No Service, Muddy Trails, and a Miracle ATV Ride: My First Model Shoot
When I first started my photography business, I kept hearing the same advice over and over on TikTok: the best way to grow and gain experience is by creating a model or rep team. So, I decided to take the leap. I posted across all my social media platforms that I was accepting applications for my very first photography model team — and to my surprise, most of the responses came directly from TikTok.
That one post completely shifted my mindset about marketing. It showed me the power of showing up authentically online and trusting the platforms that connect you with the right people. Since then, TikTok has played a huge role in growing my photography business.
A few weeks later, it was time for my first-ever session with the team. We chose Tunica Hills, a popular hiking and waterfall location known for its scenic views. I told the girls it was in St. Francisville, Louisiana. Only to later realize it’s actually located in Mississippi. Oops.
When we arrived, the location felt incredibly secluded. I had never met any of the girls in person before, and nerves instantly set in. I remember thinking, They probably feel like this is the opening scene of a horror movie.
My mom came along to help, and we arrived early to scout the trail and see how long the hike to the waterfall would take. It had just rained, making the trail steep, slick, and muddy. Somewhere along the way, I slipped — all while holding my brand-new camera. By the time we made it back to the trailhead, we were exhausted, covered in mud, and I was seriously questioning how this photoshoot was going to work.
There was no cell service, the hike was long, and the idea of making my models walk over a mile in the heat and mud felt impossible. I was moments away from giving up.
Then, out of nowhere, an ATV pulled up beside us. The driver called out my name — which immediately startled me — but it turned out to be the father of one of my models. He worked maintenance on the trails and had come prepared with two ATVs to transport us to the waterfall.
That unexpected act of kindness completely saved the session. What could have been a total disaster turned into one of the most memorable, laughter-filled group photoshoots of my career.
Looking back, this first model team session taught me so much more than how to organize a group shoot. It reminded me to stay flexible, trust the process, ask for help when I need it, and always expect the unexpected — especially as a Louisiana lifestyle photographer learning and growing in this industry.
