#SEPagent | Class of 2015 | Hampton Roads Senior Portrait Photographer

Hi!

This is going to be one of my most favorite posts of 2014 so far! That's because I get to showcase this year's SENIOR AGENTS from their JUNIOR SESSIONS!

 

If you're not sure what a Sarah Elle Photography Senior Agent is be sure to check out the blog post here, first. You may just want to be one after you read it ;)
 

I am so excited to show you their Junior session that I am not even going to waste any more time with words and instead get straight to their sessions!

Greer, Poquoson High School:

Allison, Smithfield High School:

Claire, Tabb High School:

Rayanne, Poquoson High School:

I am absolutely SMITTEN over the fact that each Agent is so obviously different from the rest- in style, in looks, in attitude, in personality, and on and on and on. And even more awesome is that they are all SO very very sweet. I could NOT have asked for a better model team to represent Sarah Elle Photography.

 

Be sure to snag one of their rep cards and help them out by booking your Senior session with their rep card! PLUS you get an AWESOME deal, too, if you use their card to book; so it's truly a win-win-WIN for everyone!

Ladies, I am honored to have you all as Sarah Elle Photography Senior Agents! Can't wait to see what your Senior years bring for you all!

Best,
Sarah

Claire S. | Agent Spotlight | Hampton Roads Senior Portrait Photographer

Hi!

You just have to meet Claire! 

Claire is the newest addition to the Sarah Elle Photography Senior Agent model team and she is fabulous!

Claire is sweet, polite, energetic, and motivated-- pretty much everything an #SEPagent is; plus she is active in her school  and really close with her family. I mean seriously, anyone who sends a picture of themselves with their mom when asked to provide pictures is truly someone who views family as a big personal value-- ALL of my agents are like this! I love it!

Claire is one of those girls who really doesn't fit into any one box: she plays Lacrosse and is a swimmer; but she also is really interested in art as well as photography (yay!) and spends her time volunteering at the elementary school, too!

It's clear that Claire has been a Virginia Tech fan for quite some time-- and if she doesn't end up there for school in a year I'm not sure what her family (or ME for that matter) will think! ;)

Claire also sent in a picture of her and her dog, Chico, who she got for her birthday last year. I'm pretty sure anyone who includes a picture of their pup gets a gold star in my book. And i'm certain Chico and Charlie need to meet one day very soon, don't you?! They look like they would be fast friends :)

I am really looking forward to having Claire as an Agent and I know she will be a great addition to the model team! Welcome to the Sarah Elle Photography family, Claire!!


Best,
Sarah

Senior Agent 007 | Hampton Roads Senior Portrait Photographer

Hi!

If you follow my facebook page you have seen me go on and on for forever about my Senior Agent program and my super fabulous #SEPagents! It's no secret I love this program and I am over the moon excited when I have a Senior portrait session on the books. But I realized that no matter how many times I use the hashtag: #SEPagent, everyone who follows the page may not know what exactly a Sarah Elle Photography Senior Agent actually is (or more importantly what they DO).

When I was in High School I didn't have my Senior pictures taken (except of course the formal one that went into the year book). To be honest with you I was completely ok with that. Senior pictures were taken and handed out to friends in wallet form (for the record there are TONS of new and BETTER products to pass out these days-- I'll be doing a product spotlight soon so stay tuned) and a few images were *sometimes* displayed at graduation parties-- but all in all it wasn't a huge deal in my area.

Working with my Seniors and Senior Agents today I'll tell you: my area was missing out on a LOT.
 

Senior portraits today are a BIG deal and are an incredible way to not only highlight what each Senior is about but also really pull out their creativity and create something...well...magical. There's hair, makeup, props, outfit changes, sometimes there's even a theme (these ones are the MOST fun!). Senior portraits often times even include specific locations- sometimes they are so elaborate that they take an entire afternoon/evening to shoot! I would even go so far as to say that Senior Portrait sessions today, at least for my gals, are pretty much like personalized modeling sessions.

 

 

See why I say my hometown missed out on a lot?!

