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Welcome to the second issue of our newsletter since coming back from hiatus! I’ll be honest - I’m still trying to find my groove with this whole newsletter thing, so if this one feels a bit "meh," bear with me.

In today's issue we have another reminder about our Photographers I’d Like to Follow contest. I realize some of you might be rolling your eyes by now, but the deadline is this Sunday, so this will soon be a thing of the past - at least until we announce the winners in mid-February.

And by the way...  If you don't submit, you won't be one of those winners. 😏

But hang tight, because this issue has some Instagram news as well as a killer interview with South Dakota photographer Craig Lee! I’ve been a fan of Craig's work since back in the day when we sat on opposite ends of the back row during a Clark and Rachel Marten workshop. Seriously! Even then, he was killing it!

So, let’s dive in! 

While we were all in a mild panic over TikTok's 12-hour vanishing act, another fan-favorite app quietly poofed into thin air—CapCut, one more Chinese app from TikTok's parent company ByteDance.

And as of now? It's still MIA.

Now, here’s where things get interesting. Right around the time CapCut ghosted the App Store, Instagram conveniently announced its own brand-new video editing app: ‘Edits.’ Coincidence? Hmm. 🕵️‍♂️

‘Edits’ isn’t set to launch until February, but if you’re eager to see what the hype’s about, you can pre-order it now in the iPhone App Store (Android users, hang tight—your turn is coming).

Instagram dropped the official announcement here, and if the reactions in this sneak peek video are anything to go by, ‘Edits’ might just be the new it app for mobile video editing. 🎬

Will it be a game-changer or just another IG feature no one asked for? Let’s see how this one plays out. Stay tuned! 🚀

Have you submitted your images for this year's Photographers I'd Like to Follow contest?

I'm writing this as I put off paying my bills. Ugh! There's nothing I hate more than paying bills!

Of the skills I possess, procrastination is in my top five, maybe even top three. If I'm not in the mood to do something, there isn't a twenty-minute YouTube video I won't watch.

How about you?

Is that why you haven't submitted entries for this year's Photographers I'd Like to Follow contest? Are you busy watching puppy videos?

The deadline is THIS SUNDAY, February 2nd - just FOUR days from now! You really don't want to miss this one, so start putting your images together if you haven't already.

And here's a fun fact to motivate you to submit...

As of right now, less than 50 photographers have submitted their work.

That's right, if the contest ended right now everyone who has already submitted would be a top 100 photographer... twice over!

But if you've already entered, you should know that most people are GIANT procrastinators, so the 50 won't hold...

Or will it? 😜

The air in the bar was heavy, smelling of old wood and cheap beer, but Craig Lee sat unfazed, his posture relaxed as he nursed a bottle. A senior photographer based in South Dakota, Lee carries himself with the quiet confidence of someone who has built his craft from the ground up.

“So, what’s your origin story?” I asked, leaning in with curiosity. “How did you get into photography?”

“In my previous role at an advertising agency, I shot, edited, and produced long-format fundraising videos, honing my skills in lighting during interviews,” he explained. “I later transitioned to assisting the photography team, managing lighting and equipment on various shoots, learning by observing, and asking questions. Eventually, I began handling shoots independently.”

Lee’s journey took a turn when he and his wife moved to her hometown in South Dakota. “With no local advertising agency opportunities, she encouraged me to start a photography studio,” he said, the faintest hint of gratitude in his tone. “Since 2012, I’ve worked as a full-time photographer specializing in seniors, commercial work, and families, while also doing video projects for local businesses. Initially, I accepted all types of work, but focusing on senior photography helped my business thrive.”

I asked him what inspired him to specialize in high school senior photography.

“I’ve photographed everything from weddings and newborns to engagements and pets,” he began, his tone matter-of-fact but far from dismissive. “Over time, I discovered a connection with senior photography. Seniors bring an energy I resonate with—they’re eager, cooperative, and excited about their sessions.”

Lee leaned back for a moment, considering his next words. “While each session is unique, they share a common dynamic. My edgy lighting and dynamic posing set me apart in the area, and seniors were naturally drawn to this distinctive style.”

Craig’s photographs are instantly recognizable—bold, dynamic, and drenched in edgy lighting that makes every frame feel larger than life. Naturally, I had to ask where he draws his inspiration.

“My style was shaped early on by doing the opposite of what photographers around me were doing,” he said, his words cutting through the low hum of the bar like a flash of clarity. “While many relied on natural light, I embraced using three to five lights on shoots, a practice I was accustomed to from working at an ad agency.”

