ABOUT PUSH
his conference will literally PUSH you out of your comfort zone. Especially if you are struggling with areas
JULY 2024
Classes Run July 15-17th!
PUSH LOVE
of your business such as posing, styling, senior models, marketing, video, contracts, releases, finances and the list goes on and on. Or maybe you are just starting out and want to save yourself some of the aggravation of common mistakes. Running a business is stressful. But if you have a solid foundation it can make things more streamlined. Senior Style Guide's exclusive three day event will be the #ultimatesenioreducation of 2024. Our line up was hand picked to give your senior business a wholistic, well rounded PUSH in the right direction. From senior models, posing, marketing, lighting, editorial, pricing, contracts, video and more, you will be armed with everything you need from our industry leading speakers.
Our base hotel is The Inn At Depauw, we have the entire hotel to ourselves to creat! This hotel has so much to offer our attendees. The Inn's amenities ensure the ultimate experience with our speakers from classroom style education, shooting to after hour pods. We designed this conference to be smaller in scale so you can ask the questions you want and get the assistance you need. You will leave ready to tackle your business and get on track before the busy senior season hits! And armed with the tools to be one step ahead of your competition.
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Actionable Implementable Items
Speakers
The Power Of Client Selection
Amazing Shoot Ideas (and How-To’s) to Make Your Instagram Game Strong AF + After Hours Pods
The Art of A Purpose-Driven Business: Mindful, Client Centered Strategies for Success
lighting: the good, the bad and the scary
after hours business pods
All things video
july 15 & 16
after hours business pods
Cocktails & Coaching
JULY 15 & 16
pivotal pricing
Creating Your own environment: sets & editorial imagery + After Hours pods
model mayhem
building your dream model team
studio lighting basics after hours pods
july 15 & 16
katrina jackson
thomas nguyen
maria ortiz
carissa davis
AMY NAHRA
Yoli Ray
amanda holloway
lacey m. carroll
tara rochelle
John Scott
maximize your media days
Joshua sharp
We will be doing a day of natural light shooting on Wednesday July 17! 4 shoots with 4 industry leaders. Everyone will be in groups of 14 or less and rotate through each set up.
push 2024 natural light shoots
Natural Light Shoot
july 17
Natural Light Shoot
july 17
Natural Light Shoot
JULY 17
Natural Light Shoot
july 17
carissa davis
joshua sharp
Vickie Black
katrina jackson
INFO
GET IN TOUCH
why go to push?
investment
PUSH Conference
$1495
PUSH is designed to strengthen and build your business from the ground up. It is a wholistic approach to your business. During your three days of instruction you will be able to learn proper technique with a hands on approach and work closely in small groups with our speakers during our two evening portfolio building shoots.
Daytime classroom instruction will take your creativity, confidence and business to the next level.
Do not go another season wondering how to market, pose, manage a senior model program, how you are going to learn video or style a session. Better yet, learn how to run a profitable business YEAR ROUND!
PUSH was created with the vision of a small, boutique conference that allowed frequent interaction with the speakers. Learning does not just happen in the classroom at PUSH! I wanted to create an environment that would not only teach you about your business, but one that would PUSH you out of your comfort zone. Better yet, I want you to go home and PUSH your business to the next level!
-12 Industry Leaders
-Evening Portfolio Shoots, After Hours Shooting Pods and After Hours Business Pods
-Giveaways and Swag Bags from our sponsors
-3 days of intimate constant instruction
-Small attendee to speaker ratio
-Welcome Reception
-Special hotel pricing for attendees (while available)
-Payment Plans Available
-$1495 (does not include travel, hotel or meals)
-The first 25 people to sign up in October 2023 get 3 FREE Hotel Nights On US! (For new bookings only)
There are no refunds for this conference. All shoots will be weather permitting.
There will be a 40 mile protective radius from zip code 46135-you cannot live, shoot or market to clients within or have a business within this radius.
*If you own or work for another senior blog, senior/teen focused social media site or magazine, you will not be able to attend.
*Not responsible for weather, acts of God, flight delays, etc. please note that things are subject to change.
USH will take place JULY 15, 16 17, 2024 in Greencastle, IN. Our base hotel is The Inn At Depauw which is conveniently located 39 miles west of the Indianapolis International Airport.
