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Welcome to this week’s edition of SeniorInspire the Newsletter! Happy Easter!

This week’s big news is something I’ve been working toward for a long time… my new book, Start Smart: The Senior Photography Business Guide I Wish I’d Had, is officially live on Amazon. 🎉

It’s been a long road getting this one done, and I’m honestly really excited (and maybe a little relieved) to finally put it out into the world. If you’ve ever struggled with pricing, figuring out your numbers, or just making sense of the business side of what we do, this book is for you.

You can grab your copy on Amazon today. 

And once you’ve ordered, feel free to celebrate accordingly. Beer, wine, new lens… I’m not here to judge.

Inside this week’s issue, we’ve also got some ideas to help fill your schedule, because a full calendar looks good on everyone.

Our Photographer of the Week is the incredibly talented Jessica Robertson, and in Why I Love This Image, we’re featuring a beautiful, joy-filled shot from Monica Dooley.

Let’s get into it!

—Nick

This Week’s Question:
My Spring is already off to a slow start. Do you have some out-of-the-box ideas to help me fill my schedule?

First, let’s just acknowledge the feeling here, because it’s a real one.

Spring is supposed to feel busy. It’s supposed to feel like things are picking up, inquiries are coming in, and your calendar is starting to look like a calendar again. So when you check it and see… space, it messes with your confidence pretty quickly.

Before we jump into ideas, let me say this. A slow start to Spring does not automatically mean your work isn’t good or your business is broken. It usually just means you need to create a little momentum.

Now, here’s the part most people skip. Not every slow season is a marketing problem. Sometimes it’s timing. Sometimes it’s inconsistent visibility leading up to the season. Sometimes inquiries are there, but they’re not converting. So before you go hunting for a “magic idea,” it’s worth asking yourself a couple of quick questions...

• Have I been showing up consistently?
• Have I made it clear what I offer and how to book?
• Did my pricing or structure change recently?

Because “out-of-the-box ideas” won’t fix a shaky foundation. But they can absolutely help you get things moving again.

And that’s really the goal here. You don’t need to reinvent your business. You need to get back in front of people.

💥 Flash Experience Drop

One of the fastest ways to create momentum is with a simple “flash experience.” Pick a concept, a look, or even just a vibe, and offer a small number of sessions with a short booking window. The key here is urgency. This isn’t something you’re offering all Spring. It’s “I’ve got 6 spots, and when they’re gone, they’re gone.”

To make it feel different, give it a theme. Not over-the-top production, just something specific enough that it feels intentional.

A couple examples:

• A “Golden Hour Field Session” with soft light, simple styling, and a very clean, natural look
• A “Roller Skating Group Party” where a small group of seniors come together for a fun, high-energy session at a rink or outdoor space, capturing movement, personality, and a mix of individual and group shots
• A “Best Friends Session” where two seniors split a session and each get a handful of images
• Even something like a “One Outfit, One Location, Let’s Keep It Easy” session for the overwhelmed senior who just wants to get it done

You’re not reinventing your brand here. You’re just making the decision easier.

Now, let’s talk about pricing for these, because this is where things can go sideways.

You’ve got two real options, and one of them is generally better.

Option 1: Charge (recommended)
Charge a lower, simplified rate for a shorter session with a clear deliverable. Maybe it includes a set number of images or a small credit. It feels like a “special,” but it still positions your work as valuable.

Option 2: Give it away (use carefully)
You can offer a couple of these sessions for free, but only if you’re very intentional about it. This works best if your goal is to create content, test a concept, or attract a very specific type of client you want more of.

The danger is when everything becomes free “for exposure,” and suddenly you’re busy… but not profitable.

A good middle ground is to offer one or two “model call” spots to generate content, and then sell the rest at a reduced but still meaningful rate.

At the end of the day, the goal isn’t just to fill your calendar for a week. It’s to create momentum that leads to more paid work.

Because a full schedule is great. A full schedule that actually makes you money is better.

🤝 Borrow Someone Else’s Audience

Another strong move is partnering with someone who already has your audience. Boutiques, salons, dance studios, gyms, anywhere your ideal clients are already spending time. You’re not starting from zero. You’re stepping into a space where trust already exists, which makes everything easier and faster.

