How can I recruit seniors?

[sirsean52]

I'm really wanting to do some senior sessions, but have had no luck finding any. Does anyone have any ideas on what I can do or how I can go about finding some? Unfortunately, I don't know any seniors or anyone in high school. My kids are in elementary...Any help would be appreciated.

[Cajungaltx]

Sean - exposure is key.... that, and probably that your 'wierdo' factor is low... *grin*

I have a 12 year old, and a 22 month old - fortunately, the 12 year old is fairly invovled, so I put the word out that I was building my portfolio, and looking for teenagers (seniors, etc) to do free sessions for.

Some folks might disagree - but I don't think you can shoot, what you can't show. I.E. If you can't show examples of senior work, people aren't going to HIRE you to do seniors.

I did a few sessions for free.... sent images to them on facebook... where I tagged them.... and their friends saw their photos... and I've gotten calls from that. It's my first year doing seniors... and getting to them EARLY seems to be the difficult part.

Good luck!

[paul48503]

Go to you local sign guy and get some small signs made and put them near the high schools. Just 1 senior session will pay for the sign easy. That's what I plan on doing because I have sign equipment. You can purchase 100 small signs for next to nothing and plaster them everywhere. Sure some will get picked up but remember it only takes a few customers to get the ball rolling... Hope this helps.

[CaptainTom]

I personally HATE those little signs on the corner advertising for stay at home jobs, weight reduction pills, painters, etc.

[paul48503]

Sorry Tom. Just giving suggestions.

[CaptainTom]

No need to be sorry. I'm just giving my thoughts. If those signs work, then go for it. Everybody else is doing it, it must be OK.
Hey, I was the only guy who thought it was a good idea to put flyers on windshields and that went over like a lead balloon.

I also don't like red light cameras, but it makes a bundle of money for the city so it must be OK.

[bondarnes]

Originally Posted by paul48503

Go to you local sign guy and get some small signs made and put them near the high schools.

Not only a bad idea, but illegal in most jurisdictions.

[paul48503]

Hey Tom thanks for the idea on flyers. I have afriend in the printing business. lol

[Cajungaltx]

Originally Posted by paul48503

Hey Tom thanks for the idea on flyers. I have afriend in the printing business. lol

Just kind of FYI - he's right about the whole 'illegal' bit - most people don't realize that they are putting them up on private property.

[texkam]

Everybody else is doing it, it must be OK.

Not in Plano. $$$$$ Fine.

An ad in a school program..... Sports, Theater, Band, Not Drill Team, my experience is they have an army of photogs at their disposal.

[Tom]

Find a local community theater. Actors ALWAYS need headshots/portraits.

[csa]

You might try direct mail to the high school nearest you. To break in, you'll have to offer something unique or below competitor price. Seniors are a harder sell than you might expect. They have so many expenses, and most are required to have their photos done by the photog on contract with the school for their yearbook shots. When they start looking outside this, they first go to the local established place for mom to spend serious bucks or to friends for a cheaper alternative. (26 years in a high school, 3 graduates of my own, working like crazy to get a piece of my local market)

[doctahjones]

Originally Posted by CaptainTom

I also don't like red light cameras, but it makes a bundle of money for the city so it must be OK.

actually, the tx house has voted that cities can't enter into any new red light camera contracts, or extend existing ones. if the senate approves, then the cameras will be phased out over the next 2-5 years. yay!

now, i wonder who they'll sell the camera equipment to....you know it hasn't been dropped since it's been sitting in a box! yeah...sitting in a box...in texas...in the sun....hummmmm, maybe i wouldn't want it. :P

[w9ctm]

Originally Posted by CaptainTom

No need to be sorry. I'm just giving my thoughts. If those signs work, then go for it. Everybody else is doing it, it must be OK.
Hey, I was the only guy who thought it was a good idea to put flyers on windshields and that went over like a lead balloon.

I also don't like red light cameras, but it makes a bundle of money for the city so it must be OK.

Actually, you should, as a businessman, be particularly careful where you place those signs if you choose to go that route. It is agaist Texas State Law to place those signs in a public Right of Way. It is an offense punishable by law of your cash and your time. I know many people do it. But at some point someone with the authority to create hell in someone's life is going to get tired of seeing those signs and someone is going to go to jail. I would be willing to bet that you would prefer to NOT be that person.

I know this because..... I am maintenance manager for a tollway authority and have to deal with those signs all the time.

[paul48503]

Originally Posted by w9ctm

Actually, you should, as a businessman, be particularly careful where you place those signs if you choose to go that route. It is agaist Texas State Law to place those signs in a public Right of Way. It is an offense punishable by law of your cash and your time. I know many people do it. But at some point someone with the authority to create hell in someone's life is going to get tired of seeing those signs and someone is going to go to jail. I would be willing to bet that you would prefer to NOT be that person.

I know this because..... I am maintenance manager for a tollway authority and have to deal with those signs all the time.

I got an idea take those signs you picked up and get a black marker and use the back side. Then you will have free advertisement. lol