5 Takeaways from Attending a Styled Shoot

Make sure you’re splitting up your shooting time evenly: Since styled shoots are such an amazing way to build your portfolio it’s not really surprising how popular they are! That being said, the chances are that you’re going to make some friends while you’re there and in the coming weeks you’ll be seeing what amazing images they’ve created. All of that being said, wouldn’t you want to see different images than your own and be able to enjoy everyone's different poses/styles? One way to do this is to break down the amount of time you’ve got at your station according to the number of people you’re working with, from there you can have someone set a time and then you’re ready to go!


Bring fun things to shoot with/explore: I hinted at this earlier but styled shoots are an amazing time explore! Maybe you’ve been reading up on light painting, or maybe you got some new toys like a prism you’d like to play around with, whatever it is… a styled shoot is the perfect opportunity to play around with it and potentially collaborate with other photographers.

Get Funky: Styled shoots help take the pressure off from being in front of a paying client, which can sometimes lead to photographer's block (also known as drawing blanks on what to do next for your posing and prompts). This should be a welcoming space to explore new ideas, find new poses that lean into your particular style, all the while giving you the freedom to just find your groove. Don’t be afraid to try something different from the pack, you just might love it.

​Engage with whoever you’re shooting just like you would any client: Talk it up with the couple or model you’re working with! Photography finds new heights when you build a genuine connection with someone and find out what makes them feel alive, inspired, and excited. If it’s a couple ask how they met, what their favorite thing about their partner is, how they are feeling about modeling it up in front of all of these photographers. If it’s a solo model find out what they like, how they got into their line of work, most importantly make them feel at home with you!

Find all of the amazing vendors from this styled shoot on Instagram:

• Host, Concept & Planning: @ellestudios 
• Floral Design: @kraftandcompany
• Hair & Makeup: @merakibeauty 
• Makeup: @tia.merakibeauty
• Hair: @lauren.merakibeauty 
• Stationery/Backdrop: @textureandtequila
• Cake: @lovebitesbyerika
• Bridal Gowns: @barbarakavchokbridal
• Balloon Installation: @hazelgreystyle​
• Table Styling: @e._laine

Network with the other photographers: This should be pretty straightforward but it can be intimidating to break that social ice especially when you’re in a room filled with amazing creators! This is an awesome chance to meet/connect and form friendships with other people in your field which just might lead to future shooting opportunities, a coffee date pal, or even some friends who will support you and your work online.
Some easy ice breaking questions:

• What brand do you shoot?
• Where is your expertise/niche?
• How did you hear about this shoot?
• I’d love to see what you do, can we be friends on our socials?​

If you’re debating attending a styled shoot, YOU SHOULD DO IT. I learned so much from attending my first one and was so inspired by the creativity and diversity of the community of photographers I got to engage with there.
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