Official Partner Photographers
Juan Asta – Michigan - Winner of the Issue 95 Cover and $1000 Scholarship
Nomination by Susan Asta
Photography by Miame Jarrett Photography (on left)
Nomination by Susan Asta
Photography by Miame Jarrett Photography (on left)
Inspiring Teens Magazine has been recognizing remarkable young people for 10 years and over $200,000 in scholarships awarded. When you nominate one of your clients, you become part of our story — and so do they.
FREE DOWNLOADS FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS
Resources built for photographers of teens who are ready to show up — in the classroom, in their community, and in life.
Resources built for photographers of teens who are ready to show up — in the classroom, in their community, and in life.
Available Now: The ITM Official Partner Studio Guide Everything you need to introduce Inspiring Teens Magazine to your clients with confidence. Answers to every question families ask, nomination tips, and exactly what you and your teen earn as an Official Partner Studio.
| itm_partner_studio_guide.pdf |
Available Now: The Inspiring Teens Magazine Complete Guide Everything your teen clients and their parents need to know about the ITM Cover & Scholarship Contest — in one place. From how nominations work to what your teen earns, the questions every family asks, and exactly how to get started.
| get_published_in_inspring_teens_magazine.pdf |
What Your Clients Earn
- A dedicated feature in a national print magazine
- Scholarship eligibility up to $1,000 based on following our leadership template
- The 101 Seconds of Impact Leadership Project — a resume-worthy credential for college applications
- A professional PR Pack ready for scholarship essays, résumés, and portfolios
- Access to our Strategy Lab and Leadership Lab — step by step tools to run their campaign
What You Earn
- Full photography credit in every published feature
- National publication exposure for your work
- A deeper client relationship built on a milestone moment
- A reason for past clients to come back for new images
When you nominate a client for Inspiring Teens Magazine, the feature is the goal — but what your client builds during the experience is the real differentiator.
The teen who runs this campaign well walks away able to say she organized a national community outreach effort, built real leadership credentials, and earned recognition that belongs on every college application she submits.
You're not just getting her published. You're giving her a story worth telling for years.
How to Nominate — It Takes 5 Minutes
- Go to inspiringteens.com/nominate
- Fill out the short nomination form with your client's name, a brief description of who they are, and how you heard about us
- Submit one high resolution image
- We take it from there — we'll reach out to the family personally
How We Publish
Inspiring Teens Magazine Issue 101 will be available in both print and digital formats for the first time ever. All featured images are published with full photographer credit in both editions.
By submitting images for nomination, photographers confirm they have the rights to submit those images for publication in print and digital formats. Our standard photo release covers both — we'll send it to you directly once your client accepts.
If you have questions about usage rights before nominating, just reach out at [email protected] and we'll talk it through personally.
Not ready to Reach Out?
Check out our nomination, acceptance, and our last contest pages - they have a lot of information about the process. We try to be as fully transparent about how we've come so far and our goals for these teens as they go through our leadership system.
inspiringteens.com/nominate
inspiringteens.com/accept
inspiringteeens.com/100
Ready to Reach Out? Use These Templates
Copy, personalize, and send — your client's family will thank you.
Templates to send parents
TEMPLATE 1 — For Seniors:
Subject: I'd love to nominate [Name] — are you open to it?
Hi [Parent Name],
I've been thinking about [Daughter's/Son's Name] and wanted to reach out because I think they'd make an excellent nominee for Inspiring Teens Magazine.
While many think of this as something to do early in high school, seniors are actually in a powerful position — a feature this year means they go into college applications with a published national credential already in hand. Admissions officers notice when an external organization recognized a student's character and put it in print. That's different from another club listing.
If selected, they becomes eligible for:
You can also learn more at inspiringteens.com.
Best, [Your Name]
TEMPLATE 2 — For Juniors and Underclassmen:
Subject: I'd love to nominate [Name] — are you open to it?
