The VIP Team,
What We're About
Our program is actively being supported by:
- Classical Academy
- NewGate School
- Out of Door Academy
- and the entire Sarasota County School District
because of our IB CAS and Bright Futures accepted service hours!!!
The VIP Team isn't about photography ~ it's about being involved in something BIG, making a difference, and joining a crew that's exclusive and fun.
Does this sound like fun to you? Well...
Now Accepting Applications
We're looking for juniors & seniors who want to:
- Collaborate with local businesses on real, creative shoots
- Earn service hours that count toward CAS and Bright Futures
- Build your resume, grow your confidence and make new friends!
Freshmen & sophomores,
Submit your application early to be first on the waitlist for your year.
Getting ahead of the game doesn't go unnoticed ~ it's exactly the kind of initiative that makes your application stand out!
It's not what you think
The VIP Team gets mistaken for a photography class all the time.
Here's what it actually is.
It's NOT
- A photography class ~ there are no cameras in your hand
- A minimum-hours commitment ~ jump in when you can
It IS
- A local commercial shoot creating real social media marketing images
- No cost to anyone ~ just good old-fashioned collaborative fun
- A way to give back to the community through creativity & service
- A way to expand your friend network
- A way to earn service hours toward the Bright Futures Scholarship ~ CAS approved, too!
Take Rolando, a VIP senior from Lakewood Ranch ~ he was taking college classes, working a job, playing club soccer, in honors, and he still never missed a shoot or a meeting!
That says it all. IT IS just that much fun! The honest truth. ♥︎
Join in as much or as little as your schedule allows, never any pressure either way!
A year built around fun, friendship & photoshoots
You will have opportunities for multiple styled model shoots which may be a business collaboration or a fun group event. Don't forget, this is all community service hours which are logged all along the way. Whohoo!
- Join styled commercial photo shoots
- Don't want to be in front of the camera? Be our Behind the Scenes Team!
- Research selected businesses
- Provide feedback to business owners
- Post and share to Instagram and other platforms
- Blog writing of local areas
- Website feedback for TLP
- Have fun at our annual pool or beach party and family picnic!!!
Let's just say, we need your help. It's like an unpaid internship, but not only are you helping us, you are helping other local businesses while being part of our family, too!!!
This is what happens when parents get involved! Fantastic chaos!
Themed shoots, bonus days & more
- Team themed creative shoots (think bubbles, flower fields, or whatever we dream up)
- Bonus shoots tied to holidays & business partnerships throughout the year ~ got an idea? We want to hear it
- Group events ~ our team pizza & pool party in September, a family picnic & mini-session in March, and team-building meetups along the way
Team members come from all across Sarasota & Manatee County to share ideas and have fun together.
Real community service, real perks
- Local business collaborations ~ multiple stylized shoots with local business owners throughout the year
- You're a working model, earning real, fun service hours to collect toward scholarships along the way
- Hours come from all kinds of things ~ the shoots themselves, behind-the-scenes content, side projects, even time spent brainstorming with Terra
- 225+ service hours issued since June 2024 and counting, across tons of Sarasota businesses
Beyond the shoots, Model Team Exclusives mean you get to be the face of the brand through marketing materials, with extra opportunities as we partner with other local vendors.
Definitely consider a cooperation like this.
True win-win situation. Florian · Owner, Flobucha in Gulf Gate, Sarasota
See this collaboration in action:
Coral & Reef Sarasota business collaboration shoot
Eligibility
& Sophomores
- Submit an application to join the waitlist for your year
- Being proactive now is what puts you at the top of your year's list
- No cutoff ~ apply anytime
- Book your senior session early to unlock Senior Ambassador status a year ahead of your peers
- Apply before January 31st
- After that date, booking your senior session and applying together as a Senior Ambassador is the only way in to the team ♥︎
Open to students residing in Sarasota or Manatee County,
with no cost to join the VIP Team.
Have friends at other schools? Have them apply too ~ applying together gives you both a greater chance for acceptance.
Behind the scenes with Ivanna's Senior Ambassador session
Behind the scenes with Maggie's Senior Ambassador session
Book your senior session as a VIP, unlock Senior Ambassador status
When you book your senior portraits with us while a VIP Team member, you're automatically upgraded to Senior Ambassador status ~ an individual photoshoot that's truly all about you. Pick the locations you love, wear what you want, and include anything that tells your story.
Juniors, this one's for you, too: book your senior session while you're still a junior and you'll unlock Senior Ambassador status ~ and every perk below ~ a full year ahead of your senior-year friends.
- Priority BookingWe'll clear the calendar to get your session on the books first.
- Special Session PricingYour senior session is priced specially to say thank you for all your help ~ and it gets even better when you book before November 1st.
- Extra Session TimeSessions usually run an hour ~ as a Senior Ambassador, plan on two hours or more, because we're shooting until we're all exhausted from having too much fun. No limits, just fun!
- Referral CashAny friend who books a session and mentions you sent them earns you credit toward TLP products.
- Access to VIP ImagesEvery image from your VIP Team sessions is available to have printed ~ perfect for an album.
- Automatic Album UpgradeAutomatic access to the top album tier ~ think 50~60 images instead of the standard 25.
- BFF or Cap & Gown Mini-SessionA bonus mini-session, on top of the family mini-session already included.
- A Shot at Getting PublishedSenior Ambassadors may have images submitted to top senior magazines, including SeniorMUSE, Senior Style Guide, Senior Szn Magazine, Teen Years Magazine & Senior Year Magazine.
The photoshoot with Terra was much better than I could have EVER expected! It is clear that she cares about getting the “perfect shot” and explains well why some things may look better than others while still maintaining a personal and enjoyable experience. Maggie · Riverview HS c/o 2026, Senior Ambassador
we believe in
to dream big
local community
along the way
Thank you for your dedication to our students. The amount of time and effort does not go unnoticed. You are so appreciated. Tina · Maggie’s mother, on the VIP Team
FAQ
How much does it cost to join the VIP Team?
Nothing ~ there's no cost to be a VIP Team member.
What if I can't make a shoot?
Shoot dates are set based on what works best for the majority of the group. If you are unavailable, no worries ~ hopefully you'll be able to make the next one!
Do I have to be a senior to apply?
Freshmen & sophomores can apply to join the waitlist for their year. Juniors can apply anytime ~ no cutoff. Seniors need to apply before January 31st; after that date, booking your senior session and applying together as a Senior Ambassador is the only way in.
What's the difference between the VIP Team and Senior Ambassador status?
Every accepted applicant joins the VIP Team. When a VIP Team member books their senior portrait session with us ~ juniors included ~ they're automatically upgraded to Senior Ambassador status and unlock the additional perks above. Booking as a junior means you lock in those perks a full year early.
Is there a deadline for special Senior Ambassador pricing?
Spots are limited, and your pricing is at its best if you book before November 1st ~ sessions tend to get squeezed in fast once senior year gets busy.
How can I make my application stand out?
Apply early, share your hobbies and extracurriculars, and let your personality shine through. A clean social media presence and a genuine, kind spirit go a long way ~ and if you're not on Instagram or Facebook, just let Terra know so she can find another way to get to know you.
Can I have friends from other schools apply?
Yes ~ and it works in your favor. If a friend applies too, you both have a greater chance of acceptance.
Ready to Join the VIP Team?
Sarasota & Manatee County's only 100% exclusive junior & senior photographer ~ roughly 40 exclusive sessions a year, with just 15 VIP Team spots total and only a few reserved per school. Apply today and get ready for a year of photoshoots, friendship, and fun.