&CHARLESTON SHOOTOUTSEPTEMBER 2013SENIOROLOGIE.COMGETSCHOOLEDPHOTO.COM

ADVENTURESi n wo n d e r l a n d

Here Comes the Queen

the inspiration

Leslie Kerrigan lesliekerriganphoto.com

Courtney DeLaura courtneydelaura.com

Background Creation with Ease! by Courtney DeLaura

Creating this backdrop was about as easy as it gets! You can apply the same principles to just about any material.

Creating a fun & unique backdrop will give you just the interesting impact you need to set yourself apart!

1. Grab a TON of something, in this case, playing cards. Other items you can use are abstract shapes of color paper.

2. Sit down with your sewing machine and just simply feed pieces of paper one at a time through the machine, space pieces approximately one inch apart. You simply allow the machine to ‘sew on itself’ creating a connected strand of paper pieces.

3. I kept sewing until I had a 6 foot length of playing cards. For the Queen backdrop I roughly created 10 strands of playing cards.

4. I also used white ribbon, cutting it into 6 foot lengths, I wanted to add some ribbon in between each strand of playing cards to fill up the backdrop and give it just a bit more texture & depth.

5. Once I had all strands completed, I took one final piece of ribbon and cut it to 127 inches. I have a backdrop stand that accommodates a 107” backdrop. This ribbon will be my ‘base’ in which I will attach all the other strands too. Leaving 10 inches on each side, allowed for me to loop and tie the strand to my backdrop stand.

6. I measured 10 inches from each end of the ribbon, and made a small mark. This gave me a guideline for placement of all those strands, keeping each strand within those marks.

7. Next I simply sewed each strand to the ‘top ribbon’. I did this evenly alternating between the playing cards and the ribbon strands. If you have trouble sewing the strands onto the top ribbon, you can just as easily use staples!

Note : it doesn’t have to look pretty at the top, you will basically attach the ribbon to your backdrop stand and even may use a bit of tape to make sure the ‘backdrop’ stays in place.

Next find an awesome spot and assemble your new DIY backdrop and shoot away. This backdrop is very light and can simply be moved to various locations through out the shoot!

Tips : Have your model step away from the backdrop and create great bokeh or have her get into the backdrop and use it as a prop! Just make sure when photographing your client you pay attention to the legs of the backdrop stand & position your client for minimal visibilty of stand! Have fun.

With a Skirt of Blue

the inspiration

Courtney DeLaura courtneydelaura.com

Leslie Kerrigan lesliekerriganphoto.com

PHOTOGRAPHER CREDIT:

Jen Sinclair Photography

Andrea Gayle Photography

Christine Habib Photography

Rebecca Kel ler Photography

Stephanie W. Tomey Photography

Kristie Bradley Photography

Katie Myrick Photography

Reaj Roberts Photography

Laura Matthews Photography

Christine Hamrick Photography

Suzie Puetz Photography

Candace Perry

Tanya Gault

Joy Pfister

Jean Exum Photography

Suzanne Taylor

Stacey Smith

Emily Wuetcher

Renee Buckles Brooke Denning

Christine Morrison

The images represented on these pages are the work and talent of the above photographers that attended The Seniorologie & Get Schooled Photo Shoot Out in Charleston, South Carolina.

We are so very grateful for the fr iendships formed and beautiful images created during this event.

Thank you to each photographer that joined us.

Nicole Hammond

So very late for a very important date!

the inspiration

Leslie Kerrigan lesliekerriganphoto.com

A Shoot Out is an organized photo shoot complete with styled senior models, professional hair and makeup, props, a beautiful location and tips and tricks by experienced photographers to help you get the most out of the photo shoot.

Shoot Outs are not in-depth classroom style workshops but rather hands-on learning situations in which you experience first-hand what it is like to interact with the specific genre and practice your photographer skills by doing rather than sitting in a classroom.

How do Shoot Outs help photographers build their portfolios? As with any genre of photographer, something you are adding to your existing business or something that you want to switch to, you have to show off what you want to shoot. By showing off beautiful photos you attract the clients you want. When it comes to senior portraits, seniors like to see what you can do for them. So showing off beautiful senior portraits is a must to breaking into this genre of photography.

Shoot Outs help you gain beautiful photos to show off to your potential clients!

A good Shoot Out will have the following:

- Beautiful Location with Beautiful Light – This is important to be able to photograph the models in a lighting situation that you would typically shoot clients. This will give you practice for an actual photo shoot and be most like what you would do on a photo shoot. Good Shoot Outs will take place during the time of day when lighting is optimal for amazing photos.

- Variety of Looks and Styles – A Shoot Out that provides the attendees with several models, all with different styled looks, will give you the most bang for your buck. You will be able to photograph different models, with different styles, to give your portfolio a variety of looks and show off all that you can do. This will help attract seniors of all different personalities to your work. They will be able to see themselves having their photos taken by you.

- Organized Small Groups – A Shoot Out should not be a free-for-all. It should be a well-organized event with structure to allow everyone equal opportunity to photograph each model and in each setting. Small groups will allow you to bond with the other photographers and learn just as much from each other as from the experienced photographers. By photographing in small groups, you will not have to fight for a chance to photograph a model and you will have be given a chance to pose, interact and photograph each model.

