E14: How to Build Confidence in Senior Photography Clients

How to Build Confidence in Senior Photography Clients

If you’ve ever had a senior show up to their session looking like they wanna disappear into the cornfield next to you—you know this: confidence can make or break your shoot. In this RAW Edit episode, we hang with confidence QUEEN, Liz Zantopoulos, a Northeast Ohio photog and senior whisperer who’s got the process of building confidence down to an art.

This one’s for the photographers who want to go deeper than just posing tips—we’re talking connection, self-acceptance, outfits, awkward giggles, and the power of fart jokes (yes, really).

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Build Confidence in Senior Photography Clients BEFORE the Camera Comes Out

Liz doesn’t wait until the session starts to build confidence—she starts waaaay earlier. Her secret sauce? Shopping consults at the mall, questionnaires that dive into insecurities and style preferences, and straight-up STALKING her clients’ Instagram to get a feel for their vibe.

She’s not out here handing them a “style guide” and peacing out. She’s walking them into American Eagle and helping them find what actually fits their body and energy. Because when you feel good in what you’re wearing? You SHOW UP different. Period.

And if you’re not quite ready to play personal shopper? Liz suggests a clickable style guide or confidence prep PDF with visuals. Game changer.

“I had a client once who hated her photos because of her outfit. That was the day I said: never again.” – Liz Z

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What to Do When Seniors Still Show Up Shy

Even with all the prep in the world, some seniors will still roll up shy, stiff, and wildly aware of their limbs. So what’s Liz do?

She meets them where they are. She starts simple. She walks and talks before even lifting her camera. She cracks weird jokes. She kicks her leg in the air and declares herself the weirdest one there.

Confidence is contagious. And the second your client realizes you’re not out here judging them—they relax. It’s not about being “professional.” It’s about being real. Be the kind of hype person that makes them laugh so hard they forget they were nervous.

Fart jokes. Opera singing. Hair flips. Whatever it takes. Get silly and let them be silly.

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The Confidence Ripple Effect (Yes, It’s Bigger Than the Session)

The confidence your clients gain during a session doesn’t stop when they get their gallery. It’s something they carry.

Liz shared how watching her own son grow up with autism changed her perspective on self-acceptance. And that growth rippled into how she shows up for her clients. She said screw the beauty standards. Let’s show up as we are. No makeup? Still a queen. Loud, quirky, chaotic? Same. Confidence is not about perfection.

And let’s not forget: YOU showing up confidently in your biz gives your clients permission to do the same.

So if you’re waiting to be someone else’s version of “put together” before you start showing up? STOP.

“Why not you? Seriously. Why. Not. You.” – Liz Z

Start weird. Start messy. Start in your power.

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Want to Build Confidence in Senior Photography Clients? Start with YOU.

Confidence doesn’t come from perfect systems or fancy reels. It comes from showing up, again and again, as your whole messy self. The more YOU love on yourself, the easier it is to love on your clients.

Biggest takeaway? Confidence is built before the shutter clicks.

So go ahead—be the weirdest one at the shoot. Make ’em laugh. Pick outfits with them. Dance. Be real.

Because when you make seniors feel seen and safe, they leave feeling like the main character. And THAT, my friend, is what it’s all about.

For more on styling prep, confidence building, and a full breakdown of Liz’s systems, listen to the full episode. And check out this external guide for more ideas on boosting teen confidence through photography.

Connect with Liz:

Instagram: @ElisabethAnnePhotography, 

Tiktok: @ElisabethAnnePhoto

Visit her website at www.elisabethannephotography.com