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PUSH 2024 SPONSORS
contact us for sponsorship info
KIND WORDS
industry leaders
I have attended PUSH for the past two years and cannot begin to express how much the knowledge, guidance and friendships gained from this conference have changed my business…and myself. From the industry leading presenters, to the amazingly talented photographers attending, the experience was completely uplifting and encouraging.
Vickie Black compiled a line-up of industry-leading presenters ready to generously share their knowledge and experience, helping each attendee take their business to the next level. Vickie’s dedication to providing the best educational experience, incorporating the latest and most desired professional techniques and topics, while creating a positive, family-like atmosphere is to be commended. I cannot wait for PUSH 2017!
-Shelley Larrabee
family
PUSH 2016
If you are looking for a conference where you feel like you belong this is it! The PUSH family is truly a family. Not only while at the conference but after and really for life. I have grown as an artist since attending Push not once but twice. But most of all I have faced some fears. Mostly artistic creative fears, and technical fears all the while feeling supported and encouraged to keep going. Learning does not come without cost, whether it be financial or emotional but in the end it is what gives me air to breathe and water to drink in my business. It is NOT possible to be perfect but without doing the work we will never know what we are capable of.
"It is the doing that is the secret..." a quote from Teri Fode.
PUSH is the reason I am able to start the "doing" part of the process.
-Lori Brady
BradyCrew Photography
expertise
I've attended PUSH each year, and the level of expertise and knowledge shared blows me away. I appreciate the time that the instructors put into their classes and the variety of classes that are provided. There truly is something for everyone to benefit from. There is just something about being surrounded by your tribe that is SO rejuvenating! Whether it's side by side in class, small group shooting, or late night chats, the photography community at PUSH is truly encouraging and supportive. Vickie pours her heart and soul into this conference and considers everyone there to be family. Who wouldn't want to be a part of that?!
-Megan Bryant
Valuable
When I saw that the PUSH Conference was coming, I knew immediately that I wanted to attend. The only hold back for me was the price tag. I had heard that it was a good value, so I talked it over with my husband. We agreed that it would be good for my business. As a former Conference Manager, I cannot say enough good about the event in itself. Every detail was perfect, from the attendee materials (which were well thought out), to the speaker line up, to the sponsored meals, to the shoot-outs, and so much more. I loved the fact that we used every second of everyday for education and networking. The knowledge that I brought home, plus the friendships that I made were invaluable. I would highly recommend the PUSH Conference to any level Senior Photographer, you will be sure to get your money worth!!
-Jen Kanaba
Valuable
When I saw that the PUSH Conference was coming, I knew immediately that I wanted to attend. The only hold back for me was the price tag. I had heard that it was a good value, so I talked it over with my husband. We agreed that it would be good for my business. As a former Conference Manager, I cannot say enough good about the event in itself. Every detail was perfect, from the attendee materials (which were well thought out), to the speaker line up, to the sponsored meals, to the shoot-outs, and so much more. I loved the fact that we used every second of everyday for education and networking. The knowledge that I brought home, plus the friendships that I made were invaluable. I would highly recommend the PUSH Conference to any level Senior Photographer, you will be sure to get your money worth!!
-Jen Kanaba
CONTACT US
SenD
Do you have questions about PUSH 2024? Send me an email. I am happy to answer any questions you might have about this conference.
Email me...I am happy to answer your questions!
LACEY M. Carroll
Creating Your Own Environment: Sets and Editorial Imagery
In this class, attendees will learn the art of creating unique environments for senior portraits through the use of sets and editorial imagery. They will explore various techniques and concepts to transform ordinary locations and drops into captivating backdrops, elevating the overall aesthetic and storytelling of their work.
Lacey will also be sharing a creative studio setup that she builds at PUSH.
michelle cuppy
editorial life
Join Michelle Cuppy for her after hours pods where she’ll go over high impact lighting setups with just 1 or 2 Studio lights! Work with a model to obtain stunning imagery of an ethereal beauty lighting setup. Come back the second night to get some killer images that scream “High Fashion"
joshua sharp
maximizing Your media days
This class will focus on the ease and effectiveness of implementing Media Days for your sports programs. It will be an in depth look at setting up, shooting, marketing, distributing information as well as giving teams OPTIONS on how they want their media days to go. Pro Mods, Composite, Simple Black and White, On Location, and fog effects are all fun ways to get athletes engaged in their team's shoot and excited to work with you! I will also be teaching about other ways they can expand your market without adding any extra work on your part. This creates a following of new clients that will be excited to work with your company. Media days do not have to be complicated to be effective, and you will still be able to create jaw dropping composite sports banners for them to enjoy all season regardless of the style a team chooses. Let's find out how Media Days can work for you!