What is a Shootout? by Lesl ie Kerrigan

- Props That Help Not Hinder – Part of a Shoot Out should help you get the chance to work with some props, but not give you unrealistic photos that you will not be able to produce for your own clients. A good mix of props that you would typically work with for a senior shoot will help you show off photos that you will be most likely to take during a regular senior session. Things such as scarves, hats and other clothing items can be props and give seniors something to do with their hands. Chairs, stools or other things to sit on are also great props. Other props can help tell a story of that senior.

- A Bit of Something Different – It is also fun as a photographer to branch out and try something new. So while the majority of the Shoot Out should be close to what a typical senior session is like to give you experience, they should also give you a chance to try something out of your comfort zone. That can be accomplished with the unique location of the shoot out. For instance, if you are used to photographing your subjects in fields, attending a shoot out in an urban location can give you something different to add to your portfolio. Of if you are someone who typically photographs a more traditional subject, having a super trendy styled senior can give you a chance to show off that in your portfolio.

- Boost Your Confidence – Every time you go out and photograph something you gain experience and improve your skills. And you improve your confidence. Shooting without the pressure of a paying client gives you the freedome to think outside the box and relax. A Shoot Out should allow you to interact with seniors and not feel intimidated or nervous. I have had photographers attend a Shoot Out saying they are scared that seniors will think they are goofy. So being able to interact with this age group without them being actual clients allows photographers to realize that they just need to be themselves.

- Lots of Fun – Above all else a Shoot Out should be fun and beneficial to you as a photographer. It should not be stressful or intimidating. You should be able to relax, try new techniques with your camera, shoot different angles and practice your craft. It should be a place of sharing and learning. A place where you can meet other photographers, ask questions and gain beautiful images for your portfolio.

Whether you are a seasoned senior portrait photographer looking to spice up your photography mojo or a photographer looking to branch into the senior genre for the first time, a Shoot Out is the perfect event to attend. Not only will you gain valuable experience, you will also learn a lot and have fun.

the mad hatter

the inspiration

Leslie Kerrigan lesliekerriganphoto.com

Courtney DeLaura courtneydelaura.com

Laura MWow. I finally finished culling through all my images tonight. Phew! I am so pleased with all the gorgeousness and thank Courtney DeLaura and Leslie Kerrigan for such a wonderful experience. This past weekend gave me a no-pressure chance to really step out of the box and challenge myself creatively. Around these parts in VA, senior photography season is coming to a close. But I am SO ready to step it up a notch with all of my sessions and for next year’s seniors! Thanks, gals!

Stacey SI am so grateful for this workshop. It reminded me of things I should have been doing, taught me things I should be doing, but most of all gave me confidence in my own ability and to pursue my passion and not just what comes along. The confidence to set my schedule for photography sessions, and to also be consistent with marketing. Knowing there is a family of photographers all around me dealing with the same struggles I’ve had and that I’m currently walking through helps me to feel “normal” and to not be so hard on myself. Thank you so much!!!

Nicole H

I was so nervous to attend the shootout, but EVERYONE made me feel welcome and I was so inspired in my own photography by watching all of the incredible photographers shoot! Thank you Leslie Howle Kerrigan and Courtney DeLaura. I am walking into tonight’s senior session with renewed energy, inspiration and confidence.

Katie MThank you SO much for being so open and crazy honest...and entertaining too Courtney Delaura! Ya’ll were just freakin fabulous!

Joy PAmazing memories, fab time! Thank you so much for your generosity and kindness! Heading home on the “north bound” train!

Suzie PI had such a wonderful weekend and wanted to say thanks Leslie Howle Kerrigan and Courtney DeLaura and all you photographers! I truly felt my confidence rise by being around all of you. It was a quick trip to the south and getting back to the PNW yesterday to rain made me really appreciate the beautiful weekend even more. Now, off to edit the 1300 pics I took...

Stephanie T

You know it was a good shoot when as you’re culling through the images and you come across one that’s not just perfect, you do a little happy dance because that means one less for consideration in the final five. Whew!

Kristie BThank you! We had such an amazing time shooting and getting to know everyone. Our little group was so much fun and so sweet. Loved it! Katie M

Thank you SO much for being so open and crazy honest...and entertaining too Courtney Delaura! Ya’ll were just freakin fabulous!

Jen SIt was a fantastic weekend! Thanks for all of your hard work, and I just fell in love with both of your awesome personalities!

Christine H

I have just recently stared to develop the senior division of my business, and when I found out that Seniorologie was hosting a shootout right here in Charleston I knew I had to be there! Courtney DeLaura and Lesile Kerrigan are amazing instructors that shared so much of their businesses with us. I left the shootout having a much better sense of how to market to seniors and how to craft an amazing senior portfolio. The styled session was certainly one way to to that - the Alice in Wonderland concept was so fun and creative! It was fantastic to be surrounded by and work with other talented photographers on this collaborative process. And I cannot WAIT for the opportunity to do it again at Luxe in Las Vegas in March 2014!!

Designed & Styled by

Lesl ie Kerrigan & Courtney DeLaura

Hair & Makeup by:Kelsie Boles

kb4song@yahoo.com

Location: Inn at Middleton Place

& Middleton Place Gardens