If you’ve followed my work for a while, you may have seen me post about “promo shoots” or “model calls.” You might even wonder — what exactly are those, and why do I do them?

There are actually a few reasons I love doing promo shoots, and they’ve become an important part of my business (and my creativity!).

1️⃣ To Promote Upcoming Sessions

If I’m planning to offer something new — like my VW Christmas Sessions or a location I’ve never photographed before — I like to have photos that show exactly what clients can expect. A promo shoot gives me the chance to capture the setup, lighting, and overall vibe so people can visualize their own session.

It’s one thing to describe it, but seeing it makes all the difference — and these photos often help sessions book up quickly!

2️⃣ To Test New Locations or Ideas

Sometimes I’ll do a casting call when I want to try out a new spot, pose, or lighting idea. Locations look completely different depending on the time of year or even the time of day, and these sessions help me figure out what works best.

It also gives me a creative reset — a chance to experiment and get inspired, which always leads to better experiences for my clients.

🌟 Bonus Reason: For Photography Classes

Every now and then, I’ll do a promo or model call when I’m teaching photography classes. Having real people to photograph makes hands-on learning so much more effective!

Students get to practice adjusting their settings, understand how light affects color and composition, and gain confidence directing real subjects. It’s one thing to learn theory — but watching your photo come to life in real time? That’s where the magic happens.

📸 Want to Learn Photography Yourself?

Whether you’re brand new to photography or looking for a creative gift idea, I offer private and small group photography classes that cover everything from camera basics to mastering natural light.

👉 Interested in learning (or gifting a class)?