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Today’s interview is with Natalie Bacon, of Photography by Natalie B and author of the “Senior’s Solutions Guide.” She has some phenominal tips for photographing seniors and breaking into the senior market. So enjoy the interview.

**** PLUS enter to WIN a FREE copy of Natalie’s Senior Solutions Guide. ***

The lucky person will be picked by a random generator as early as this Sunday (I cannot be too specific as I will be on vacation - but I will aim for Sunday to do the drawing). Just comment on this post to enter.

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Tell us how you got started working with seniors?

I actually never planned on working with seniors. I knew there was a large studio close by and thought they would do most of them. One of my clients referred two seniors to me; I used them as reps and word of mouth spread. The seniors were looking for something new, fresh and non studio.How do you relate to seniors and make them comfortable in front of the camera? I try to have a pre-consultation, even if it is through email. When we are on a session I joke around with them, ask about their plans after graduating etc. They are usually nervous so I never let them wear their most favorite outfit first, that way by the end of the session they are not as nervous and wearing their favorite outfit. I give them some time to warm up to me as well. Often we end up talking about how different it is now, compared to when I graduated. That always brings a few good laughs!! Honestly though I think just being much laid back, and sometimes silly really helps them to warm up to me.

What is your favorite thing about working with seniors? Other then the fact that they stay still?

I love connecting with them, and being able to try new ideas.

What is your most important marketing tool to reach the senior market?

Hands down MySpace. Viral marketing is a huge part of this generation and I take full advantage of it! I know that in some areas Facebook is more popular, and I do use that as well but MySpace works great here.

How do you get seniors talking about you and telling their friends about you?

I use spokesmodels from several schools, as well as give complimentary watermarked/websize images of poses that the seniors purchase. They are usually so excited to post them in an album on MySpace. I receive a lot of inquiries that way, pretty much effortless!

Tell us about your style?

I would say that I am not very photojournalistic. I admire those photographers that are, I just have to step in a guide poses! With seniors you have to pose them, you need to make sure everything is perfect without looking too posed! I have been told my style is fresh, relaxed and natural.

What are your favorite poses? Share a few pictures?

What is your favorite camera and lens to use when shooting seniors?

The equipment I currently use is a Canon 5d with either the 135L or 25-105 L and the 30d with the 85 1.2 II L. Most of the images in my senior portfolio (other then the 2009 spokesmodels) were taken with the 30d and a Tamron 28-75mm and 135L. I recently upgraded this spring. I am anxiously awaiting the new 5d!

What is the strangest thing you bring with you on shoots?

Oh gosh it has to be this Polaroid picture of myself and a friend the year after I graduated. I had this hideous short hair cut. I bring the photograph and tell the seniors they can’t look at it until we are done using it. Then they get a huge chuckle out of how weird I looked!

What is the one thing you could not live without (besides family and photo related camera gear)?

Diet Coke

Where are your favorite places to do senior shoots?

I love to shoot in small historical towns. There are so many textures and color you can find there! I also have permission to use some old barns.What are your hottest selling product(s)?Wallets. I know that in some areas these are not popular at all but in Mi they still are! I probably sell at least 3-6 poses with a total of 200 wallets or more.

Describe your workflow: I shoot Raw, so I do a lot of my work in Lightroom. I adjust the white balance, brightness, exposure etc. Then I export my photos to photoshop and will do a few black and white, some color. I don’t spend a lot of time on the photographs unless they have a lot of acne. I also love using Portraiture and MCP’s Eye doctor.

What 3 photographers has been your biggest inspiration?

Mark Stein; he is incredible, Brianna Graham; love how she incorporates urban in her photographs, Teri Fode; she does wonderful seniors as well.

Tell us about your Senior Solutions Guide:

The Senior Solutions Guide is a comprehensive guide for those starting out photographers (or photographers very new to the senior market). There are no secrets, just lots of time saved with everything laid out from starting a spokesmodel program to setting up your pricing, products, etc. Bonuses include contracts, exclusive templates from several vendors and a Flickr group for support.

