Styled Shoots. Let me repeat, s-t-y-l-e-d shoots.   We are fans over here to say the least.   There is no better way to both bring your own creative vision to life and have the opportunity to network with like-minded creatives.  These collabs are one of the many advantages that the wedding industry offers compared to other industry markets.

What other market can you bring your service or product to the table, then in return get professional photos to use for social and marketing content?  Whether you’re a seasoned styled shoot-er, or you’re just starting out, we’re talking about all the perks!

Note: Every styled shoot opportunity is specific to the designated coordinator/organizing team. Therefore, some points we hit may not exactly apply to every shoot.  Such as those who are designated responsible for specific shoot expenses, if you’re only responsible for covering your own costs, etc.  This is why transparency and communication is super important amongst all the vendors, from the very beginning!

2.  Build Your Portfolio

These collaborations are a sure, quick way to add beautiful, picked content to your business portfolio.   With all of the many hours of energy that you put into your business, you can simplify your primary goal for success...  Nab your ideal client.  A gallery full of professional images showcasing your craft will demonstrate your ability and versatility.  You want to seek shoots that are are in line with your brand or brand goals; this way you can proudly share them.

Your portfolio will serve as a resume for clients, but all of the images you obtain from styled shoots can be used on your website for design, blogging (ahem...) and all the social platforms.  Imagine stacking up your content faster than you can post it... Styled shoots can help you achieve this!

3.  More Creative Freedom

If you're not leading the collaboration, you definitely won't have complete, free range to do whatever you want (this is where planning your own is even better!! SEE all photos on this post)...  you'll want to communicate with the lead on everything you're putting together to make sure it's cohesive. 

But, with excellent communication right from the get-go, you can determine whether or not the theme and vision of the shoot are what you've been wanting to see in your portfolio.  It could be something as simple as a fresh design to get the creative juices flowing!  If you're a florist like me, you might want to experiment with a new floral style, as a calligrapher, test a new medium or ink, or a photographer, test new lenses... you get the gist!

4.  Experience

More than likely, you got into the wedding business to make your clients' wedding dreams come true! This is one of the means to both hone in on your craft and get in there and make mistakes.  This will inevitably make their experience even more phenomenal and add to your confidence in the industry.

When I mentioned making mistakes... Oh that is goingg to happen...  It's going to be annoying, too!  But, the best part about those (and yeah it's cliche AF), you're going to learn from them and know to dodge them after!  Not only will you gain knowledge from the exposure to everything the shoot involves, but the connections that you make along the way will, too!