It’s that time again… Laurelyn asked the following question, and it’s a good one. It’s one I once asked too. I’ve seen a couple of your styled shoots on your website and they are so gorgeous! I have seen examples also on bridal/wedding blogs and I think it’s such a fun idea. I’d really love to do one myself, but I realized I have no idea how they are arranged. I have a theme/idea in mind, but I’m not sure how to begin. Do you contact vendors and ask if they are interested in participating? Does it cost you (as a photographer) to have vendors participate? Hopefully you are able to describe the process just a bit, any info is very helpful. Getting to connect with other vendors in the industry is one of my favourite aspects of styled shoots! It’s so fun to collaborate with other creatives, and see that come to life. It’s a way to help push each other’s businesses forward. I’ll begin with an idea. The main driving factor in my first styled shoot was to show potential clients what I was capable of. It’s hard to book weddings when you don’t have that experience under your belt. The other great thing about a styled shoot is that it allows you to appeal to your ideal client. So, I began with a few ideas in mind and then began approaching local wedding vendors. A stylist, a florist, a makeup artist, a venue and someone to bake some delicious treats. Once I sat down with the stylist, Colleen of Vintage Home, and the florist, Kari of Confetti Floral, ideas really began to flourish. It costs each vendor, yes, but we do it for our businesses; for marketing, for growing, for fun! As a photographer, it costs me in time, effort and any extra props or food that needs to be purchased. Each vendor pays for their own supplies (flowers, for example) and with their own time, efforts and talents as well. For the lawn bowling photo shoot, I was really excited to work with gown designers! The girls at Ellebay Bridal were excited to lend the gorgeous dresses once I presented them with my idea. After all, it’s a fantastic way to grow your name and your brand, so don’t be afraid to ask around for others to get involved. My wish was to do something different, photograph something different, and that’s where the lawn…
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