nikki guest
natural light shoot nov. 6
Our natural light shoots at PUSH are very popular. All of our attendees get to portfolio build with models in small group ratios. This year, 4 industry leaders will be in charge of your shoots Sunday Nov. 6! Each will be styling teen and senior models for our attendees. Do not worry you will get to attend all 4 shoots! This is definitely something you do not want to miss at PUSH 2022!
emil rodriguez-powell
natural light shoot nov. 6
Our natural light shoots at PUSH are very popular. All of our attendees get to portfolio build with models in small group ratios. This year, 4 industry leaders will be in charge of your shoots Sunday Nov. 6! Each will be styling teen and senior models for our attendees. Do not worry you will get to attend all 4 shoots! This is definitely something you do not want to miss at PUSH 2022!
maria ortiz
The Art of A Purpose-Driven Business: Mindful, Client Centered Strategies for Success
I believe that the client is at the heart of any successful and purpose-driven photography business. Together we’ll explore client centered strategies that strengthen the connection between understanding your clients on a deeper level and, in turn, delivering an unmatchable experience by meeting their true needs and expectations. I’ll teach you mindful practices and proven techniques that nurture long-term, impactful client relationships built on trust and transparent communication.
john scott
after hours pods nov. 4 & 5
John Scott from Roberts Camera will teaching you how to work with studio lighting and taking that fear out of the unknown.
thomas nguyen
Amazing Shoot Ideas (and How-To’s) to Make Your Instagram Game Strong AF + After Hours Pods
Your social media account says a lot about you and nowadays, with more and more Seniors finding you on the web, keeping your Instagram accounts on point becomes necessary and for that your photography game must be damn strong. I will be detailing my best creative ideas, from start-to-finish, that will not only set your Instagram on fire but also differentiate you from your local competitors! Plus during the after hours pods you will get to shoot one of my awesome concepts.
amy nahra
Incorporating and creating Video after hours pods nov. 4 & 5
Does video scare you? Do you know how to shoot video? Have lots of questions? Join Amy Nahra during the after hours pods to learn hands on the basics of video. Get your questions answered and gain confidence and knowledge with Amy's easy hands on approach.
katrina jackson
The Power of client selection
Showcasing sellable portraits that your client wants to share
We are the expert BUT we have 2 clients mom and teen and I can tell you from years of experience and from having my very own teen. Moms trust that we are the expert but Teens “they” know it all! And there is no convincing them otherwise in most cases when it comes to something they don’t like about themselves.
Making this decision (showing unedited images during image reveal) in my business took the pressure off me in wondering if they would love what I picked. Did my clients love the images that I picked for them absolutely but what I know for certain is that my clients love their entire gallery.
A few years ago I started noticing is a huge shift how many images these seniors would share on social media. I want to be certain that they were receiving images that they want to share on social media because they are in love with them.
carissa davis
lighting: the good, the bad and the scary
As photographers we know almost any place can look amazing as long as the lighting is great. However, sometimes that hinders our ability to shoot at AMAZING places that may have less than ideal light. Or maybe we feel like we can't be as creative because of our restrictions due to lack of light. But that doesn't have to be the case. In this class we will talk about all the lighting. Natural, backlit, direct sun and ....... Off Camera Flash! Don't clutch your pearls just yet, this is your basic starting point type of class. I was once just like you, with a slight curiosity about lighting, but seemed terrified to take the plunge. Nothing super technical will be happening here, we will be just covering the basics and an introduction so it seems a little less scary! Don't be limited by light, let your creativity expand as you learn how easy it can be!
tara rochelle
Model Mayhem
Building Your dream Model Team
In this engaging segment at Push, we will delve into the world of Senior Model Teams and discover how they can elevate your senior photography business to new heights.
As a senior photographer, you know the importance of stunning images but have you tapped into the full potential of a senior model team? Join Tara as we explore the concept of Model Teams, where your senior clients become more than just subjects – they become full, paying clients with the power to amplify your brand. Learn how to cultivate a team of enthusiastic seniors who not only trust your artistic vision but also actively promote your services.