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[B]ecker on networking and the [b] school

What has changed in the photography industry, besides technology, since you started your business?
When I first started out, after watching those Denis Reggie videos, we went to a local PPOC meeting and encountered a bunch of people with bad attitudes. It was like nobody would share, nobody would help, nobody would even acknowledge us. I asked someone if they would look at my portfolio and they looked at me at looked at me as if I was a leper…They acted as if I was the new guy stealing their work. The old school mentality was not productive to the community and it was every man for himself. I am a believer in win-win relationships and not creating fierce competition, but healthy competition and networking with other people. All of the people that I network with are doing very very well and photographers work together better now and help each other. That helping people out attitude is a huge change… The forums and the blogs is another change. People are a lot more connected and willing to share. This is why we decided to start the [b] school, to bring photographers together.

Who is the [b] school going to be for?
The [b] school will be open to all professional and aspiring photographers… with an emphasis on weddings and building a community around that. The focus is for wedding photographers since that is what I know. But eventually all types of photographers will join since there are a lot of things that are universal. As it evolves we will see what it turns into. Weddings work so well with community because you can only do so many weddings on a day or in a year. So if I am booked, I want to refer it to a friend. As a portrait photographer if you are booked on a day you can just book them the next day or the next day because they are not date specific events. So that is why portrait photographers may not be as willing to share as they can have an infinite amount of time to do sessions. My whole philosophy does not necessarily apply to them as far as the referrals. Portrait photographers could work together if one specializes in infants but does not want to shoot toddlers, seniors, or families.

Will you continue the [b] school blog once the school launches?
Nope. The blog is the drug dealer. The first hit is free. The blog will be updated with trailers for what’s going on inside. The blog is a marketing tool to build the traffic. But once the site is built, there is no need for the blog since all the stuff will be inside.

So what is the [b] school? What is “inside?”
The [b] school is about image, images, attitude, infrastructure and always striving to get better at all these things. Everything you do to run a business falls into one of these four categories. Images are not the most important part.
We are building a $100k website, paying for it out of my own pocket. We are building what will be like a “Facebook” for photographers. There will be a referral network for wedding photographers, get together calenders, clubs, a campus store with lots of products, lots of information given away for free….It is so beyond a forum or anything like that. It is a huge, huge thing. Tell people to tune in to the [b] school blog the next few sundays. This website we are building, it is sick. We have a firm in Seattle working on it. The guy who did my [b] logo designed the entire thing. It is beautiful. This site is gonna blow all other sites away. Trust me.

What will membership cost?
The subscription price is going to be very affordable. It will be so affordable. It will be a No Brainer to join. It will be very affordable and be a HUGE value.

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[b]ecker on blogging and websites

How can photographers distinguish themselves?
I love the people at Blu Domain and Big Folio and they make a nice product for a fair price. A template website is a great thing for you to get your business started for the first year or so. If you have a template website after three years in business it is just like “what are you doing?” People ask me all the time “I have $2,000. What lens should I buy?” And I say, why don’t you hire a real graphic designer or real website designer and stand out? People will complain that their competition has the same website - you have a template - what did you expect?

What if you cannot afford a custom website?
Throw your site away and get a blog. Spend money on a custom blog. I love mine from Infinet Design. They are expensive, but you can go out and get a wordpress blog for free and just pay a designer to customize it. Go with a blog. That is where the traffic is. You need to have a blog with galleries. You can have a blog with a contact form and with some information. I think what Jessica Claire has done, her blogsite is about the most state of the art thing there is. Blogsites are the future. I spent so much and love my website so I am not going that way just yet.

You have built very successful blogs. What advice do you have for others trying to create successful blogs?
Blog and blog often. I blogged for 500 days in a row and I did not miss a single day, not even a Sunday. I blogged every day for the last half of 2006 and every day in 2007, and I built this traffic that kept building and building and building. Create a personality on your blog. And you will get more and more fans.