👀 The “You Know You’ve Been Meaning To…” Nudge

You can also go back to the people who are already close to booking and just need a nudge. Think past inquiries, followers, or people who have been “meaning to reach out.” A simple campaign built around that idea, something like “You know you’ve been meaning to book this,” can work surprisingly well. Most people don’t need more information. They just need a little push.

📸 Pretty Isn’t Enough

And while we’re here, a quick reminder. Pretty photos get likes. Clear offers get bookings. If your content looks great but doesn’t tell people what to do next, you’re leaving money on the table.

🎯 Fill the Gaps Without Discounting

If you’re trying to fill specific gaps, especially weekdays, create a targeted offer instead of immediately dropping your prices. A limited-time bonus or a small add-on gives people a reason to act without training your audience to wait for discounts.

🚫 What Not to Do

Now, what should you not do? Don’t panic and slash your prices across the board. Don’t decide this is the week you rebrand your entire business. And definitely don’t try ten different ideas at once and wonder why nothing worked. You don’t need a new logo. You need people to actually see your work and have a reason to book.

At the end of the day, you can’t control when seniors decide they’re ready. But you can control how often they see you, how clearly you communicate, and how easy it is to say yes.

Pick one idea. Execute it this week. Talk about it more than feels comfortable. That’s usually the part people skip.

😜And Now For Something Completely Different

If you really want to try something a little out there… try this.

Create a short video where you play two characters, a senior now and their future self.

Open with the senior scrolling on their phone, clearly putting this whole “senior photos” thing off. Then cut to their future self popping in, slightly annoyed.

“Hey. I’m you. Just wanted to say… great job not booking senior photos. Really nailed the whole ‘no memories’ thing.”

Cut back and forth between them.

“I didn’t know what to wear.”

“You wore sweatpants for three straight days last week. You would’ve figured it out.”

“I was going to do it later.”

“You also said that about your homework. How’s that going?”

Keep it light, keep it playful, and then step in at the end with a simple, clear call to action.

“I’ve got six spots open. If you’ve been putting this off, this is your sign.”

It’s different enough to stand out, and just relatable enough to hit.

Because sometimes the thing that fills your calendar isn’t a better idea. It’s a slightly bolder one.

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 Jessica Robertson from Ashland, Virginia.

Jessica is one of those photographers whose experience shows up in all the right ways. There’s a level of consistency, confidence, and polish to her work that comes from years of doing this at a high level, and it’s easy to see why she’s earned so much respect within the industry.

I’ve enjoyed following her work, and I think you will too. Take a look at the images we’re sharing this week and get to know Jessica a little better in her bio below.

Hi, Jessica Robertson here.

I am a professional photographer with more than 25 years of experience. Based in Ashland, Virginia, I lead a dedicated team from my retail studio, where we create authentic, timeless imagery that tells each client’s unique story. My work is rooted in a deep respect for craft, connection, and the power of visual storytelling.

I earned my degree in Art with a Concentration in Photography from Guilford College, providing the foundation for a career defined by both artistic excellence and technical mastery. I hold numerous photographic degrees and certifications, including the PPA Master of Photography, PPA Master Craftsman, and the designation of PPA Certified Professional Photographer.

In addition to my work in the studio, I am an Affiliate Juror for Professional Photographers of America (PPA), contributing my expertise to the evaluation and advancement of photographic standards nationwide. I have also earned the Associate Fellow and Fellow of Photography degrees from the Virginia Professional Photographers Association (VPPA), recognizing my commitment to education, service, and professional achievement. With my blend of artistry, experience, and genuine connection to my clients, I continue to produce work that is both meaningful and enduring.

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.

It’s Official… Start Smart Is Live on Amazon 🎉

As of Saturday, April 4, Start Smart: The Senior Photography Business Guide I Wish I’d Had is officially live on Amazon.

It’s been a long road getting this book from an idea to something you can actually hold in your hands, and I have to say… it’s a pretty cool moment.

First, A Huge Thank You 🙌

To everyone who grabbed a copy during the presale, thank you.

Seriously.

Not only did you trust me enough to order before the book was even on Amazon, but some of you have already reached out with kind words, feedback, and support. That part has meant more to me than you probably realize.

You were the first ones to take a chance on this, and I’m incredibly grateful for that.

A Small Favor (That Makes a Big Difference)

If you were part of the presale group and you’ve had a chance to start reading the book, I have one quick favor to ask.

When you get a minute, I’d really appreciate it if you could leave a review on Amazon.

