A year ago, I sat down to write a post about my Senior Model program for Seniors graduating in 2015. And honestly? I had zero idea how it was going to turn out.
As I wrote the program, I knew what I wanted: A program full of lots of vibrant personalities, a lot of fun and, most of all, girls that would click with the program and be up for anything. And my girls? They were totally up for anything. From wandering the library to sporting flower crowns in a springtime field to standing by a lake in between thunderstorms to modeling in a skate park while skaters (and bikers!) zoomed past them to spontaneous shirt sessions to a session with sparklers and creek water to a campfire session to sporting Santa hats in the middle of Bentonville Square.
My girls have become this small community of awesome and, aside from becoming friends with each other, they have become this sparkling part of the face of Lissa Chandler Photography (and sometimes they babysit my kids, too!). Honestly, it’s been so amazing and, even though I have been photographing seniors since I was nineteen years old, I can honestly say that, with this program, I have come to love photographing seniors more than ever. They are just so much fun!
So! Before I talk myself silly (I am always talking myself silly), here’s three reasons why you should join the 2016 Senior Model Program.
One: The Senior Model Program is ridiculously fun.
Two: The Senior Model Program is a great opportunity to meet new people and gain more confidence. While I do accept girls who have prior modeling experience into the program, the majority of my Senior Models have no modeling experience. Being in the program is a unique experience and, aside from being a fun addition to your college applications, it’s honestly a once in a lifetime opportunity that you will always remember.
Three: You’re going to have senior photographs taken anyway.
Here’s some frequently asked questions about the Senior Model Program!
What is a Senior Model Program?
My Senior Model program is an opportunity to have a blast, have your photograph taken, and to meet several other Seniors throughout the area. My Senior Models are also the face of my Senior Photography and, as a result, they are more likely to be featured on my website, marketing materials, social media accounts, and are also more likely to be featured in nationwide websites and magazines than any of my other clients. In a world full of airbrushed and overly photoshopped Senior Photography, my Senior Models represent a fresh, creative, and fun side of Senior Photography that boosts self confidence and opens all kinds of opportunities for both aspiring models and for high school seniors who would love to be active in a unique, one-of-a-kind program.
What’s Required of Senior Models?
Senior Models are required to attend a meeting in March, a small group session in April, and at least two large group sessions throughout the remainder of the year. Senior Models are also required to have their senior photographs taken by Lissa Chandler and may not have additional senior photographs taken by another photographer, both local or destination. More details can be found in the upcoming 2016 Senior Model packet!
Is There a Fee to be a Senior Model?
Senior Models are required to pay a $250 Participation Fee. This fee covers group sessions and all of the edited (and printable!) images from your Senior Session. Senior Sessions with Lissa Chandler are $725 (plus tax!) so this is a STEAL for senior photos! And even better? If you refer two friends, you will earn that money back! What’s better than free – and amazing! – senior photographs?!
How is Lissa Chandler’s Senior Model Program different than other model programs?
My Senior Model Program is much more active than most Senior Model Programs. While no Senior Model is required to attend every Senior Model session, my models are given lots of opportunities throughout the year to get in front of my camera. The 2016 Senior Model session will consist of seven styled group sessions and, I’ll be honest, they are going to be full of punch and all kinds of personality. Senior Models also have the opportunity to assist at sessions and plan a session on their own. Also, the referral rewards are awesome.
What Do You Look for in a Senior Model?
I love photographing seniors with lots of personality and a total zeal (and excitement!) for life. My Senior Model Program is application based and, though there are many facets to who is accepted (for example, I can’t have a Senior Model program full of girls just from Bentonville High School), the most important part of the application is the short answer questions. If a senior girl sounds witty and awesome and smart and involved and the program still has slots open for her school, she’s totally in.
What will Senior Models Receive?
Senior Models will receive both high resolution photographs and web sized photographs from their senior sessions. The high resolution photographs will come with a print release. Senior Models will also receive a lifetime discount with Lissa Chandler Photography for any sessions (or weddings!) scheduled after the program is over.
I’ve never modeled. Can I still be a Senior Model?
Of course! No modeling experience is necessary to become a Senior Model.
Will Every Applicant Be Accepted Into the Program?
Not every applicant will be accepted into the program. I received forty applications for the 2015 Senior Model Program and fourteen girls were accepted. I plan on accepting eight to ten girls to the 2016 Senior Model Program but will not know the final number until all applications have been received and reviewed.
What Happens if I am Accepted Into the Program?
If you are accepted into the program, you will be sent an electronic contract that will need to be signed by yourself and a parent or guardian. All senior model contracts will need to be finalized by March 9th, 2015 and, after the selection date, all Senior Models will be added to a secret Facebook group where we’ll talk about shoots for the rest of the year.
If you are not accepted to the Senior Model Program, you will be notified via email by March 9th. If you are not accepted into the Senior Model Program, you will receive $50 off a session if you choose to book a senior session with Lissa Chandler Photography.
How often will we shoot?
The 2016 Senior Model Program will have small group sessions in April, a large group session in May and will then have a session every other month for the rest of the models’ senior year.
Are Senior Model photoshoots styled? What will I need to do for them?
Yes! Photo sessions for the 2016 Senior Model Program will be styled. For every session, I make outfit suggestions and also share a pin board with my seniors so they know what to expect at the session before the session date arrives.
When Should I Apply?
Early applications will open in one week (January 9th!). Applications will be open for all Northwest Arkansas Seniors on February 2nd. Apply early – most of my 2015 Senior Models were selected from the early application round!
Can’t wait to see who joins the Model Team for 2016!!
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to email me at hello {at} lissachandler.com
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* Lissa Chandler is a creative portrait and wedding photographer in Northwest Arkansas who specializes in lifestyle family, senior portrait and wedding photography. Lissa is known for creative and emotive photography in Northwest Arkansas and currently lives in Fayetteville with her family: a husband who fell asleep with his two year old last night and it was the cutest thing in the entire universe, a four year old whose fever (finally!!) broke at 10:30 and a two year old whose broken his dad’s collective Darth Vader figurine six times in the last two days. Lissa is currently booking 2015 Seniors, 2015 Weddings, and 2015 Lifestyle Newborn and Family Sessions in Fayetteville, Bentonville, Siloam Springs, Rogers, Springdale, and all of NWA. She is available for wedding work nationwide. *