Coming up tomorrow: part 4 - [B]ecker on networking and the [b] school

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[B]ecker - being a great photographer

What is the best advice you have for photographers on how they can stand out from the crowd?
Everyone is different. When you see photogs that inspire you, be inspired, but do not try and be them because they are them. You may not have the same personality or the same talents, ambitions or aspirations. Figure out what makes you tick. I see photographers all the time that I love, like Jesh De Rox and John Michael Cooper, and they are doing something that is so different and out there and funky and cool and I respect it as another artist and say that is beautiful stuff but I am not gonna try and do that because that’s not me. I think Jesh’s work is beautiful but mine would look terrible if did that because that is not my thing. So my advice is figure out what makes you tick. Figure out what you like and are passionate about and make that known to the brides. …Find your nitch, find your thing.

It is not really just about the photographs. You have to be a decent photographer and develop a style, but the bottom line is if the people like you and enjoy you and your personality and the service that you give them on the back end, you will get referrals. You can take the best pictures in the world but if you deliver the album late and you do not return phone calls on time and if you are a pain to work with, the bride may love the photographs but she does not love you. And she is not going to be doing everything she can to get you more business… Think big picture as a whole experience and do not worry about the new lens or what shutter speed to shoot that at… those are all little things that do not matter to the bride that much. People get too bogged down in the technical stuff or even the art of it. many people can take a good picture but not everyone has the skills to take it into a successful business. There is so much more to running a business. Photography is one of the smaller parts of the pie.

What are the most common mistakes people make when they start a photography business?
They think that it is all about photography. They do not build their business on sound principles. Not everyone can handle stress of weddings.
Photographers when they start out worry way too much about if they should use Aperture or Lightroom or Bridge, or if they should get the Canon 1.4 or 1.2 like Becker. It’s like, if you are new and you are buying a 1.2, unless you just have loads of funds sitting around, you can use that money for better things. Or if they should buy this program or that, this lens or that. If you or your buddy designed your logo, hire a professional graphic designer and put together a brand identity or get a better site. Hire professionals to brand yourself. There is too much emphasis on gear and software - your money is better spent on marketing and branding from beginning. A lens is not going to make you a better photographer or a better business person.

What can any photographer learn from your experience as a wedding photographer?
Everything. I am not saying my way is the only way, but here is what works - “think big picture”.

It took a while to realize I was not the best photographer. It is important to have artist pride and passion, but early on I focused too much on the pictures. Good photographers are a dime a dozen. I like to be the first person to meet the couple so I set the bar. So I have them come over first thing in the morning. I show them what I do and paint the big picture of the experience that we provide. I know that they are gonna meet with other photographers later that day that are better photographers than I am and photographers who are cheaper than I am. But I do not know that they are going to meet anyone that can out experience me. From just how my living room and my gallery is decorated to my online presence with my blog and website to the lighting, the gallery the furniture, the candles, the plasma TV, the pictures, the iMacs, it is like wow, it looks nice. We give them that experience. Then it is like, did they connect with my personality, did they laugh at my jokes, could they hear the passion in my voice? Let me talk about what I love and why I love shooting photos and stuff, and then it is like “go meet with the other 12 and then call me at the end of the day with your credit card number.” And it happens like every single time. It is because I connect with the people really well.

Coming up tomorrow: part 3 - [B]ecker - on blogging and websites

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I had a great time this past Friday interviewing Becker. He is entertaining and fascinating. Not only is he one of the top wedding photographers in Orange County, California, he is also an inspiration to his tens of thousands of photographer fans across the internet.

Enjoy getting to know Becker in this four part interview over the next four days.