Because of the high volume of interest today in Senior Portraits and the amount of work that goes in to each session I have found that it is REALLY helpful to have specific girls, hand-picked by yours truly, representing Sarah Elle Photography in their school. By having a Senior Agent model team that I know I can trust and who I feel are a good representation of what Sarah Elle Photography is all about, I can feel confident that they will encourage other Juniors/Seniors who would also be a perfect fit for my approach to Senior Portraits.

  

Each #SEPagent's job is to encourage their friends to book their Senior Portraits with Sarah Elle Photography. By hand-picking my Agents I know the folks they will encourage to book Senior Portraits with me will be the type of people who LOVE what I offer and LOVE the full glamour treatment.

 

My style of shooting Senior Portraits is to give my gals (and guys) the complete rockstar treatment [except fulfilling requests like having a bowl filled with JUST green M&Ms...I'm not that nice ;) ]. Remember how I said a lot of Senior Portrait sessions today are personalized model shoots? That's what I give to my Seniors. And that means whomever represents me likes that approach and will have no trouble talking about their experience with their friends (who, in theory, like that, too).

  

So, in short, the purpose behind my Senior Agent program is to find the perfect fit for Sarah Elle Photography and what my Senior Portrait experience represents and in turn, hopefully, connect with others who love that, too! Working with Seniors is about giving them the best experience-- one they never forget-- so finding a photographer who gives you what you're dreaming of is the goal-- and it's my goal to be that photographer.

  

So, if you're a current Junior or Senior in High School who wants that type of Senior Portrait experience be sure to get a hold of one of my #SEPagents to learn more about the Sarah Elle Photography Senior experience! And while you're at it give them a big high five for being so totally awesome as one of my Agents-- because seriously they are a fantastic bunch!

Best,
Sarah

 

 

Allison | Agent Spotlight | Class of 2015 | Smithfield High School

Hi!

Meet Allison- this year's representative for Smithfield High School!

You maaaay recognize her from last week's Alice shoot (more from that session will be on the blog this weekend- so don't miss that!).

When I got in touch with Allison and her mom for the role of "Alice" I immediately fell in love- Allison is sweet, friendly, and has a fantastic laugh- just one of those people you feel immediately comfortable around-- know what i mean?

A few days after signing on as "Alice," Allison's mom contacted me about the Senior Agent position- so of course I said YES!

(I mean, seriously, how could I not accept her as an Agent? She is clearly a SUPERSTAR! haha)
 

Allison is a Navy kid and the eldest sister to her three siblings (two brothers and a sister). She is actively involved in her school's JROTC program and works after school at the local pharmacy (she just started this job, by the way, and already loves it!).

Allison is one of those sweet souls who is content just being with her family or spending time at dance class, drawing, or cooking. But since working with her on "Alice" it's obvious she has a fun, outgoing side to her, too.

 

And of course, when I asked mom for a picture of Allison she had to include one of her as a baby cheesin' for the camera:

Allison, it is a joy to be able to welcome you to the Sarah Elle Photography Class of 2015 Senior Agent model team and I KNOW working with you the rest of the year is going to be GREAT!

Best,
Sarah

Greer's Agent Spotlight, Rayanne's Agent Spotlight

Rayanne | Agent Spotlight | Class of 2015 | Poquoson High School

Hi!

I cannot even begin to tell you how much I am looking forward to working with Rayanne!

Rayanne is representing Poquoson High School's class of 2015 for my Sarah Elle Photography Senior Agent model team and she is, simply put: a fantastic fit!

She has this awesome unique style that truly is her own- you know the kind that only a few girls can really pull off but lots of people try? (ok maybe it's just me and I always try to have the look Rayanne has and I seem to just fail miserably...)

PLUS she is super active in school: band, French Honor Society, Spanish Club, Key Club, AND she is part of International Club and gets to travel to the Czech Republic starting THIS WEEKEND for a trip with the club! How cool is that?!

Oh! And maybe the neatest thing I learned about Rayanne at our meet and greet? She just had a BREAKFAST CLUB inspired birthday party!

Yep, you read that right: BREAKFAST CLUB inspired! She had all the foods each cast member ate during the infamous lunch scene and everyone dressed like their favorite character. 

