“Will I Be Relevant?” Navigating College & Sorority Photography as an Outsider

Today, I want to tackle a common concern many face when diving into college and sorority photography: “Will I be relevant to college students if I wasn’t in a sorority, or if my college didn’t have sororities? Will I be liked?”

Well, first off, and I know this is probably gonna come as a a HUGE surprise… but I’ve never been in a sorority either! Shocking, I know. But that hasn’t stopped me from finding my place in the college and sorority photography niche, photographing 10-15% of the senior girls at TCU each year!

It’s All About Perspective

The truth is, not having been in a sorority or at a college with Greek life doesn’t put you at a disadvantage. In fact, it might even be your superpower. Here’s why:

Fresh Eyes and Unique Angles

Being an outsider means you bring a fresh perspective to the table. You see events and traditions not as an insider who’s seen it all before, but as someone with a unique angle and fresh eyes—perfect for creative photography. Your distinct viewpoint, combined with the professional quality of your images, will make your photos stand out from all the cell phone shots everyone else is posting!

What You Bring to the Table: In-Demand Social Currency

Remember, you possess something these students desperately want and need: great photos. As you’ve heard me say many times before, photographs are a form of social currency in today’s digital world, and there’s no place this is truer than inside the college ecosystem. Your ability to provide high-quality images that students can use to enhance their social media presence, build relationships, and preserve their college memories makes you incredibly relevant. Your lens captures not just images, but value, ensuring that every shot enhances their social and professional portrayal.

Building Trust

Photography is as much about interaction as it is about skill with a camera. You may not have been in a sorority, but you’re already GREAT at connecting with clients and helping them feel comfortable in front of your camera! College students will LOVE that! In fact, your ability to connect with people can often outweigh your personal experiences (or lack thereof). Focus on building trust:

• Ask questions: Show genuine interest in the students: their lives, their goals, and their dreams.
• Be respectful and observant: Find out what matters to a sorority – many of them have a deep, rich history. With that comes rules, rituals, and traditions. Be a student of your environment… they’ll tell you everything you need to know to fit in!
• Share your story: Don’t be afraid to share stories about your significant other or kids if you have them, as well as any common interests you may have with the students. If you take an interest in them, most of the time they’ll want to know about you too!

The Bottom Line

Remember, relevance in the world of college and sorority photography doesn’t come from having been a part of it yourself; it comes from your ability to deliver the value this audience is looking for: gorgeous, fun memories of their favorite moments with their favorite people. Your background doesn’t define your ability to connect with and understand your subjects—it’s your empathy, curiosity, and passion that will truly resonate with them.

So, to all my fellow photographers who have never worn Greek letters: fear not. We might never be in a sorority, but we can still be the life of the party—at least when we’re behind the camera! 📸