Have you been dreaming of planning your own styled shoot? We know there are a lot of fantastic workshops out there and group styled shoots to attend, but designing an exclusive one for your brand is so rewarding! Seeing your vision come to life is so exciting, and you'll be the only photographer to photograph all of the prettiness! It may take a little work, but it's 100% worth it! Even if you're not Type A 😉

The first order of business is deciding your theme, color palette, and budget. Remember that it's an investment into your business, so make sure it's cohesive with your brand. After gathering some inspiration images, create a mood board to share when you reach out to other vendors. We love using Canva for this!

Pro tip: Include images of the actual gown(s), model, venue, etc., to be used in the mood board, if possible. Make a note in your introductory email, "Attached is the mood board, and pictured is the gown and venue to be used!"

For the next step, decide the location and date. Most venues are only available for styled shoots on weekdays, and some may have an hourly fee. Once a time and place are set in stone, start contacting vendors and provide as many details as you can. Here's a guideline for your initial email:

• Introduce yourself and include your Instagram handle and website.

• Provide the date, location, and timeframe.

• Compliment their work and why you'd love to work with them! Share your budget and what you're envisioning them creating (number of floral arrangements, stationery suite + place cards, etc.).

• Tell them what you can do for them. Go above and beyond! Provide the images and offer to take headshots and BTS photos if they'll be on-site.

• Share the mood board!

• Close by letting them know you'd be happy to answer any questions or even schedule a phone call to chat further.

Pro tip: Bring water bottles and individually packaged snacks to the shoot for everyone. Ask in advance if there are any food allergies!

Try to find vendors on the same business level as you and with similar ideal clients. Styled shoots are a splendid opportunity to network and build a referral base! After the shoot, leave a review for each vendor and let them know how much you appreciate them and their talent.

The winter or early spring are the best times to plan shoots as everyone's calendar is clear, and they'd have the capacity to take on a project. We recommend starting to plan at least a month in advance, but ninety days to two months is ideal. It can take a little while to hear back from everyone you inquire with, and a good amount of notice is appreciated as they may need to order supplies just for it.

We hope this has you pumped to create your very own editorial and that you're inspired to make some magic!

Cheers,
Your Ginger team

Image courtesy of Shannon Duggan, Jeanne Viggiano, Julien Jeanne & Megan King