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

How’s your season going as we head into fall? Busy? Burned out? Somewhere between “I got this” and “what day is it?” Wherever you are, we’ve got a little something to keep you inspired and moving forward.

In this issue, we’re switching things up in Ask Nick — and bringing in guest expert Tishy Bryant to tackle a question we've all been asking - what are the best ways to attract new business in 2025.

We’re also featuring a sparkly, eye-catching image I love from Ken Owen, plus a feature on our Mentor of the Week, Aubry Ramsey, who’s all about helping others grow.

And if you’ve ever looked around and thought, “Do I even belong here?” — don’t miss our quick read on five ways to overcome Imposter Syndrome.

Let’s dive in!

This week we're answering a classic question that probably applies to a lot of you...

My business seems to have really stagnated, and a lot of the things I used to rely on just don’t seem to be working very well. What are some great ways to attract business in 2025?

As someone recently retired from photography and spending a little too much time lounging by the pool (spoiler: the pool doesn’t book clients), I figured I’d better bring in some backup.

That’s why I reached out to Tishy Bryant, one of the most purpose-driven senior photographers I know. Based in Austin and Southeast Texas, Tishy is the powerhouse behind Tishy Photography. She’s known for her natural light work, her thriving model team program, and her signature client experience mantra: Connect. Capture. Cherish.

Tishy also helps other photographers grow. Every April, she co-hosts the Rise Up Workshop in Austin — a three-day deep dive into hands-on shooting, business building, and marketing strategies designed to help photographers rediscover their “why.”

So if your bookings have dried up faster than a June pool float, listen up — here’s what Tishy had to say:

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If you’ve been running your high school senior photography business for a few years, chances are you’ve hit this wall: the strategies that once worked like Facebook posts, referrals from past clients, or even model programs aren’t pulling in the same results.

You’re not alone. The market has shifted, attention spans have shortened, and seniors are living in an entirely different digital ecosystem than the one we marketed to even three years ago.

The good news? Stagnation doesn’t mean failure. It means it’s time for reinvention. This is a fresh landscape, and there are exciting ways to stand out, serve your clients better, and build momentum again.

📱 Reimagine Your Online Presence
Let’s be real: Instagram still matters, but it isn’t the magic bullet it used to be. Today’s seniors (and their parents) scroll quickly, and if your work doesn’t stop thumbs in two seconds, it’s gone.

That’s why short-form video has become a secret weapon. Behind-the-scenes reels, before-and-after editing clips, and 10-second posing tips not only show off your personality but also highlight your expertise in a way static images can’t.

Bonus tip: Repurpose the same video across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts. One piece of content equals three platforms and three chances to be discovered.

🏡 Lean Into Community & Partnerships
Parents trust people they know. One of the most effective ways to build senior business is through community partnerships.

Think beyond the yearbook staff and sports boosters:

• Team up with local boutiques for wardrobe styling events
• Work with school booster clubs
• Connect with journalism departments
• Display your work in coffee shops and local hangouts where seniors actually go

When your brand is woven into the fabric of your community, you stop feeling like an advertisement and start being seen as part of their world.

👯‍♀️ Refresh Your Senior Model Team

If you already have a senior rep program, you may have noticed it doesn’t carry the same spark it once did.

The truth? Seniors crave authenticity more than polished perfection. Instead of just focusing on styled shoots, create experiences: volunteer projects, themed hangouts, or mini adventures that give your team something to talk about online.

Encourage them to share not only the photos but the experience of being part of your team. Word spreads fast when students feel they belong to something bigger than a photo session.

🎯 Personalization is Everything

Parents want value, seniors want individuality. You can satisfy both by leaning into personalization.

Offer custom planning consultations that help each senior choose outfits, props, and locations that represent their story.

Create guides tailored to different styles such as downtown chic, country fields, or school spirit, and market those differences.

🛍 Bring Back the In-Person Experience
With so much of life happening online, families actually crave tangible experiences. If you’ve only been delivering galleries online, consider adding in-person ordering sessions.

Play a slideshow of their images, showcase albums and wall art samples, and guide them through product choices.

Not only does this elevate your brand, it increases sales dramatically because clients can touch, feel, and imagine products in their homes.

💛 Show Up With Purpose
Finally, the most magnetic thing you can do is lead with your “why.” This generation of Seniors are hyper-aware of authenticity.

When they see you’re not just about snapping pretty photos but also about celebrating confidence, capturing fleeting memories, or empowering teens, they lean in.

Share your story. Talk about why you love senior photography. Clients don’t just buy photos, they buy into your purpose.

Final Thought

If your business feels stagnant, don’t panic. See it as a signal to evolve.

The senior photography market is full of opportunity for photographers willing to adapt, whether that means embracing video, refreshing your rep program, or creating more intentional, personal experiences.