Reviews make a huge difference in helping other photographers find the book, and they go a long way in giving the book some traction early on.

Even a short, honest review helps more than you think.

Who This Book Is For

I wrote this book with two types of photographers in mind.

The first is the photographer who’s just getting started. You’re trying to figure out pricing, products, and how to actually turn this into a business that works.

The second is the photographer who’s been doing this for a while but still feels like something isn’t quite clicking on the business side.

You might be busy. You might be booking sessions. But when it comes to your pricing and your numbers, it still feels a little… fuzzy.

If that sounds familiar, this book is for you too.

Because the problem usually isn’t your photography. It’s that your pricing is built on assumptions instead of actual numbers.

Before You Book Your Next Workshop…

Let me throw one more thought your way.

Before you sign up for another $1,000 senior photography workshop, take a step back for a second.

Workshops can be great. I’ve been to plenty of them, and there’s a lot of value in learning from other photographers.

But here’s the catch.

Most workshops will give you ideas, strategies, and approaches to pricing.

What they usually don’t have time for is giving you a clear understanding of your own numbers.

And without that, it’s really hard to know if any of those ideas will actually work for you.

You can’t evaluate someone else’s pricing strategy until you completely understand your real required average sale and what your business actually needs to succeed.

That’s exactly what this book is designed to help you figure out.

The Bottom Line

If you’ve ever felt like you’re guessing when it comes to pricing, you’re not alone. That’s exactly why I wrote Start Smart.

It’s not about hype. It’s not about magic numbers. It’s about understanding the simple math behind your business so you can make decisions with confidence.

If you haven’t grabbed your copy yet, you can check it out here. I’m excited to finally get this into your hands.

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 Why I Love This Image comes from Alabama photographer Monica Dooley, and it feels less like a portrait and more like a quiet, fleeting moment you happened to witness.

The first thing that stands out is the joy. It’s soft and genuine, not forced or overplayed. The kind of joy that shows up when someone forgets there’s a camera at all. It instantly brings to mind that phrase we’ve all heard, “dance like no one is watching.” That’s exactly what this feels like. She’s not posing, she’s moving, and that freedom is what makes the image so compelling.

The motion in the dress is really the heartbeat of the photograph. It flows and lifts in a way that gives the image life. You can almost feel the breeze coming off the water, catching the fabric and carrying it along. That movement transforms a simple scene into something cinematic and full of energy, while still feeling calm and controlled.

There’s also a beautiful dreamlike quality throughout the image. The soft haze in the foreground, the gentle tones, and the way the background falls off all work together to create something that feels almost like a memory. It’s not sharp and rigid. It’s soft, emotional, and a little bit magical.

The color harmony plays a big role in that feeling. The muted blues, soft grays, and earthy tones all sit comfortably together. Nothing is competing for attention, which allows your eye to settle naturally on the subject and her movement. It’s a great example of how restraint in color can actually make an image feel richer.

The dress itself is perfect for this setting. The layers, the length, and the way it catches the light all contribute to the overall mood. Paired with the delicate lace top, it adds elegance without feeling overdone. It fits the environment and the emotion seamlessly.

Compositionally, everything supports the story. The shoreline creates a subtle leading line, and the open space around her gives that movement room to breathe. Even the slight framing from the branches above adds to the scene without pulling focus.

At its core, this image is about freedom. It’s about being present, letting go, and embracing a moment fully. It feels effortless, but there’s a lot of intention behind that simplicity.

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

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 all the way to the end. I always appreciate you being here.

As a little bonus for those of you who made it all the way down here, I’m giving away a free copy of my new book, Start Smart.

If you’d like a chance to win, just hit reply or email me and tell me the name of this week’s Tune of the Week (see below). I’ll randomly pick a winner and announce it in next week’s issue.

And hey, even if you don’t want the book, hit reply anyway and say hello. I always enjoy hearing from you.

This week’s Tune of the Week is “Burning Down the House” by Talking Heads. And honestly, it fits perfectly with this week’s theme of filling your schedule.

Because sometimes the answer isn’t doing more of the same. It’s shaking things up. Trying something different. Pushing yourself out of the “this is how I’ve always done it” mindset.

Not literally burning your business down… but maybe rearranging a few things. New ideas. New energy. New ways to get people in the door.

🎧 Burning Down the House – Talking Heads

See you next week. Go light something up (figuratively). 🔥

Nick
SeniorInspire

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