Hi [Parent Name],
I've been thinking about [Daughter's/Son's Name] and wanted to reach out because I think they'd make an excellent nominee for Inspiring Teens Magazine.
They accept ages 13–19, so being a junior is actually the sweet spot — they have a full year ahead to use this recognition in college applications, scholarship essays, and athletic or performance portfolios.
If selected, they becomes eligible for:
You can also learn more at inspiringteens.com.
Best, [Your Name]
TEMPLATE 3 — For Any Age:
Subject: I'd love to nominate [Name] — are you open to it?
Hi [Parent Name],
I've been thinking about [Daughter's/Son's Name] and wanted to reach out because I truly believe they have something worth celebrating beyond our sessions together.
Inspiring Teens Magazine recognizes young people ages 13–19 for their character, leadership, and impact — and [Name] came to mind immediately.
If selected, they becomes eligible for:
You can also learn more at inspiringteens.com.
Best, [Your Name]
Subject: I'd love to nominate [Name] — are you open to it?
Hi [Parent Name],
I've been thinking about [Daughter's/Son's Name] and wanted to reach out because I think they'd make an excellent nominee for Inspiring Teens Magazine.
While many think of this as something to do early in high school, seniors are actually in a powerful position — a feature this year means they go into college applications with a published national credential already in hand. Admissions officers notice when an external organization recognized a student's character and put it in print. That's different from another club listing.
If selected, they becomes eligible for:
- Publication in a national print magazine
- Scholarship opportunities to help fund her education
- A professional PR Pack documenting her achievements — ready for scholarship essays and applications this fall
- The 101 Seconds of Impact Leadership Project — a resume-worthy leadership credential
You can also learn more at inspiringteens.com.
Best, [Your Name]
TEMPLATE 2 — For Juniors and Underclassmen:
Subject: I'd love to nominate [Name] — are you open to it?
Hi [Parent Name],
I've been thinking about [Daughter's/Son's Name] and wanted to reach out because I think they'd make an excellent nominee for Inspiring Teens Magazine.
They accept ages 13–19, so being a junior is actually the sweet spot — they have a full year ahead to use this recognition in college applications, scholarship essays, and athletic or performance portfolios.
If selected, they becomes eligible for:
- Publication in a national print magazine
- Scholarship opportunities to help fund their future education
- A professional PR Pack documenting their achievements
- The 101 Seconds of Impact Leadership Project — a leadership credential that demonstrates initiative, networking, and personal branding to admissions officers
You can also learn more at inspiringteens.com.
Best, [Your Name]
TEMPLATE 3 — For Any Age:
Subject: I'd love to nominate [Name] — are you open to it?
Hi [Parent Name],
I've been thinking about [Daughter's/Son's Name] and wanted to reach out because I truly believe they have something worth celebrating beyond our sessions together.
Inspiring Teens Magazine recognizes young people ages 13–19 for their character, leadership, and impact — and [Name] came to mind immediately.
If selected, they becomes eligible for:
- Publication in a national print magazine
- Scholarship opportunities to help fund their education
- A professional PR Pack documenting their achievements
- The 101 Seconds of Impact Leadership Project — a leadership credential designed specifically for college applications and beyond
You can also learn more at inspiringteens.com.
Best, [Your Name]
Before the contest
What Makes a Strong Nomination
The best nominations take two minutes to write and tell us one specific thing — who this teen really is beyond their grades and activities. You don't need to write an essay. You just need to give us a window.
What we're looking for:
Image guidelines:
The best nominations take two minutes to write and tell us one specific thing — who this teen really is beyond their grades and activities. You don't need to write an essay. You just need to give us a window.
What we're looking for:
- A specific moment, achievement, or quality that sets them apart
- Something that shows character, not just accomplishment
- Why YOU — someone who has photographed hundreds of teens — noticed this one
- "[Name] is the kind of teen who..."
- "What sets [Name] apart is..."
- "I nominated [Name] because when I photographed her, I noticed..."
- "Most teens his age [do X] — [Name] is already [doing Y]."