[b]ecker the photographer

How did you get started in photography?
I was in high school and I was into drawing and painting. I wanted to be a cartoonist and I did a little comic strip for the junior high and high school newsletter. I took an art class that in my freshman year that was normally only available to juniors and seniors. It was taught by the photo teacher. He was the coolest guy ever and said I had a knack for this and recommended I take one of his photo classes the next year. The bottom line was I took photo class the next year instantly fell in love. I was so amazed by putting the paper into the developer and watching the picture come up in the darkroom. I thought it was like magic and I was hooked. I never drew or painted again since I picked up a camera.

What photographers inspired you when you first started your business?
I found out you could take the school newspaper class for college prep English credit. My teacher really encouraged me to pursue photography…I would shoot all the photos for the school and I would have to drop them off at a photo lab to get developed. The guy at the photo lab, Mike Cutler, said, “do you want a job. You are here every day anyway.” And I said OK. I worked there for 7 years. He taught me how to build a business and how to hustle. Mike said, “that is great you are shooting for your school, but how about do something to make some money.” I went back my senior year and shot half my class’ senior portraits… So I am a senior in high school and I am making some serious money. Instead of making $4.25 minimum wage, I was making $75 a hour. It was crazy.

Where did your business go from here?
Mike encouraged me to find something I liked doing, and back then I really wanted to be a fashion photographer… I was shooting swim wear and actresses head shots and model portfolios. I did that for about two years while also working at the photo lab. I got so burned out on the industry, but not photography. I loved shooting the photos. I loved shooting the girls. I just hated dealing with these people. I did not like how it seemed like everyone was on drugs. It was crazy and it was not my thing. It was a sad world to be in.

What made you decide to start your wedding photography business?
In 1997, I got really sick. My buddies from the photo lab brought over the Dennis Reggie video tapes… I watched all 16 hours of videos in 2 days and never looked back. It was as simple as that. I decided this is what I am going to do. I am going to take all these principals that he talks about and I am going to apply them to my life and my business… And started building and networking. My first full year in 1998 I did 61 weddings.

What distinguishes you from other wedding photographers?
I had lunch with a guy yesterday who told me I was a branding and marketing genius. I told him that it is totally not true, that it is my people who are branding and marketing geniuses. I just take pictures and stuff… When I was 23, I thought I was really a good photographer. Then I started going on forums and realized there were many who could shoot me under the table… I realized when I was young that there was more to it than the photography. I think my greatest asset is not necessarily my photo skills but my people skills. …I have a way of relating to these people that they just feel comfortable. I shoot the portraits in a quick, painless way. I try and make the bride not only look but feel beautiful. I love showing bridesmaids pictures on the back of the camera how bridesmaids how they look in the back of the camera and say look how hot your friend is. When her friends are ooohing and aahing, it makes the bride feel good… I have been able to really connect with my clients and I have been able to shoot what we call the “relaxed portrait.” I know my stuff is not the most creative stuff out there but I am good at making people look good and feel good.
Do you do all your own marketing?
…I met with this couple. They got married in 1999. When I met with them in 1998, the guy called him the next day and said, “we want to hire you for the wedding, but we cannot afford you, but you need a new logo. I am gonna do it and we are gonna trade.” Tim did not ask me, he told me. I just loved his attitude and I was like “alright confident boy.” I was actually looking for someone to do a new logo and had no idea how to find someone. All I knew was that he was going to “Art Center” which is the most prestigious art school in the world. And he is there in the graphic design program. So I said, “fine, you are hired…” Trading this out turned out to be one of the best things I ever did.

