How to plan a styled shoot | Montana Elopement Photographer
You have this dream and vision of a wedding that you want to shoot or be a part of yet it isn’t coming your way. I’m here to tell you that you don’t have to wait. You can make it happen. Sitting around and waiting for the right vision won’t make it appear out of thin air. Planning a styled shoot can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. It is a great way to get creative and fulfill your dream.
Where to begin when planning a styled shoot
Create your vision board on Pinterest. Wanting a boho styled theme or maybe it’s an elegant high end wedding. Whatever you have planned, search out everything. From your color scheme, hair & makeup, what you want the groom’s attire to be, to all the accessories. Pin it all. You’ll want to send this to the vendors.
Research the vendors you want to participate. Follow them on social media. Engage in their content. Become an active role on their accounts. When you are doing this, find multiple vendors in each category. Not only will this help you connect with them for this styled shoot, but it will also help you establish relationships for the future.
Send an email to the vendors that you’d like to participate. When you do this, be specific about everything you are wanting. Invite them to partake and tell them why you want them involved. What specific things do you like about what they are doing. Send them your pinterest board, a list of the other vendors you’ve reached/are involved and tell them your vision for the shoot. You can’t give them enough information. I like letting the other vendors be creative, but I also want them to fit in with my theme. Have two to three dates as options and see which ones work the best for everyone involved. Lastly, make sure they are well aware of that they will get in exchange for the pictures or your time. If you aren’t wanting to spend money, make sure that is clearly defined. Be clear and upfront about everything.
Don’t be discouraged if they say no. Your timeline might not work for them or they just aren’t invested in your vision. That is ok and you will probably hear know from a few people. Just keep reaching out to other vendors and don’t stop pursuing your dream.
Let other photographer’s join you. This is a great way to help reimburse any costs that you’ve accumulated in the planning process. I’ve gotten dresses, spent money on rentals and food. It doesn’t hurt to charge for things you’ve spent time planning. This also can help other vendors recoup some of their costs as well.
HAVE FUN! Don’t forget to enjoy the planning process and the accomplishments that come with making your dreams come true.
Interested in planning a shoot or want me to photograph your wedding, then let’s get planning here!