- Generic phrases like "she's a great student and a hard worker" without specifics
- Listing every activity without connecting them to character
- Copying directly from a resume or bio
Image guidelines:
- High resolution — 300dpi minimum
- Clean background or environmental portraits work best for features
- Images that showcase a talent is gold to us
- Action shots work well for athletes
- Submit your strongest image — it appears on their voting page and may be published
- Fashion forward, editorial style images are ideal for the iTi STYLE section - when you nominate one, we automatically GIVE you a STYLE page for your favorite image of this teen when they reach participation level. We just started this in issue 101 and it's already been amazing! With our rolling start, we already have teens who will be awarded these pages and they don't even know it yet! (Their photographers do though!)
During the Contest
During the Contest — How to Support Your Client
Your following is one of the most powerful tools your client has. A single post from you can move the needle more than a week of their own outreach. Here's exactly how to use it.
What you can do:
Caption templates — copy, personalize, and post:
For the initial announcement: "One of my favorite humans just got nominated for @inspiringteensmagazine and I could not be more proud. [Name] is [one sentence about who they are]. Link in bio. Go show her some love. #InspiringTeensMagazine"
For a milestone push: "[Name] is [X] votes away from unlocking his next scholarship level with @inspiringteensmagazine. If you've been meaning to vote, today is the day. Link in bio. #InspiringTeensMagazine"
For the final push: "Last chance to vote for [Name] in @inspiringteensmagazine Issue 101. The contest closes [date] and every single vote counts. This girl has worked so hard — let's finish strong. Link in bio. #InspiringTeensMagazine"
For stories: "Swipe up to vote for [Name] 💎 He's competing for a national scholarship and cover feature with @inspiringteensmagazine — takes 30 seconds and means everything to him."
Tagging tips:
Your following is one of the most powerful tools your client has. A single post from you can move the needle more than a week of their own outreach. Here's exactly how to use it.
What you can do:
- Share their voting link in your Instagram stories and feed
- Tag @inspiringteensmagazine in every post so we can reshare
- Use #InspiringTeensMagazine on every post
- Encourage your own clients and followers to vote
- Post updates as they hit milestones — 25 votes, 50 votes, 100 votes
Caption templates — copy, personalize, and post:
For the initial announcement: "One of my favorite humans just got nominated for @inspiringteensmagazine and I could not be more proud. [Name] is [one sentence about who they are]. Link in bio. Go show her some love. #InspiringTeensMagazine"
For a milestone push: "[Name] is [X] votes away from unlocking his next scholarship level with @inspiringteensmagazine. If you've been meaning to vote, today is the day. Link in bio. #InspiringTeensMagazine"
For the final push: "Last chance to vote for [Name] in @inspiringteensmagazine Issue 101. The contest closes [date] and every single vote counts. This girl has worked so hard — let's finish strong. Link in bio. #InspiringTeensMagazine"
For stories: "Swipe up to vote for [Name] 💎 He's competing for a national scholarship and cover feature with @inspiringteensmagazine — takes 30 seconds and means everything to him."
Tagging tips:
- Always tag @inspiringteensmagazine — we actively reshare photographer posts featuring our teens
- Tag the teen and their family when possible — it amplifies reach instantly
- Post during peak engagement hours — Tuesday through Friday, 11am–1pm or 7pm–9pm
After the Contest
After the Issue Drops — Make It Part of Your Brand
Getting your work published in a national magazine is a marketing moment. Here's how to make the most of it.
Your post-publication checklist:
When the issue releases --
Feed post: "Officially published. [Name]'s feature is live in Issue [#] of @inspiringteensmagazine and I am so incredibly proud of her. It has been an honor to tell her story through my lens. #InspiringTeensMagazine"
Stories: "One of my clients is in a national magazine today. Swipe to see [Name]'s feature in @inspiringteensmagazine Issue [#]. This is why I do what I do."