I was seriously blown away when she told me that! I may just have to have a party like that next year (not even kidding)!!

 But beyond her awesome birthday party choices Rayanne is a fantastic big sister to her 3 younger siblings. I love how much my Agents love their brothers and sisters- so much so that when I ask them to send me pictures of themselves they think to send me one of them with their family!

And of course, it's no surprise that Rayanne has a supportive and sweet mom who didn't miss a beat when I asked her to share images of Rayanne for her blog and happily sent these along to me:

How cute is she?!

Everyone please join me in welcoming Rayanne to the Class of 2015 Sarah Elle Photography Senior Agent model team and wish her one AWESOME time in the Czech Republic!!

Best,
Sarah

p.s. new here? Be sure to follow the facebook page to see Rayanne's Junior shoot later this month! You won't want to miss it!

Greer | Agent Spotlight | Class of 2015 | Poquoson High School

Hi!

Welcome to the very first addition of the Class of 2015 "Agent Spotlight" mini-series!
I am so excited to showcase my Agents this year that I am not even going to waste any time:

I am so very happy to introduce to you, Greer, who is representing Poquoson High School on this year's Sarah Elle Photography Senior Agent model team!

Of course, the first picture I have to share of her is of her and her mom. 

I asked each of my Agents to send me pictures that they would be willing to have me post on the blog {instead of me just scouring their social media to find the silliest ones I could ;) } and what is one of the few pictures she sends?! Her and her mom! LOVE it!

When I met them at Greer's Senior Agent meet and greet I could tell she and her mom were close but it melted my heart when I saw that she wanted to share a picture of them together in her "Agent Spotlight." 

 When I asked Greer's mom to provide a picture of Greer this is the one she chose ;)

As you can see, Greer is a cheerleader for local competitive squad, Fame Limitless. Greer has proudly been a cheerleader for the past TWELVE years and cheers not only for Fame Limitless but also Poquoson High School's sideline squad and their competition team.

One of the things that really stood out to me about Greer was that she is a really giving person. On top of being the assistant coach for the Poquoson Midgets Cheerleading and being active in YoungLife, Greer goes every single day to the elementary school to work with the first grade students!

 (Greer at YoungLife camp in NY)

Not only is she giving, but Greer is clearly the Chuck Norris of her generation because I KID YOU NOT she showed up to her Agent meet and greet WITH A CONCUSSION all because she didn't want to cancel! Is that determination or what? (or crazy... maybe a little crazy)

The "how" of her concussion story is still a little foggy....
(Get it?! foggy... concussions make your head foggy...eh? eh? hahaha I try...)

Regardless, Greer is one beautiful, giving, and determined gal and I am thrilled to have her on this year's Senior Agent model team!

Best,
Sarah

another one from mom that I just had to sneak in here because it's so cute!

Welcome to the model team, Greer!!
Stay tuned next week to meet another one of my Class of 2015 Senior Agent models!

Married & Phobic | 9 Goals for a Hampton Roads Portrait Photographer

Hi!

I'm married and I couldn't be happier- but the truth? I'm a commitment phobe!

It's true. When it comes to really setting things down in stone and deciding "hey this is what I'm going to do" and truly OWNING that decision: I am a total scare-d-cat! I hem. I haw. I ramble. I avoid at ALL COSTS and then finally...I JUMP!

So here I go. I am officially going to outline my goals for Sarah Elle Photography for 2014. (I avoided this last year and again avoided it this year until I was faced by a fellow tog friend who said JUST DO IT- thanks Tianna. Plus I have a good friend I meet with via skype every 2-3 weeks who forces me to set goals for the business and be held accountable for them- I officially dubbed her my accountabilibuddy :) So I kind of sort of owe it to our time together to actually make 2014 goals. See...here I go rambling and avoiding again...)

JUMP:

1. Get 3 Senior Agents for the Class of 2015
- I have found over this past year of business that I am absolutely over the moon in love with working with High School Juniors/Seniors. L-O-V-E it! So I really want to focus that love and energy and get 3 Agents this coming year (I had one this past year). 

