Magazine Update
Calling all PILFs
The deadline to submit images to our annual 100 Photographers I'd Like to Follow Contest is fast approaching!
If you want nothing more than to be a PILF in 2021, please mark Friday, January 29th at midnight CST on your calendar. That's the deadline to get your entries in for this year's contest!
Yes, you've still got about a week and a half to get your entries in. But don't let that time slip away!
Every year the saddest day of the year is the day after the contest deadline when I have to tell at least 3 or 4 people the deadline has passed. Please don't make me the bad guy again this year!!
Set aside a few minutes this week to go through your images, choose your very best and get them entered!
A couple more contest related events happening in the SeniorInspire Facebook group.
- This Sunday we'll be pulling a name for our last book give away in the group. Everyone who submits contest images by this Saturday is automatically entered in the drawing for your pick of a few choice photography books from my personal library.
- I'm also going to be giving away a Peak Design Cuff camera wrist strap. Be watching the Facebook group for details coming soon.
SeniorInspire Testimonials
Selessa Holmberg on contests
Not sure about entering our year end 100 Photographers I'd Like to Follow Contest? Here's what Michigan senior photographer Selessa Holmberg had to say about entering contests...
When I started entering contests years ago, it made me look at my work to see what I could improve and the process made me better.
More importantly it made some seniors, not all, get very excited to work with me. I even had one client who put out all the magazines her daughter was published in at her Grad party! And she made a feature banner with all the photos that were featured as well.
She talked me up to many future clients about winning contests. And I ended up getting many very good paying clients from this one senior.
Basically contests push me to be better, to get that award winning shot in as many shoots as I can. And I realize it's not important to every senior or senior parent, but to the ones that it is important, it has helped me sell more!
Bottom line it is good to enter some contests.
You heard her! If you've been thinking about entering a contest but have been afraid to put yourself out there, make 2021 YOUR YEAR!
Instagram and Social Media
Hack the algorithm
Let me overload you with another longish, in depth article on Instagram, this one with the latest info on the Instagram algorithm.
Do you ever start to feel that by the time you finish reading an article on the Instagram algorithm, the algorithm has already changed?
Believe me, you're not alone!
The TLDR version of all the Instagram algorithm articles ever written is really not that complex and there's really no big secret. Post regularly and do whatever you can to get people to engage. That's the bottom line... though it's nice to have an official looking article that'll reinforce this every once in awhile.
Meet the Photographer
Meet Rachel Van Chau
This week we sat down with Texas photographer, Rachel Van Chau who recently won one of our weekly book giveaways in the SeniorInspire group.
SeniorInspire Nice to meet you, Rachel! Tell us a little bit about your business.
Rachel Van Chau Reflections by Rachel Van Chau, doesnât really feel like a business - It is truly a work of the heart. I have been passionate about capturing images for more than half my life. I took the leap of making this my full time gig. I wish I would have made the leap a long time ago. I live with my family in League City, Texas. The surrounding big cities of Houston and Galveston have given and continue to give me canvases to truly create great portraits.
SI On your website it says you've been known to jump up and down when you capture a photo that excites you. Tell us about a photo you've jumped up and down over.
RVC I would have to say my most recent session with a senior who described herself as shy and uncomfortable was one of those moments. Within 5 minutes of the session, she was comfortable and amazing in front of the camera. We were both jumping for joy and celebrating the images we captured. From graffiti walls in Baytownâs Umbrella Alley to the beautiful landscape of sea side Seabrook, we were able to make her feel incredibly beautiful and confident.
SI Who are your photography heroes?
RVC This is an easy question to answer. My #1 hero would be Trisha LaCoste. Trisha is a local Houston Photographer who is a true inspiration. Her guidance and ability to educate is amazing. She is always challenging me and other area photographers to improve and to be the best YOU. She is the true meaning of a servant heart. I will always be grateful for her time, talent and friendship.
SI Don't tell us who, but have you ever been to a photography workshop you were completely disappointed in?
RVC I really cannot remember a workshop in which I didnât at least walk away with some knowledge. Approaching every workshop with the mindset that there is always something to learn. From a bad experience to an amazing idea, I think you are always learning and growing.
SI Is there a senior fashion trend you'd like to see disappear?
RVC I have to ask the cap and gown manufacturers, what is up with the seam of the hat being in the center of the forehand. WHY??? It really just is so distracting in photos if it is not in the right position. As fast as fashion trends come and go, I really donât have time to wish them away. I would have to say working with what makes the client feel comfortable is most important. In style or not in style, âis the client comfortableâ would always be my go to answer.
SI I love Chicago pizza! What's your favorite food that you believe is best only in Texas!
RVC Being an Italian and Cajun raised girl, I love spicy, rich foods but nothing beats Tex-Mex of course. Here in Galveston/Houston area we are spoiled with so many choices for good restaurants that the list could be endless. Oh and did I say I really LOVE food, any type of food.
SI What's your favorite and least favorite movie?
RVC My favorite movie is Urban Cowboy, and the worse movie is Urban Cowboy. The movie is just the worse of the best country bar scenes. Who doesnât like two stepping with a Budweiser in hand while you find the love of your life? Bull riding, honky-tonk, oil fields and cowboys, are just some of what Texas has to offer. The accents are bad and the plot even worse, but it is a love story with a happy ending. I am telling my age, but John Travolta is one of my all-time favorite actors and he even says this is one of his worse movies. âAll cowboys ainât dumb. Some of them got smarts real good, like me!â
SI Believe it or not, Urban Cowboy is a favorite of mine too. I've tried for years to get my wife to let me put Sissy and Bud license plates in the back window of our car, but she's just not a fan.
Thanks for sitting down with us! See you in the group!
And Finally
Rave On
Last week I ended the newsletter with a jammin' tune from a Belfast street band named Dea Matrona. Since then I think I've watched every single one of their YouTube videos and these real life boss babes completely rock!
Here's one more tune from them. I dare you not to smile watching that little drummer smack the hell out of her drum kit!
And if I wasn't a senior photographer, would I have even noticed the hair tie on the bass player's wrist? I'm thinking, no...
Have a great week!!