How To Plan A Summer Styled Shoot

Hi, hi, hi, friends!

How is everyone feeling in the middle of this heat? Like, can you believe it isn’t Summer yet?! The high in Columbia reaches almost 100 next week so you will find me hiding indoors until further notice! As much as it may not feel nice, Summer is one of the best times for a styled shoot!

“But Sarah, what is a styled shoot?” I am so glad you asked! A styled shoot is defined as “a collaborative effort of multiple creatives who put their talents and resources together to create a stunning visual concept to be photographed.” In layman’s terms, this means that it is a photoshoot where various vendors come together to make a vision…reality! Styled shoots can have anywhere between 2-100 vendors! It depends on what the theme and style of the shoot are!

I have been fortunate enough to have been a part of styled shoots! I have shot about twelve now and they are so much fun! They are a lot different from a normal shooting session because everyone is working together so essentially everyone gets an opinion on the day! This can be such a great help when everyone is on the same page, working together, and making magic happen!

If you are anything like me, you may wonder how to make your styled shoot happen! Well lucky for you I am giving a step-by-step breakdown on how to create your own styled shoot!

Let’s get into it!

ONE: DEVELOP THE IDEA

Having an idea or theme is the foundation of a successful styled shoot! You should choose something that’s unique (at least to the viewership you’re aiming for). Something that will speak to your ideal client, and something that will excite and inspire any other vendors you would like to work with. A theme for a styled shoot can revolve around a color scheme, a pattern, and more!

TWO: ESTABLISH ANY OF YOUR GOALS

Just like any other project your work on, there needs to be a goal! A goal for your styled shoot could be for your photos to be featured in a magazine or online source. Another goal may be to gain experience in planning or experience working alongside other people. Your goal is going to be what helps motivate you to above and beyond during your shoot.

THREE: FIND + SECURE YOUR LOCATION

Before you book any of your other vendors, it’s a good idea to secure the location of the shoot. Often, a theme revolves around a specific location, so you should make sure you can use it before getting too far into the planning process. This could look like an estate, barn venue, waterside, and more!

FOUR: REACH OUT TO OTHER VENDORS

Unless you plan on doing the shoot alone, now is the time to get other vendors involved! I find that a nice email is the best way to go about soliciting support for a styled shoot! Putting together and sending a written email will help ensure that all of the important details are included, and gives other business owners time to consider your request.

When you send your email, make sure you explain the vision and goal of your styled shoot.  Be clear and upfront if you expect the vendors to donate their products or services for free, and tell them what they will get in return. This will help give them a clear idea of what exactly you need from them!

FIVE: BOOK YOUR MODELS

This is the fun part! Unless you already have someone in mind for your shoot, you can create a model call online! Create a graphic that explains what you are looking for, when, and what is included. (Side Note: It is common for models to shoot for free in return for their images.

SIX: SCHEDULE YOUR MEETINGS

It will be very important for you to stay on top of things regarding your shoot! Having meetings with your vendors/assistants involved will help keep all goals on the right track, on an appropriate timeline, and help everyone work together more efficiently!

SEVEN: CONFIRM ANY DETAILS

If you are working with multiple vendors it will be your responsibility to communicate and make sure they are set up for success. It will be very important for you to confirm any and all details regarding the shoot! This will include the vendor’s role in the shoot, what time they need to arrive, and more!

EIGHT: CREATE THE DAY-OF TIMELINE

What time is hair and makeup? When should the other vendors be there? When should the models arrive? What time will you start shooting? What time will you be done? I recommend setting up a Google Document that everyone can view and edit. It’s a great way to hash out the details and make sure everyone knows what they are supposed to bring and what time they should arrive.

NINE: SHOOT!

On the day of the shoot, bring a spare pair of shoes, water, a snack, and any necessary model release forms. Before you are done shooting, make sure to ask the other vendors who are present if they have any specific photos they want you to take. Bring a notebook and write down how each vendor would like their business credited, and what handle they would like you to use, if applicable.

TEN: TIE ANY POST-SHOOT DETAILS

After your shoot, I highly recommend sending out an email to everyone involved in the shoot and give them a huge thank you! From there, you can ask them to confirm their social media handles, let them know the gallery is coming soon, etc.! This is a way to show that you care for the people involved more than the work (weird concept, huh?)

There you have it! This is a LOT of information so if you have any questions feel free to reach out! I hope you all have THE BEST WEEK EVER! I will see you back here next weekend for Father’s Day!

Until then…

xoxo-