So tell us more about your branding?
Tim (at Reddoor Creative) created the whole [b] logo. He helps me with the whole image. He said, “your work is really clean, simple and beautiful. You are not the most creative or artsy guy in the world so we are gonna keep it really simple.” The style that I have reflects that brand. It is just the [b]. All my letterhead is white paper with silver ink, nothing fancy, no crazy script fonts. We tried to make everything so it matches. You know, nice classy, clean, simple style - really simple branding. It is powerful because it is consistent throughout - my blog, my letterhead, mt website, my business cards, my mailing labels, my dvds, my dvd covers. Everything that we do has this unified look that makes it look like you are a real company. When you get your branding, it is not just graphic design. It is the whole research, developing the entire brand and the entire line… He helps me with the writing and the messaging. Tim was the one who said, “let’s drop the ‘Christopher’ and you could just be ‘Becker’… let’s make you into a Bono, Sting, Madonna. Let’s make you into an icon in the industry and make you someone who stands out.” So we went with the one name so it would be memorable and stick in their heads. People remember that. Trust me.

Why are you known as “the Becker” instead of just “Becker?”
Well www.becker.com was taken and the owner wanted $100k for it. So I went with “the Becker” because I liked “The Edge” because I was a U2 fan.

If you were to get married who would you want to use as your wedding photographer?
My stock answer is “whoever is working at the drive through chapel in Vegas that day.” It is just too hard of a question to answer but most likely since all my friends are wedding photographers, it would be a big group shoot.

Coming up tomorrow: part 2 - [B]ecker - being a great photographer

Here is a look at a few images from his blog.

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Today I have the privilege of interviewing Tracy of Tracy Joy Inc. She is a very generous person. Read on to learn about her 5% donation program through the end of May and about 3 prizes she is giving away on my blog (see the bottom of this post for details).

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Tracy Joy | The Interview

How long have you been designing and sewing?

Since the 7th grade when I ‘discovered’ sewing class in junior high. I was prob such a dork, getting all excited on how to make a “grocery tote bag” and sweat pants, lol. I haven’t stopped sewing since (or being a dork)! I’ve always found more enjoyment in creating & sewing my own things, vs buying “store” products. From curtains, to bags, to my babies nursery decor/bedding… I try to add my own creative twist on it all. I also don’t use “store” patterns, never have, never will (such a rebel, ha? lol). All of my items are my own design, which I find to be very important, and very satisfying. I never want to be a copy cat, and think it’s important to be known for your own creativity, not someone else’s. Plus… I don’t follow instructions or rules very well, haha!

How did you decide this was a passion for you?

When I graduated high school, I went to college for Fashion Merchandising. I dreamed of creating my own fashion line (didn’t know what of yet; clothes, bags, etc). Sadly, due to financial reasons, I had to drop out in my first year. It always “haunted” me, as designing was my passion and I knew I could create something wonderful that people would enjoy. It’s so amazing (but not surprising) to have found myself back in the design world again, coming full circle. Being creative is in my blood, and flows throughout my whole being.

Before Tracy Joy Inc, I was working for a corporate office, helping to run all of the daily necessities as an assistant manager (of sorts). Being in that business for 7+ years has given me the knowledge and strength to run Tracy Joy Inc. Not only can I be creative and design & sew my own line, but I also know how to run a business inside and out. It makes things run so much more smoothly, than just being creative alone.

What gave the idea for Tracy Joy Camera bags for photographers?

Actually… A couple of women PHOTOGRAPHERS piqued my interest in designing a bag for their needs. And WHALA, it took off from there. My original bag, the KIMBERLY (which is now on hold), blossomed into the KRISTINE & JOEY bags. The REESE bag came after a few clients expressed “wishes & dreams” of a TJ bag w/a zipper on it.

What is your favorite bag you sell?

The KRISTINE. I love the option of flap changes. It’s so convenient to be able to change your flap when you want to change the look of your bag, instead of your entire bag itself. And it doesn’t get much easier than a Velcro flap, coming off to exchange w/another one.

Which ones do you personally use?

Honestly… I have 2-3 of each, lol. I use the REESE as my daily bag, since I have 2 kids under 2. It leaves room for all my necessities and still space for my DSLR camera w/28-75mm lens attached. When I go on a photography shoot, I use my JOEY bag (Velcro flap and extra padding). I can comfortably fit my DSLR in it, with 3 lenses and my wallet & keys. My hubby uses the KRISTINE bag, he likes to have his own “man flaps” for the bag, lol.