Class Highlights:
Creating Client Ambassadors: Understand how to transform senior clients into enthusiastic brand ambassadors who spread the word about your photography services.
Marketing Magic: Discover strategies to leverage your Model Team's presence on social media and in your local community to boost your marketing efforts.
Word-of-Mouth Mastery: Explore the art of generating positive word-of-mouth referrals through exceptional client experiences and standout photography.
Monetizing Model Teams: Learn how to turn Model Team participation into a profitable venture, benefiting both your business and your clients.
By the end of this class, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and tools to build and manage a dynamic Model Team, turning your senior clients into your best spokesmodels where they can’t wait to tell their friends about you and what you do!
carissa davis
natural light shoot nov. 6
Our natural light shoots at PUSH are very popular. All of our attendees get to portfolio build with models in small group ratios. This year, 4 industry leaders will be in charge of your shoots Sunday Nov. 6! Each will be styling teen and senior models for our attendees. Do not worry you will get to attend all 4 shoots! This is definitely something you do not want to miss at PUSH 2022!
AMY NAHRA
THIS IS A MARATHON
According to last years bureau of labor statistics there were over 132,000 people working as professional photographers for $16.35 per hour. Shocking... I know. We will show you how our business has not only survived but thrived for over 35 years (more than a decade under our ownership), how we made it through a recession and a lawsuit (yes, it's hard to talk about...but these things do happen to business owners) and how we are able to support 5 kids, investments and and one big business risk taker husband (sigh... mine) on what we earn (spoiler...it's not $16.35/hr). Don't worry about the sprinters of the world with their lofty dreams and vacation youtube channels. Take your time, execute your plans. We are investing to fuel the future of our business and we are going to help you to do the same.
carissa davis
natural light shoot nov. 6
Our natural light shoots at PUSH are very popular. All of our attendees get to portfolio build with models in small group ratios. This year, 4 industry leaders will be in charge of your shoots Sunday Nov. 6! Each will be styling teen and senior models for our attendees. Do not worry you will get to attend all 4 shoots! This is definitely something you do not want to miss at PUSH 2022!
Katrina Jackson
The Power of client selection
Showcasing sellable portraits that your client wants to share
We are the expert BUT we have 2 clients mom and teen and I can tell you from years of experience and from having my very own teen. Moms trust that we are the expert but Teens “they” know it all! And there is no convincing them otherwise in most cases when it comes to something they don’t like about themselves.Making this decision (showing unedited images during image reveal) in my business took the pressure off me in wondering if they would love what I picked. Did my clients love the images that I picked for them absolutely but what I know for certain is that my clients love their entire gallery.
A few years ago I started noticing is a huge shift how many images these seniors would share on social media. I want to be certain that they were receiving images that they want to share on social media because they are in love with them.
amanda holloway
pivotal pricing
Throughout the past 5 years, our industry has seen a massive shift in not only what our clients want and value but what our clients are able to afford. This class is all about how to pivot your pricing methods, client experience, and offerings so that you continue to book no matter the changes in economy while maintaining your income. We will explore your time to income ratio, how to balance client bookings vs average sale, and how to pivot your business model when your target market shifts economically. The goal is to stay in business no matter the changes in years, economy, and industry and this class will teach you how to do that.
Susan Gietka
Natural light shoot nov. 6
Our natural light shoots at PUSH are very popular. All of our attendees get to portfolio build with models in small group ratios. This year, 4 industry leaders will be in charge of your shoots Sunday Nov. 6! Each will be styling teen and senior models for our attendees. Do not worry you will get to attend all 4 shoots! This is definitely something you do not want to miss at PUSH 2022!
Katrina Jackson
Natural light shoot July 17
Our natural light shoots at PUSH are very popular. All of our attendees get to portfolio build with models in small group ratios. This year, 4 industry leaders will be in charge of your shoots Wednesday July 17! Each will be styling teen and senior models for our attendees. Do not worry you will get to attend all 4 shoots! This is definitely something you do not want to miss at PUSH 2024!
YOLI RAY
Cocktails & Coaching
A brand new end-of-day learning circle at this year's PUSH conference! Grab a cocktail and come prepared with your biggest challenges or learnings from the days events. We'll troubleshoot ideas, celebrate successes, and raise a glass to continued growth and inspiration. See you at this exciting new event facilitated by yours truly, certified coach, from 8-9pm each evening!
