In this episode, I chat with senior photographer and coach Paige Puglisi, who shares her 15-year journey from photographing families to becoming a sought-after senior photographer and mentor. Paige dives into how she discovered her niche, her passion for working with teens, and how personal branding transformed her career. Listen in as they discuss the evolution of senior photography, post-COVID shifts, and tips for navigating industry changes while staying authentic to your creative voice.

• How personal branding led Paige to discover senior photography as her niche.
  
• The challenges of building a senior photography business in a market unfamiliar with the concept.
  

• Paige’s love for capturing the spirit, hope, and possibilities of teenagers.
  
• How her background in fashion influences her styling and approach to senior sessions.
  

• Changes in client behavior and expectations, especially post-COVID.
  
• The shift from engagement on Instagram to a quieter, more private browsing style.
  

• How the dynamics of senior model teams have shifted, including scheduling and referrals.
  
• Adjusting team strategies to adapt to current trends in senior photography.
  

• The importance of leaning into personal branding to attract ideal clients.
  
• Why authenticity and self-awareness are key to navigating industry changes.
  

1. Clarify Your Branding:
   
   • Reflect on who you are as a photographer and what makes your work unique.
     
   • Define your dream client and tailor your messaging to attract them authentically.
     
   
   
2. Adapt to Social Media Changes:
   
   • Focus on creating content that resonates with your target audience’s current habits, even if it means less engagement and more passive viewership.
     
   
   
3. Embrace Personal Connections:
   
   • Build lasting relationships with clients to create lifelong advocates for your brand.
     
   • Stay engaged through follow-ups, social media, and offering services beyond senior photography.
     
   
   
4. Streamline Senior Model Teams:
   
   • Simplify the structure and scheduling of team activities to fit modern clients’ busy lives.
     
   • Focus on quality interactions rather than high participation rates.
     
   
   
5. Stay True to Yourself:
   
   • Resist trends that don’t align with your values or style, even if marketed as essential for “reaching Gen Z.”
     
   • Authenticity will always attract the right clients.
     
   
   

By following these insights, photographers can confidently navigate the evolving senior photography landscape while staying true to their artistic voice.

Links & Resources:

• Paige’s Website – Discover resources, podcast episodes, and blogs on systems and client management.
  

Join the Conversation:

Have questions? Tag us on @seniorologie and let us know!

Don’t Forget to JOIN The Bundle Waitlist

Paige is a contributor to The Seniorologie Bundle which is a jam-packed educational resource for photographers that includes over 20 courses and templates for one low price of $97!  The Seniorologie Bundle will be available on February 10th but you can get early access and a bonus private podcast episode with practical advice from industry experts by joining the Bundle VIP List HERE.

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The post Ep 166 – From Photographer to Coach: Finding Your Brand with Paige Puglisi appeared first on Seniorologie.