When a scholarship is awarded: "[Name] just won a $[amount] scholarship through @inspiringteensmagazine and I get to say I was there from the beginning. So proud of this young man. #InspiringTeensMagazine"
Adding this to your studio marketing: Consider adding a section to your website or client welcome packet that mentions your partnership with Inspiring Teens Magazine. Families choosing a senior photographer are influenced by what that photographer can open doors to — not just the images they take. Being an Official Partner Studio is a differentiator worth advertising.
Getting your work published in a national magazine is a marketing moment. Here's how to make the most of it.
Your post-publication checklist:
When the issue releases --
- Post the feature spread to your feed and stories
- Tag @inspiringteensmagazine and the teen and their family
- Use #InspiringTeensMagazine
- Update your website and portfolio with the published feature
- Add "Published in Inspiring Teens Magazine" to your studio bio and marketing materials
- Order extra copies to display in your studio — families notice
- Send the press release to your local paper, business journal, and community newsletter
- Post the announcement on social using the caption templates in the press release section above
- Add the scholarship announcement to your studio's Google Business profile as an update
Feed post: "Officially published. [Name]'s feature is live in Issue [#] of @inspiringteensmagazine and I am so incredibly proud of her. It has been an honor to tell her story through my lens. #InspiringTeensMagazine"
Stories: "One of my clients is in a national magazine today. Swipe to see [Name]'s feature in @inspiringteensmagazine Issue [#]. This is why I do what I do."
When a scholarship is awarded: "[Name] just won a $[amount] scholarship through @inspiringteensmagazine and I get to say I was there from the beginning. So proud of this young man. #InspiringTeensMagazine"
Adding this to your studio marketing: Consider adding a section to your website or client welcome packet that mentions your partnership with Inspiring Teens Magazine. Families choosing a senior photographer are influenced by what that photographer can open doors to — not just the images they take. Being an Official Partner Studio is a differentiator worth advertising.
Press Release
When your client earns a scholarship or cover feature, you have a story worth telling. Use this press release template to announce the news to your local paper, business journal, or community newsletter. Your studio gets credited nationally in the magazine — this gets you credited locally too.
Press Release: The "Photographer Edition"
PHOTOS INCLUDED: [Studio Name] Partners with Inspiring Teens Magazine to Award National Scholarship to Local Student
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[CITY, STATE] — [Studio Name] is proud to announce that local high school student [Teen’s Name] has been selected as a national scholarship recipient by Inspiring Teens Magazine.
As an Official Partner Studio for the publication, [Photographer Name] nominated [Teen’s Name] for their outstanding leadership and impact within the [City/School Name] community. In addition to the financial scholarship, the student’s story and professional portraits captured by [Studio Name] will be featured in the upcoming Issue 101 of the magazine.
"Our goal at [Studio Name] has always been to capture more than just a portrait; we want to capture a legacy," says [Photographer Name], owner of [Studio Name]. "Partnering with Inspiring Teens allows us to go a step further by providing our clients with a platform for national recognition and tangible educational funding."
To date, Inspiring Teens Magazine has awarded nearly $200,000 in merit-based scholarships through its unique partnership with elite photographers across the country.
###
About [Studio Name]: [Insert 2–3 sentences about the photographer’s studio, years in business, and specialty.]
###
About Inspiring Teens Magazine Inspiring Teens is a national scholarship platform and premier youth publication dedicated to celebrating the leadership, creativity, and academic excellence of today’s youth. Since its inception, the magazine has awarded over $200,000 in merit-based scholarships, funded through its unique ecosystem of media and storytelling.
Central to this mission is a curated network of Partner Photographers across the United States. These elite creative professionals serve as the magazine’s official scouts, identifying high-achieving teens in their local communities and providing the world-class editorial photography that brings their stories to life. By bridging the gap between professional art and educational opportunity, Inspiring Teens continues to build a lasting legacy for the next generation of leaders.
