past the ones who resist it.

Use AI to your advantage:

• Create mood boards
• Build style guides
• Write emails
• Plan shoots
• Come up with color palettes
• Generate lighting ideas
• Speed up culling/retouching
• Improve your marketing

🌱 6. The Part New Photographers Absolutely Need to Hear

Success in senior photography relies far less on the technical act of taking a picture than it does on:

• Branding
• Relationships
• Consistency
• Community presence
• Client experience
• Local reputation

AI can’t build a brand personality. AI can’t form trust with parents. AI can’t be a positive adult influence in a teen’s life. But you can.

🏁 So… Is It Worth Building a Photography Business in 2025?

YES. Absolutely yes.

If AI could replace what you offer, we’d already be gone. But it can’t replace the connection, joy, direction, trust, and energy you bring to a session.

Remember this... AI can generate images, but you create experiences. AI can make a face, but it's you that makes people feel something.

If you focus on being the part that AI can’t do, you’re going to be just fine and actually, you might do even better!

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...

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 we’re featuring a gorgeous image from Jane Engs of Las Vegas, Nevada — one that originally appeared on the SeniorInspire Instagram back in September of 2021. And honestly, it still holds up like a fashion editorial torn from the pages of Vogue Safari Edition — if that were a thing (and frankly, it should be).

The light in this image is flat-out dreamy. That soft backlight creates a golden halo around her hair, adding warmth and dimension that makes the whole image glow. It’s the kind of light photographers dream of — and Jane absolutely nailed it.

But what really elevates this shot is the styling. The entire look — from the hat to the layered necklaces to that killer vintage camera — gives off stylish adventurer vibes. She's ready to photograph lions at dawn or grab a latte downtown, and either way she’s doing it in style.

Muted tones dominate the color palette, and they work beautifully together. The soft neutrals let the accessories pop just enough without overwhelming the viewer. And those accessories deserve a moment: the animal print bracelet, oversized shades, and retro camera all reinforce the vintage-travel aesthetic without feeling like props. It all feels cohesive — and very cool.

The senior’s expression is confident but relaxed, adding to the editorial feel. Add in flawless hair and makeup, a confident pose, and you’ve got the complete package — polished, effortless, and camera-ready.

And finally the soft background blur helps isolate the senior from the landscape just enough to bring the focus where it belongs — straight on her.

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

If you have photographed seniors for even one season, you already know Instagram is practically a second language for them. They speak in emojis, live in Stories, and curate their feeds with the intensity of an A-student organizing their color-coded notes.

So when Instagram rolled out its new Teen Accounts in the fall of 2024, it changed the landscape of how young people use the platform — and how photographers can (and cannot) reach them.

But do not panic. This is not a doom-and-gloom moment. It simply means the rules of engagement have shifted, and if you know the new rules, you can still win.

👀 What Is an Instagram Teen Account?

Teen Accounts are Instagram profiles created for users ages thirteen to seventeen. They come with built-in safety features that offer increased privacy and more restricted interaction with strangers.

These accounts start as private by default, limiting who can follow, tag, or message the teen. Instagram also uses a lighter, “PG-13 style” content rating, reducing the amount of mature material that appears in the feed.

On top of that, parents now have more tools to supervise — they can review settings, monitor general activity, and ensure the teen’s account stays age-appropriate without reading private messages.

📷 Why This Matters for Senior Photographers

Here is where things shift for our industry. A decade ago, you could build half your senior business simply by messaging potential senior clients on Instagram. Yes, plenty of those messages went unanswered, but enough turned into bookings to make cold messaging worthwhile.

Now, Teen Accounts limit inbound messaging from anyone the teen does not already follow. If you are not connected with them, your message will not appear in their inbox, and the opportunity ends before it begins.

As photographers, we need to look for new ways to connect with juniors and seniors, and understanding how Teen Accounts function is the first step.

💬 The Close Friends Revolution

One of the most influential Instagram features for today’s teens is Close Friends which allows them to share stories, posts, reels, and notes with a custom list of followers they've selected. 

It's almost like having a completely separate account only your bestest buds know about.

This is where they post the “real stuff” — their actual personality, quick updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and the private jokes meant only for the people they trust. Close Friends is their inner circle, and they use it constantly.

This is also exactly where your work shows up during senior sessions. Teens may not post every portrait to their public feed, but they love sharing behind-the-scenes clips, outfit changes, goofy posing attempts, and the fun vibes of the shoot to their Close Friends list.

And here’s the key: even though those posts are private and you don't see them, they’re being shared directly with the people most likely to book you next — their actual friend group.

That kind of private visibility is incredibly valuable to you, even if you never see the posts yourself. It's imperative that you understand this and somehow incent your seniors to share what you do with their friends.

📈 How to Use Teen Accounts to Your Advantage

1. Create content meant for Close Friends

Design a few vertical Story-friendly templates that seniors can use to show off session moments. Things like “Senior session today!” graphics or simple behind-the-scenes frames make it easy for them to share.

2. Expect less public tagging

Teen Accounts restrict tagging and visibility by default, so you may not get as many public shoutouts as you once did. Do not take this personally. Much of the buzz about you now happens privately, through Close Friends, group chats, private Stories, and screenshots.

3. Update your marketing approach

Since cold messaging is largely gone, shift toward strategies that meet teens where they already are. Reels, in-person events, model teams, word-of-mouth incentives, and parent-focused communication become more important. Visibility now comes from being present, not from initiating contact.

4. Lean into the curated aesthetic teens prefer

Teen Accounts are more selective and intentionally curated. They prefer clean backgrounds, cohesive colors, flattering light, and portraits that fit their personal feed aesthetic. Offering an “Instagram-ready” set of images demonstrates you understand how they use the platform.

