EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT STYLIZED SHOOTS
Stylized shoots have drastically changed how engaged couples “shop” for their wedding vendors and how they envision their dream wedding. Today’s couples are predominantly visual shoppers. They like to see their potential vendor’s best work before making their final booking decisions. But, stylized shoots play an even bigger role in the wedding industry than just for our future clients.
Many wedding professionals believe that stylized shoots are stressful, so you may be debating whether or not a stylized shoot is worth it. The short answer is “YES!”, but here’s why we believe it’s worth it for YOU –
1. You will capture unique and inspiring photos for wedding publications.
Publications get their content directly into the hands of the consumers – engaged couples! You will land in front of your competition with your best work in a publication.
The One Wedding Show & Magazine is always looking for stylized shoot submissions and those selected to be published are done so for FREE! If you have images that you would like to submit you can do that on our Submit Images page.
2. You will network with other like-minded wedding professionals who will help you elevate your business.
The wedding industry can be chaotic especially in the busy seasons and it may be hard to get that opportunity to connect with the vendors that you’ve been eyeing. Stylized shoots give you an opportunity to network directly with the best professionals in your area. Networking with like-minded professionals will land you a ton of client referrals in the future and you never know what doors can open by having connections with the right people.
When you create with like-minded people, your own creative muscles will grow! You never know what creative spark will ignite when you are working with other creative people!
3. This is an opportunity to expand your marketing content and update your portfolio.
Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, your website, wedding expo/show displays, flyers and printed material, you name it! If you’re still using images that are two-three years old, it’s time for an update! Wedding trends change year-by-year so it’s important to stay current.
Whether you are a “newer” wedding professional or you have been in the business for a long time, stylized shoots benefit everyone!
HOW TO PLAN A STYLIZED SHOOT
1. Know Your Goal –
Who, what, where, when, and why. Know who you are trying to target. What are you trying to communicate through the final images? Where will you use these images? When will you use the images? What is your “why”
There may be a dozen benefits for you to plan a stylized shoot, but it’s important to narrow your “why” down to one main reason so that you can focus your planning around your most desired outcome. For example, maybe you want to connect with a vendor who does amazing work, then it will be crucial for you to consider their needs in order for you to partner with them for your shoot.
2. have a clear vision –
What do you want the final images to look like? It’s absolutely crucial to think ahead, what are the trends for the next 12-18 months? Don’t design your shoot for the “now” , design it for future trends. Not to mention, any professional who will be working with you will want to have a clear understanding of your vision so that they can determine if partnering with you is a good move for them.
MOOD BOARDS! Not only are couples focused on the visuals, but wedding professionals are too! Before moving further in the planning process, put your vision on paper. Mood boards are simple yet effective. Do your research on upcoming trends, colors, etc. and design a mood board that you can share with your desired partners.
It’s important to be flexible with your mood board! When you partner with a venue, the overall vision and look may change. Be willing to work with the venue to establish a “look” that matches your vision as well as the venue’s look.
If you’re not familiar with Photoshop or InDesign, then we recommend Canva. It is an easy-to-learn tool and we’ve already created two FREE templates for you!
3. PLAN AHEAD –
Think through the timeline of when you would like to have the shoot. It can take a little longer to lock in your vendors and you don’t want to ask them last minute. Have a date in mind but be sure to have back-up dates. We would advise that you avoid the crazy wedding months because you are more likely to get a “no” from most of your preferred vendors.
4. Lock in the Venue –
Now that you know what your “look” will be for the shoot, it’s important to partner with a venue who will compliment the look. Lock in the venue first, because without it there won’t be a stylized shoot!
5. Map out Your Shoot –
Go in order of what a typical wedding timeline would look like. Getting ready, ceremony, reception, etc. But don’t leave out the details like stationery, wedding favors, food & drink, couple’s portraits and other items that will be crucial to accomplishing your main goal. Who will be your model(s)? Be sure to think about attire, hair and make-up!
6. Partner with Other Professionals –
Once you have everything mapped out you will have a solid list of vendors that you will need to partner with. Here are a few key tips on how you should approach these vendors:
Build Rapport – if you don’t have a direct contact then start building a relationship with them over social media. Show them love on their posts and show them that you see the great work that they’re doing.
Be Professional – once you have developed the rapport with them, make the official ask over email. Sending a DM won’t send the same message as an email will. Top-notch vendors only want to work with true professionals.
Show Value – you have your mood board laid out and you know your goal so confidently share the vision with them! Communicate how the shoot will benefit them and remember that vendors look for confidence and organization.
Work with your Vendors – don’t be too stuck to your vision. You, as a professional, are working with other professionals who likely have great ideas and on top of trends that would elevate the final product from your stylized shoot.
Make an Agreement – if you are not a photographer, but sure to clearly communicate with the vendors exactly what you are exchanging with them for the photos and the work. Avoid any miscommunication so that you don’t damage any relationships.
7. Think Logistically –
Your vendors are secured, now think through all of the missing details. Do you need to order any props or materials that you weren’t able to partner with a vendor for?
Set a timeline for the shoot-day. Include times of exactly when everything will happen. This will help keep everyone on track. And don’t forget to include a hair & make-up schedule for your models! It’s easy to be thrown off on time so it’s crucial that you have a well-thought out plan.
If you are hoping to use the images from the shoot for marketing, lay out your marketing plan before the shoot even happens so that you can hit the ground running with your incredible images.
In your timeline don’t forget to include behind the scenes shots on the day of the shoot! Post on social media and tag the vendors. Maybe even dedicate one of your team members to handle social media for the day. This will build anticipation around what you are creating! Your stylized shoot is so much more than just the final product.
Feel free to reach out to The One team and we will tag along to help capture some of these behind the scene moments for stylized shoots in the STL and surrounding areas.
Don’t be afraid of stylized shoots! A well planned and thought-out shoot will be a bit of an investment (time, money, etc.) but the payout is BIG.
Don’t forget to submit your stylized shoot images and videos to The One Wedding Show & Magazine!
Want to be a Vendor the Upcoming Wedding Show?!
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