For more information, visit: inspiringteens.com
.Photographers (The "Partnership" Photo) The photographer has two great options:
When your client earns a scholarship or cover feature, you have a story worth telling. Use this press release template to announce the news to your local paper, business journal, or community newsletter. Your studio gets credited nationally in the magazine — this gets you credited locally too.
Press Release: The "Photographer Edition"
PHOTOS INCLUDED: [Studio Name] Partners with Inspiring Teens Magazine to Award National Scholarship to Local Student
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[CITY, STATE] — [Studio Name] is proud to announce that local high school student [Teen’s Name] has been selected as a national scholarship recipient by Inspiring Teens Magazine.
As an Official Partner Studio for the publication, [Photographer Name] nominated [Teen’s Name] for their outstanding leadership and impact within the [City/School Name] community. In addition to the financial scholarship, the student’s story and professional portraits captured by [Studio Name] will be featured in the upcoming Issue 101 of the magazine.
"Our goal at [Studio Name] has always been to capture more than just a portrait; we want to capture a legacy," says [Photographer Name], owner of [Studio Name]. "Partnering with Inspiring Teens allows us to go a step further by providing our clients with a platform for national recognition and tangible educational funding."
To date, Inspiring Teens Magazine has awarded nearly $200,000 in merit-based scholarships through its unique partnership with elite photographers across the country.
###
About [Studio Name]: [Insert 2–3 sentences about the photographer’s studio, years in business, and specialty.]
###
About Inspiring Teens Magazine Inspiring Teens is a national scholarship platform and premier youth publication dedicated to celebrating the leadership, creativity, and academic excellence of today’s youth. Since its inception, the magazine has awarded over $200,000 in merit-based scholarships, funded through its unique ecosystem of media and storytelling.
Central to this mission is a curated network of Partner Photographers across the United States. These elite creative professionals serve as the magazine’s official scouts, identifying high-achieving teens in their local communities and providing the world-class editorial photography that brings their stories to life. By bridging the gap between professional art and educational opportunity, Inspiring Teens continues to build a lasting legacy for the next generation of leaders.
For more information, visit: inspiringteens.com
.Photographers (The "Partnership" Photo) The photographer has two great options:
- The "Action" Shot: A "Behind the Scenes" photo of them photographing the teen. It shows them "in the zone" as a professional.
- The "Award" Shot: A photo of the photographer standing next to the teen, holding a copy of the issue of the magazine the teen is featured in. This screams "Community Impact."
- Add a "Photo Caption" at the very bottom of the press release text.
The "Standard Professional" Caption"Local high school student [Teen Name], recently named a National Scholarship recipient by Inspiring Teens Magazine, as captured by [Photographer Name] of [Studio Name]. [Studio Name] is an official partner of the national publication."
The "Social Impact" Caption (If they are sending to a Business Journal)"Bridging art and opportunity: [Photographer Name] (right) with scholarship winner [Teen Name]. Through a partnership with Inspiring Teens Magazine, [Studio Name] helps facilitate educational funding for high-achieving youth in the [City Name] area." - The "L-to-R" Rule: If there is more than one person in the photo, you must list the names from left to right.
- Ex: (L-R) [Teen Name] and [Photographer Name].
- The Metadata Move: Add their Studio Name and Website into the "File Info" or "Metadata" of the actual image file. If the news editor saves the photo to their desktop, your info stays attached to it.
- *Local editors are visual—they want to see the face behind the scholarship. Make sure the file is high-resolution (at least 300dpi) so it looks as stunning in the newspaper as it does in our magazine!
FAQ --
Photographers who are new to us always have the same questions.
Have other questions? Email [email protected] - I'm happy to help.
Photographers who are new to us always have the same questions.
- Is there a cost to nominate? No.
- Can I nominate more than one teen? Yes.
- What if my client doesn't accept? We'll let you know and keep you in the loop.
- How long does the process take? Nominations to publication is approximately 2-3 months.
- Can I nominate a teen I photographed a while ago, not just recent clients? Yes, as long as they're 13-19.
Have other questions? Email [email protected] - I'm happy to help.