Your future clients aren’t looking for just another photographer. They’re looking for someone who understands them, inspires them, and gives them memories worth cherishing. That could be you, if you’re willing to reimagine the way you connect.

To learn more about Tishy visit www.tishyphotography.com or reserve your seat for the upcoming Rise Up Workshop, www.riseupworkshop.com

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.”

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Sometimes a photo feels like a still frame from a movie you haven’t seen yet — one you immediately want to watch.

That’s the vibe I get every time I look at this stunning night image from Ken Owen, which just so happened to land on the cover of our most recent PILF issue of the magazine. (PILF is Photographers I’d Like to Follow - not what your uncle thinks it stands for).

This image stops you in your tracks. It’s bold, cinematic, and humming with energy. And yet, somehow, it’s also quiet. There’s a stillness in the way the senior stands, bundled in a dramatic fur coat, framed perfectly in the middle of a city that refuses to stop moving.

Let’s start with the obvious: the color. Those little dots of neon — the reds, the blues, the hints of green — they don’t just sit in the background… they dance. You can almost hear the buzz of the streetlights and the hum of headlights in the distance. It’s a masterclass in bokeh and color theory. None of it feels accidental — it’s layered, thoughtful, and alive.

And then there’s the subject. Lit beautifully from the front in what had to be a challenging, mixed-light environment, she’s neither overpowered by the ambient glow nor lost in the shadows. Her face, framed by the plush collar of that coat, is soft but confident. The light hits her just right — a balance that’s incredibly hard to strike on a busy street at night.

The styling here is just chef’s kiss. That oversized fur coat, the black boots, the way she tucks herself inside like she’s both bracing against the cold and commanding your attention — it all works.

Is this the streets of Kentucky or a busy scene from New York Fashion Week? I have no way of knowing, but either way, it looks unreal. There's a timeless fashion feel here, like something straight out of an editorial spread, and it elevates the entire image.

What really gets me, though, is how Ken controlled the chaos. Shooting in traffic, in unpredictable light, with constant movement happening all around… it’s like trying to perform surgery on a roller coaster.

And yet the composition is rock solid. The subject is centered, the road leads your eye straight to her, and all those surrounding lights become texture — not distraction.

It’s a photo that holds its own. Not just on a magazine cover, but in your memory.

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

Do you ever look at yourself in the mirror in the morning and feel like you’re brushing somebody else’s teeth? That little voice whispering that you don’t belong or that you’re somehow faking it? Yeah—that’s imposter syndrome, and almost every photographer I know has felt it.

The tricky thing about senior photography is that we’re surrounded by talent. Scroll SeniorInspire's Instagram page for two minutes and you’ll see incredible work that makes you wonder if you’re even in the same business.

But here’s the truth: you do belong, and there are ways to quiet that inner critic.

1. Remember, your clients hired you

Seniors and their parents chose you because they love your style, your personality, and your vibe. They weren’t looking for “the best photographer in the world”—they were looking for their photographer.

2. Focus on connection, not perfection

A technically perfect photo that lacks emotion won’t hit nearly as hard as an image where the senior looks genuinely themselves. Your ability to connect and pull out real expressions matters more than a flawless histogram.

3. Keep learning, but stop comparing

It’s easy to go down the rabbit hole of comparing your work to others online. Instead, commit to improving your own craft session by session. Compete with yourself, not the feed.

4. Prepare like a pro

So much anxiety comes from feeling unprepared. Scout your locations, plan your gear, and have a few go-to poses in your back pocket. When you walk into a session ready, confidence follows.

5. Reframe the nerves

Feeling butterflies before a shoot doesn’t mean you’re unqualified—it means you care. Channel that energy into being present, creative, and engaged. Even seasoned pros get nervous, they’ve just learned how to ride the wave.

The next time imposter syndrome tries to crash your session, remember—you’ve got the skills, you’ve got the clients, and you’ve got the heart for this job. That’s what matters.

And honestly, if you still feel like you’re brushing somebody else’s teeth? That’s fine. Just keep brushing. Because the truth is, you’re already the photographer they’re excited to work with.

This week we’re thrilled to feature Aubry Ramsey, a passionate photographer and mentor based in Austin, TX who works with photographers across the country. Through fully customized one-on-one sessions, group workshops, and her co-led Rise Up Workshop, Aubry is all about helping others step into their confidence and thrive—both creatively and professionally. Her mentoring style is thoughtful, soulful, and deeply personal, making her an ideal guide for photographers in any season of business.