2. Book 6 "I Love You" Sessions

- These are the "just because I love you" sessions that are such an incredible treat that very few people give themselves. They go hand in hand with my "Life: As it is" sessions where couples book a session just because they want updated pictures or it's their 6th anniversary-- no huge milestone, simply love that needs to be captured :)

3. Styled Senior

- I have this huge vision for a styled Senior shoot and believe it or not it's already in the works-- adding it the list means now I have to make sure it happens!

 

4. Streamline My Workflow

- Basically this means I want to keep things consistent. I plan to have a "start to finish" process I follow for each session and each client with whom I work. This *should* (aka WILL) help me be more efficient and in turn be able to spend more time with my family (Charlie Dog has been complaining to my husband as of late...)

5. NAIL DOWN BRANDING

- It's time to truly focus and begin confirming who SEP is and expressing that through my branding. I'm really looking forward to nailing this down in 2014 and implementing it throughout the Sarah Elle Photography experience.

which leads me to number 6:

6. Packaging

-My  next huge goal after I figure out my branding will be to express that through my packaging. I want nothing more than to be able to deliver your images and prints in the cutest most unique packaging anyone has ever seen-- figuring out what that is requires number 5 (above)--so this one is on serious hold for now. But since it's on the list it's official and I'm holding myself to it!

7. Get Published

- This is a very new one for me. It's easy for me to tell people "you won't win if you don't play" but when it comes to actually submitting my own stuff I'm all over the place. So there. It's on the list. Now I have to keep submitting sessions for publication-- no excuses!

8. Shoot 4 Installments of "Life: As it is"

I love this project of mine SO much. But I'm so sad because I feel like it has been pushed a little to the side after the first shoot this past Fall. Whether it's been because of other sessions and being "too booked" at the moment or weather pushing back a shoot and it end up having to be canceled or what have you-- it's been pushed aside for too long and I am going to make sure it continues.

9. One-on-One Mentoring

This past year I did a Q&A, a "Sounding Board Session," and a one-on-one mentoring session and I was floored at how rejuvenating and EYE-OPENING they each were! It is a serious investment in myself as a photographer and as a business owner that I feel shouldn't be overlooked- so I am going to book another one-on-one session in 2014!

So there are 9 HUGE goals for 2014 for SEP. Whenever I make concrete decisions like this I usually feel a little sick at first (and it really peaks when I hit that "OHMYGOSHWHATDIDIDO" moment) but then, almost immediately, joy and excitement and pride flood in to me with having truly owned who I am and what I want for me (and for finally making a decision)! And having actually written out my goals for 2014 and owned them? Well, now I'm  over the nerves and avoidance and ready to go!

Today is 12/5/2013. I'm officially ready to take Sarah Elle Photography and OWN 2014. 

Here goes nothing!

Best,
Sarah

Lindsey F. | Hampton Roads Senior Portrait Photographer

Hi!

Wait until you see these! I mean... seriously, wait until you see them!

Lindsey is my Poquoson Senior Agent which means she represents Sarah Elle Photography in her high school and she represents her high school at Sarah Elle Photography! We shot her first session at the end of her Junior year back in May and from that day forward I knew it would be a LOT of fun working with her!

Lindsey is full of jokes and if you can get her to laugh she has a smile that just won't quit (you'll see what I mean in a bit).

*WARNING* I'm about to get a bit mushy: Despite being in contact with Lindsey throughout the summer and into the school year I was NOT prepared for what I would find when I showed up for hair and makeup on the day of her Senior shoot. Lindsey had somehow grown up over the past 5 months! Not even kidding she looked like an adult and even carried herself in more of an "adult" way (although if asked to define what that is I would fail). I felt a bit nostalgic when I saw her and began to wonder where the girl from the May session had gone!

Take a look!

See?! That's that infectious smile I was talking about :)

I couldn't get over her super cute boots! So we snagged a shot ;)

I am so proud of Lindsey as she goes on her college visits and chooses her path for the future.
Lindsey, it was my pleasure getting to work with you and watch you grow over the past few seasons. I am proud to call you a Sarah Elle Photography Senior Agent, class of 2014!

Best,

Sarah