Lee started photography just as vlogs and YouTube were exploding, and he fully immersed himself in learning from the pros. “I devoured content from creators like Chase Jarvis, Zack Arias, Joe McNally, and the Strobist blog by David Hobby,” he explained, his voice picking up with enthusiasm. “They shared everything—from initial concepts to gear setups and post-processing—and it was thrilling to learn and recreate their methods.”

Trends in photography are as fleeting as a Snapchat story, but Craig Lee has learned to balance the pull of what’s popular with the need to create images that stand the test of time.

“Every year brings new trends—some good, some not so much,” he said with a knowing smile. “I shoot a few trendy images at each location or outfit for variety, but I prioritize creating images that sell well. Moms don’t want albums that look like their kids’ Instagram feeds.”

Over another round of beers, I asked him how he stays inspired to make every session stand out.

“I photograph seniors from all over South Dakota,” he said. “About a month before their session, I meet with them in the studio if they’re nearby, or set up a call if they’re not. We discuss ideas and locations they’d like to feature.”

For Lee, the magic comes from understanding the stories behind the smiles. “My philosophy is that these images should reflect both what the senior wants and what their parents want,” he explained. “Talking about what’s important to them often sparks ideas for the session. Many seniors want to highlight meaningful aspects of their lives, like their family farm, a sport, an instrument, or a unique hobby. I customize each session to showcase what makes them special.”

I asked him about the most unexpected prop or outfit a senior had ever brought to a shoot.

“We don’t see too many wild props or outfits,” he said, a chuckle slipping into his voice. “Though occasionally we get something really fun—like bell bottoms and roller skates or a fashion-forward senior.”

He leaned back, the memory clearly bringing some levity to his day. “Most sessions are pretty standard. Once, a senior brought her cat to the studio, but the cat wasn’t having it—hissing and trying to escape the entire time. It made for some great outtakes!” 

"I can imagine," I said. "Making a senior feel comfortable in front of the camera is an art in itself. Do you have any go-to icebreaker poses you use to help loosen up your seniors?"

“To warm up a senior, I like to start out in the studio with a 4-5 step walk toward the camera,” he explained. “Each step needs to be a different pose or hand placement. I’ll shout out suggestions for the pose, and it gets them laughing and being silly.”

Lee’s approach isn’t just fun—it’s intentional. “If we’re outside, I like to do a ‘leap over this railing’ pose,” he added. “It works really well for the guys. They get to show off a little bit of their athleticism, and they love the ‘action shot’ feel of the images.”

It was getting late and I was beginning to feel the beers. I asked Craig about his childhood heroes, because that's the kind of stuff you ask after three beers have gone down your pie-hole.

“My dad has always been my childhood hero,” he said, his tone warm and reflective. “He worked tirelessly to provide for our family, introduced me to the outdoors, and shared his love for working on anything with an engine.”

Lee smiled as he recounted his father’s unwavering support. “He made it a point to be at every event he could for my brother and me, and now he’s the same way with his grandkids, cheering them on in everything they do. His greatest wish is simply for his kids to be happy and successful, and that’s something I’ve always admired deeply.”

“Let’s change things up a bit,” I said. Every artist has their soundtrack—those songs that fuel inspiration or simply play in the background of their everyday life. “What are you listening to these days?”

“I like so many different types of music,” he said, leaning into the thought. “Lately, I’ve been listening to APT by Bruno Mars and ROSE—my kids love that song, so we jam out in the car to it.”

But it’s not just about the current hits. “Anytime I’m by myself, I like listening to Led Zeppelin, The Doors, the Counting Crows, old school rap and hip hop, Zach Bryan, or Tyler Childers,” he added, painting a picture of an eclectic playlist that seems to mirror his creative versatility.

In a world dominated by social media, even seasoned professionals like Lee find inspiration in the creativity of others. As our conversation wound down, I asked him about the people he follows online who keep him inspired.

“I really dig the pages of Thomas Nguyen, Max Lee, and a few other accounts like SeniorInspire,” he said.

Craig ordered another round, this time with chasers and by the time I finally stumbled out into the crisp South Dakota night, the drinks had caught up with me. Not Craig Lee though, he remained steady, planted at the bar like an anchor in a shifting tide, blanketed in some very edgy lighting.

In conclusion...

Alright, you know the assignment. Get your submissions in for our Photographers I'd Like to Follow in 2025 contest BY SUNDAY! I can't wait to see what you've been up to!

Nick
SeniorInspire

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