Aubry Ramsey
Austin, TX

Do you offer phone or virtual mentoring?
I offer it all—and I customize it to each individual (phone calls, Zoom sessions, and in-person mentoring). I’ve created different levels of mentorship so photographers can choose what fits their season of business best. Each mentorship is fully customized around the areas they want to grow in, whether that’s business systems, posing, editing, pricing, workflow, and more.

My passion runs deep for helping others succeed, and mentoring is one of my greatest joys. Watching a photographer step into their confidence and thrive is also why I created Rise Up Workshop alongside two phenomenal photographers who I adore. It’s another extension of mentoring in a group setting, and we are beyond excited for our upcoming spring workshop in April!

What type of mentoring do you offer?
I offer one-on-one mentoring, portfolio reviews, and group workshops (Rise Up Workshop). My favorite part is tailoring each session to what the photographer needs most in that moment. One-on-one sessions allow us to dive deep into the areas that will truly move the needle in their business, whether that’s workflow, editing, portfolio curation, pricing, or branding. Nothing is cookie-cutter—it’s all about what will help you personally rise to the next level.

Who is your ideal mentee?
Honestly, anyone who is hungry to grow. Beginners often need a broad foundation to help them gain traction and build confidence. Established photographers may only need to fine-tune small details, but those little shifts can create massive breakthroughs. I adapt each session to meet you exactly where you are—whether you’re just starting out or running a full-time business that needs refining. Every photographer’s journey is unique, and I love customizing my mentorship to fit the season you’re in.

What topics do you most enjoy mentoring on?
For me, it’s not about a single topic—it’s about connection. I love stepping into a photographer’s world, learning where they feel stuck, uncovering the fears that hold them back, and shining a light on their strengths.

Sometimes that means making small tweaks across multiple areas, and other times it’s a complete overhaul in one. What I enjoy most is guiding them through that process, asking the deeper questions like: Why are they stuck? What are their fears? What led them to where they are now? What do they really want out of their business? What is their passion?

The answers to those questions don’t just create a path for growth—they become the foundation of their business. Every photographer’s business should look different because we all have a unique “why” and passion that led us here. Helping someone uncover that and build upon it is the part that lights me up the most.

What’s one thing you wish someone had told you when you were just starting out?
I wish someone had told me that there is no “magic fix” for running a photography business. There’s not a single preset, email template, or pricing guide that will suddenly make everything fall into place. Every business has so many moving parts, and the key is learning how to customize each of them to fit your needs—not trying to copy what’s working for someone else.

It’s okay to be inspired and try something new… we ALL do that. But don’t force it if it doesn’t feel like you. Once I stopped chasing quick fixes and focused on finding my own unique style—the kind of work that made me proud and excited—that’s when things shifted. When your passion shows through your art, people feel that connection, and your business begins to grow. We are all created for connection—it’s how God designed us. People are drawn to it in ways they don’t even fully realize. That’s why leaning into your passion and your “why” is so powerful. It allows others to see themselves in your work and connect with it on a deeper level.

Success doesn’t come from shortcuts—it comes from building a business that reflects who you are and the heart behind why you create.

How would you describe your shooting style?
My style is rich, emotive, and a little dramatic, with a deep love for golden hour. I strive to capture people in their most natural and authentic beauty, often with warm light and bold tones that feel timeless yet full of life.

What do you hope mentees walk away with after working with you?
My biggest hope is that they leave with a fresh perspective of their business, a boost of confidence, and practical, actionable steps they feel excited to implement. I don’t want them to walk away with just a notebook full of information that feels overwhelming. I want them to have clear, achievable next steps that align with their goals.

More than that, I hope they walk away knowing they gained a mentor and a friend who will continue to cheer them on long after the session ends.

How should potential mentees contact you?
The best way to reach me is through my website contact form or by email at aubry@aubryramseyphoto.com — just make sure to NOT put an “E” in Aubry… lol.

I love making the process as simple as possible, but more importantly, I want photographers to know that mentoring with me is never just a “session and goodbye.” I invest in each person I mentor, take the time to really get to know them and their business, and make sure they leave with clarity and confidence. I’m always here as an ongoing resource and encourager—you’ll never walk away feeling alone on this journey.

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 more than a third 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.

Thanks for reading this week’s newsletter — and before we part ways, I’m maybe starting something new: Tune of the Week.

This week I’ve been listening to Case Oats, an alternative country band out of Chicago led by singer-songwriter Casey Gomez Walker. They just dropped their debut album, Last Missouri Exit and it’s full of catchy, heartfelt storytelling.

One track, “Seventeen” hits a perfect blend of raw honesty — which feels pretty spot on when you spend your days photographing high school seniors on the edge of adulthood.

Whether you're editing late into the night or just looking for something new, give it a spin on Youtube.

Let me know what you think — or send me your own favorite track for a future issue.

Until next week, keep on keeping on.

Nick
SeniorInspire

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