What do you typically keep in your photo bag (what camera, lenses, and other stuff) .

Oh all the goodies! lol I have a Canon Rebel XTi, and ALWAYS my Tamron

28-75mm lens attached. I also carry my 50mm 1.8, and my 75-300 for outdoor shots. I LOVE nature photography, so my 75-300 comes in handy when we are outside. I’m adding a 430ex Speedlite to my gear in a few months… but since I use natural lighting 90% of the time, I don’t really need it for the spring/summer months.

What is your favorite print?

Oh gosh, this is NOT an easy question! I have way too many prints, and so many more than I am itching to buy. I can tell you my top 3 favorites though, lol. The Acanthus, Boho Orchid & Disco Dots. Choosing fabrics is the hardest part of my job… seriously! When it comes time to add a new print to my collection, I could go w/o sleep looking over all the choices. Honestly, I wish I was creative enough to design my own prints. This is a far off dream of mine, but you never know… nothing is too far out of reach!

What is the strangest thing you have ever used your camera bag for? (if nothing we will skip this one)

Does a beach bag count? lol We went to Florida last summer and it was the only bag I had large enough to stuff our towels and flip flops in when we went to play in the ocean.

What type of photography do you do?

I adore newborn and maternity photography, esp when it includes a touch of whimsy. I recently did my first “real” maternity shoot, and oh was it fun! Seeing the glow on a pregnant woman is sometimes so surreal, and knowing that new life is just under her skin… simply amazing. I have 3 more maternity shoots now lined up…. and I’m “biting at the bit” to get shooting! I dont currently have a photography website, but I do have my flickr account, where I post my favorite shots. Http://flickr.com/photos/tracyjoy

In addition to maternity and newborn photography, I hope to learn the unique and creative style of Trash The Dress photography. I just love TTD, and always find them exciting and fun to view. I have 2 of those sessions lined up as well (for when the temps warm up a bit).

What are your favorite 3 photographers (with links)?

Well I have to give “props” to the wonderful and VERY talented 2 photographers who helped me launch my camera bags. The are the 2 girls who I mentioned above, regarding “the idea for Tracy Joy Camera bags for photographers“. Both of whom are AMAZING and talented photographers, friends and mentors!

Lisa Hodnet http://www.lisahodnetphotography.com/

& Jessica Leigh http://jessicaleighphotography.com/

And I absolutely LOVE Lisa Julia Photography. She captures so much whimsy and innocence in her child photography… they always make me smile and give me the “warm fuzzies”. http://lisajuliaphotography.com/ . She truly is talented, and such a wonderful person too. A great mentor!

What is the one thing you cannot live without (besides your photo equipment and family):

My Gingher scissors! Ha! They are so uber duber sharp, and cut through fabrics like butta’ I cant go a day w/o my Ginghers

Tell me about the current donation you are doing for the American Cancer Society…

Tracy Joy Inc is currently running a donation to the American Cancer Society through the month of May. 5% of ALL my sales will go to ACS, in honor of my late sister in laws, Kristine and Amy Beth. They both would have celebrated birthdays in the month of May, so I am honoring their memory w/a donation.

Tracy Joy Inc also runs donations in the months of November, giving to a few different charities at Christmastime. Last year we donated to The American Cancer Society and Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago.

Giving back is a very important aspect of Tracy Joy Inc, and something we truly believe in.

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Now for the contest and prizes:

Tracy is going to be giving away one Tracy Joy® SUSIE camera strap covers for each of three lucky winners.  The winners to pick the fabric from her amazing selection, and trust me, that will be the hardest part.

3 winners will be picked using random.org - from the comments below. With 3 prizes, you have a greater chance to win!!! Winners will be picked on May 21st and notified in a blog post, so check back to see if you are one of the lucky ones!