EP 65: nailing the niche: building a senior photography brand with alex blake
Hi again! Summer Grace here, and welcome back to another Summer School episode. This week, I had the pleasure of chatting with Alex Blake, a super talented photographer from Charleston, South Carolina who specializes in senior and brand photography. I’ve been so inspired by her story—from her beginnings in Georgia to rebuilding her business in Charleston—so I can’t wait to share her journey and insights with you.
A Journey Rooted in Passion
Like many of us, Alex first picked up a camera to photograph friends, which led her to volunteer on her church’s social media team in 2017. Although she felt her photography skills were still developing, this experience immersed her in a variety of lighting conditions and introduced her to many high school seniors. Over time, she recognized her passion for capturing this pivotal moment in teens’ lives, setting the stage for her future focus on senior photography.
Meet Alex
Alex Blake is a Charleston-based photographer, podcast host, and photography educator who never expected to become a full-time photographer—but now she can’t imagine life any other way. Alex brings a deep passion for creativity, coaching, and community to her work and always tried to uplift people in every part of her job, whether she's capturing portraits, telling brand stories, or chatting with her fellow photographer friends. Through her podcast and educational content weekend, Photo Camp, she shares her insights on the art and business of photography, making education accessible and enjoyable. Known for her friendly, down-to-earth approach, Alex is all about helping fellow photographers feel seen and empowered as they find their own creative path in the industry.
Building a New Chapter in Charleston
Two years ago, Alex made the move to Charleston and had to start her business from scratch in a brand-new community. Rather than feeling discouraged, she leveraged social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok to connect with local high school seniors. She used creative tactics, such as offering discounted shoots, to build a fresh portfolio that resonated with her new market. Looking back, she jokes about scrolling through social media profiles and directly messaging seniors to introduce herself, highlighting how stepping out of her comfort zone helped her business gain traction.
The Art of Senior Photography
Senior photography presents a unique challenge: balancing the preferences of both the senior and the parent(s). Alex notes that, in many cases, the mom is the one who attends the session. She’s found it essential to meet the parent’s expectations while still preserving the senior’s personal style and vision for the shoot. Since moving to Charleston, she’s added a coastal flair to her sessions, often taking seniors to the shore for lively, ocean-themed photos. She credits the local scenery for helping her aesthetic truly click, resulting in imagery that feels both playful and authentic.
Entrepreneurship & Mentorship
Throughout her journey, Alex has learned the importance of balancing passion with practicality. As her workload increased, she recognized the need to bring in additional help—leading her to hire an associate shooter. This step allowed her to continue growing without getting overwhelmed. She also loves mentoring up-and-coming senior photographers, emphasizing genuine outreach and a solid social media presence as keys to success.
Photo Camp
One of Alex’s latest ventures is Photo Camp, an educational retreat hosted in Folly Beach, South Carolina. This immersive weekend combines styled shoots, talks from experienced speakers, and plenty of opportunities for community-building among fellow creatives. The event has become a highlight of her year, fueling her excitement to bring people together to learn, share, and have fun.
Conclusion
Alex Blake’s dedication to senior photography is evident in everything she does, from her early volunteer days in Georgia to her thriving business in Charleston. She proves that with determination, creativity, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone, you can carve a successful niche anywhere.
Thank you for tuning in, and I’d love to hear your thoughts on how you’re elevating your own photography business.
Catch you next week,
Summer Grace
Connect with Alex:
Website: alexblakephoto.com
Instagram: @alexblakephotography
TikTok: @alexblakephotography
Podcast: www.youtube.com/@Alexblakephotography/podcasts
Apply for Photo Camp here: www.photocampinfo.com
Connect with Me:
Do you need any more advice? Fill out the inquiry form below if you would like to schedule a mentorship with me!
Show Notes: summergracephoto.com
Instagram: @summergrace.photo
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