It’s like the movie “Field of Dreams”, “if you build it, they will come”.  The other day on a photography Facebook page, a photographer asked how to keep seniors and senior reps excited and coming back for more shoots.  There were a ton of different answers from the community of senior photographers but for me the answer to that isn’t too hard.  If you build a style closet, they will come.  Fashion and style is an absolute key to sessions with seniors and teens.  Most of their wardrobe consists of everyday items like jeans and shirts for school and hanging out.  Don’t fill your style closet with those items.  Instead choose items that will complete looks, like jackets and scarfs.  Or items that will have them feeling extra special and fancy, like sequin gowns or fluffy tulle dresses. 

But how do you build a style closet when fashion is so fast and forever changing and not break your budget?  Here are a few tips to help you build an exciting style closet without spending too much cash! 

1. Be thrifty.  Literally go to a thrift store.  Skinny jeans are out and mom jeans are in.  Our mothers, grandmothers and even us have been getting rid of our out of date clothes for years… guess where they went… to the donation pile and straight to the thrift store!  And all that vintage goodness is coming back into style and it’s sitting at the thrift store waiting for you! Shopping at a thrift store can be quite a chore sometimes so make it a rep outing and recruit your reps to help you shop for in style pieces.  My seniors love this and find a lot of pieces for their own sessions without spending a bundle!  (Here’s a tip within a tip, your seniors will Instagram and SnapChat this outing with you… *happy dance*). 

2. Get to know your local boutique and Plato’s Closet owners!  I regularly shop with my local stores and they know it because I give them free social media on Instagram.  In turn, they have gotten to know me and offer me discounts to shop with my seniors at their store and share our day on Instagram (which they reshare on their Instagram).  Cross pollination is amazing! 

3. Facebook Marketplace!  Sometimes even the thrift store wants too much for that oversized jean jacket but Shelly down the street just wants it out of her house so she’ll sell it at bargain basement prices!  This is also a great place to shop for sparkly, fluffy, tulle filled gowns, especially after prom.  Many times I can pick up beautiful gowns and dress for about $20-$30.  Senior girls love to feel fancy because heck there should be more than one day a year to feel fancy! 

4. There is one more BIG retailer that I shop with, that shall not be named but you probably know they are.  They have a great app with billions of items that ship directly from China *wink wink*.  I buy a few clothing pieces from them but what is really key with them is accessories!  Seniors and teens will usually show up with just one pair of their favorite earrings and favorite necklace.  This online retailer has super cheap earrings, necklaces, bracelets, scarves and hats.  Get some subtle pieces but don’t be afraid to go big and bold!  Sometimes it’s a simple accessory that can make an outfit into an amazing look! 

5. Get to know your clients and treat them well.  I love my clients and I really try to get to know them if they let me.  How does building a great rapport with your clients help build a style closet?  Well, when my seniors are moving off to college or just cleaning out their closet, they often donate items to my style closet they think I could use.   

6. This last tip is going to be the most important!  RESELL!!!  Take clothes to Plato’s closet.  Sell them on Facebook Marketplace.  If you have pricier pieces that are very trendy in the photography community, sell it to other local photographers after you’ve done a couple shoots.  Regularly go through your rack and clean out pieces that your clients aren’t wearing, that don’t fit right, don’t photograph well or that have appeared in too many shoots.  Make your money back so you can reinvest it back into your style closet. 

A great style closet can be built on a budget and be a huge magnet to your photography business.  Seniors and teens will love trying on clothes they normally wouldn’t buy but are cute and fashionable.  Your style closet will help save a look by adding that perfect jacket or having a senior try a dress you think would be perfect in a field of flowers.  Being thrifty can help you build a style closet that has a range of styles, from boho to rocker and is inclusive in sizing that your seniors will be excited about but won’t break the bank.  If you build an amazing (and budget friendly) style closet, they will come.