How To Plan A Styled Shoot
When I first started out in my wedding photography business, styled shoots were incredibly helpful. They allowed me to create content specific to what I wanted to market for and practice my skill and artistic ability. This blog is the beginning of the process of a styled shoot (which does not have to be wedding related!)
What is a styled shoot?
Styled shoots are planned photoshoots that have a specific goal in mind. They are curated for the person creating it. Styled shoots can be any planned photoshoots with a specific style in mind (like an in-home popcorn and movie night session, a wedding shoot with a specific color pallete or theme in mind and anthing in between). Styled shoots are the perfect opportunity for a creative to execute a specific idea they have.
Find your goal
The best thing to start with is finding out what your goal is for the shoot. Are you wanting to increase your portfolio? Do you need photos for a specific category of photos or are you marketing for a specific thing (weddings, families, maternity, etc.)? Is this for a personal project?
It is also good to have a timeline set out for when you will be executing your shoot. I like to schedule styled shoots about 2-3 months out for a full wedding styled shoot. This allows me ample time to schedule all vendors, plan out my ideas and balance my regular wedding photography work load at the same time. What location do you want for your background? What’s your artistic goal? If you plan on submitting your styled shoot for publication, focus on your details you include. Publications like to see the unique details you incorporate and make stand out.
Create an inspiration board
I find that Pinterest is incredibly helpful for me on this. I can search for anything I am looking for (pink cake, black wedding dress, beach a-frame arbor) and get inspired by what I find. Pro tip- make sure to note when you share your inspiration board with others that the images are not your property. Images come with copyrights, and we should never claim that they are our own (and not saying anything comes off as the same thing).
A tip for inspiration boards
Add your color scheme into the photo, along with photos of the details you are going for (cake inspiration, florals, décor). Also add the outfit inspiration and location. Anything you can provide for vendors is helpful. Think of it this way- you want to show them as best you can what you’re envisioning in one inspiration photo. They should be able to clearly see what you’re envisioning. I also have found that when creating a vision board, the website Canva is very helpful. Pro tip- consider making an inspiration photo for each vendor specifically curated to them!
Check out my pinterest page full of inspiration ideas here!
Find out how you will get your supplies
I will use the example of planning a wedding styled shoot, since this is my niche. For example, after you have figured out if you are planning an elopement style shoot or a full wedding, find out what products and details you will need. Gather a list of everything you imagine in your photos. Making a list of products reduce the overwhelming feeling. I really enjoy finding unique detail pieces on Etsy (for example, ribbon or unique ring boxes). Here’s a great link to a unique Etsy ring box I used and highly recommend! CLICK HERE.
Faux cake vendor I highly recommend - https://www.etsy.com/shop/sedolhouse?section_id=30281374&order=date_desc&utm_source=boe&utm_medium=android&utm_campaign=DaatGhb9QNuKnAGsyoWbAA&utm_content=fake/faux%20cake
Some ideas for funding
Other vendors- the great thing about styled shoots is the opportunity to connect and collaborate with other vendors in the field (in my example, the wedding industry). Some vendors are also in the same boat you are- wanting to practice their art and show what they can do.
Some vendors are willing to trade their product for your images. You have to be willing to let them use your products for their marketing in exchange for their products (with the agreement that all parties will get the credit for their work). This credit usually includes being tagged on social media posts and listed on photos on websites. That way all parties benefit from the project.
Another option is to fund your own shoot. I have purchased products for shoots before and this allows for easy capabilities of getting exactly what you want. Some photographers open the shoot up to other photographers to attend and use that time to improve their portfolio and practice their work as well. Some photographers sell tickets as a way of offsetting the startup price for the shoot. Every photographer is different, so it is up to you what terms you want to involve when inviting other photographers (requiring credit for your work on social media, having a contract, etc.) A tip if you choose to invite other photographers- have scheduled stations! This allows for each photographer to have their artistic time without feeling overwhelmed or like they need to fight for the models attention. Making the timing fair for everyone makes for happy photographers and vendors!
Here’s a good generic starter list for an elopement styled shoot
Model couple
Wedding dress/shoes
Hair/Makeup vendor
Tux/shoes
Bouquet and possibly bridal hairpiece
Champagne bottle for photo prop
Rings for detail shots
Vow books and/or invitation set for detail shots
In conclusion, planning and executing a styled shoot has many different faces. You can plan a styled shoot for anything you put your mind to. Styled editorial portraits, family sessions, elopements, engagements, maternity, and so many more categories in between. I hope this blog post served as a informational beginning to the start of your styled shoot in the works! If you would like more advice and tips on this subject, comment below and let me know!
Gabriella Sutherland is a wedding photographer based in Ohio that travels worldwide for wedding days. To inquire about your wedding day, click the link below!
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