🎤 Final Thought

Instagram Teen Accounts have not closed the door on senior-photography marketing — they have simply changed which door you walk through. The ability to direct message strangers may be gone, but a new path has opened. Teens now share you privately with the exact group of people who matter most: their closest friends.

If you understand how teens use Instagram — especially Close Friends — you can still reach the right audience, build strong word-of-mouth, and remain the photographer everyone is quietly raving about behind the scenes.

The photographers who adapt to this new environment will thrive, while the ones who market like it is still 2016 are going to wonder why their inbox suddenly feels so lonely.

This week’s Mentor of the Week is someone who needs no introduction in the senior photography world — but we’re giving him one anyway. Gary Box of Box Portrait Gallery in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, is a true industry mainstay, known for his impeccable consistency, sharp business instincts, and an unparalleled ability to teach photographers the “why” behind everything they do.

Over the years, I’ve personally learned an enormous amount from Gary through several of his workshops, his book, and more than a few spirited political sparring matches on the Pro4um back in the day. With 36 years in business and more than $18 million in portrait sales — in a small town, no less — Gary is proof that fundamentals, discipline, and relentless curiosity never go out of style.

Gary Box

Sapulpa, OK

What type of mentoring do you offer?
I have a strong passion for teaching others. I would not be where I am without some incredible people having helped me in the beginning of my career. I teach at Texas School, offer occasional in‑studio group workshops and one‑on‑one in studio. Some topics, like sales, I can even teach remotely via Zoom. I also have a subscription mentoring platform, www.universityofbox.com. So really, I will teach people at any opportunity I can get.

Who is your ideal mentee?
My ideal mentee should have a grasp of the basics. But then I will hammer the finesse of the basics into your head before moving on to advanced topics. For more advanced people, I still start with a refresher on core fundamentals before moving into deeper topics. With all of the stuff we have to keep track of in today's photo world, it's crazy how many people have let some of those core skills slip away. Part of what I teach, I've heard nobody else out there teaching — or they have learned differently. But I am always about the WHY. WHY I do what I do.

Did you have any mentors starting out? What’s one thing they told you that stuck with you?
From the day I started and still today, I am always looking to learn. If you see me at a convention, odds are my butt is in a chair, in a program, taking notes. I always say I can learn something from every program, even if it's how not to give a program. 😉

Some early things I learned that have stuck with me… In my second year, Gary Fong told me to “Learn the basics as a foundation, then discard them for more passionate expression.”

An awesome children's photographer, Les Petersen, told me, “It's always better to have to apologize for price than to apologize for quality — do it right.”

How would you describe your own shooting style?
How would I describe my style? All over the place, lol. I hear some photographers say they only do their style. I will shoot in the style the customer wants to pay for!

However, sometimes people ooh and awe over my work. I don't see that. It's very good, but there are a lot that are better. I have no illusions I am the best. You'll never see my name on a GIA award. However, I am extremely consistent. Every image is salable! I know the rules and follow them — until it's time to break them.

One of my sayings is: “If we break a rule for a creative reason, that is where art comes from. If we break a rule out of ignorance, that is where crap comes from.”

What topics do you most enjoy mentoring on?
I love teaching all of it, but my favorite two topics are probably the ones most people need the most: Lighting and Sales.

What’s one underrated skill or habit photographers should be developing (but usually don’t)?
I think many of the newer photographers really need to get a grasp on the fundamentals. I see so many images that are good, but could have been much better had they ___ “fill in the blank.”

What’s something you’ve changed your mind about over the years in your business or shooting style?
Having learned on film, we had to follow a pretty rigid set of rules or you got total crap! With today's latitude, we don't have to stick to such stringent rules.

This is why many more experienced shooters have so much more discipline, but many new shooters have an unbridled sense of creativity. Because those rules I had to learn 35 years ago make you want to say “nah, that won't work,” and that can hold your creativity back.

But many new people have great visions — they sometimes just lack the technical skills to adequately capture their ideas. It's a tricky balance between classic discipline and modern creativity.

How should potential mentees contact you?
The best way to get ahold of me is through Facebook. I am on it all the time. Feel free to shoot me a DM or follow at:
👉 https://www.facebook.com/gary.box/
👉 www.universityofbox.com

Are you teaching a workshop on the horizon, I’d love to help you spread the word. NO CHARGE - No strings.

Just send me the details and a graphic, and I’ll get it in front of a bunch of senior photographers who might want in.

SeniorInspire the Newsletter goes out to about 2,500 senior photographers across the country, and nearly half of them actually open it (the rest are slackers who probably don't go to workshops either).

Anyway, just reply to this email with the details and a graphic, and I’ll get it in front of a bunch of senior photographers who might just want in.

Simple as that.

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!

Thanks for reading this week’s edition of SeniorInspire the Newsletter.

I've been on a bit of a Radiohead kick lately and all the talk about AI has had one song playing on repeat in my head: “Paranoid Android” — a beautifully chaotic anthem for anyone trying to make sense of a world that keeps shifting under their feet.

And let’s be honest — if you’ve ever found yourself thinking “Please could you stop the noise? I’m trying to get some rest,” you’re not alone.

As senior photographers, we’re not androids. We’re creators. Storytellers. Humans who see nuance, emotion, and individuality — the very things AI struggles to replicate.

It’s okay to feel a little paranoid. But don’t forget what sets you apart. Your vision. Your voice. Your ability to capture something real.

🎧 Paranoid Android – Radiohead

Until next week… embrace the noise, stay human, and let the weirdness fuel your next great idea.

.

Nick
SeniorInspire

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