Styled shoots are such a huge part of running a wedding business, and funny enough, they’re something most wedding pros either don’t know about or have a hard time understanding why they are useful. Maybe you’ve heard other wedding pros mention them, but you’ve never done one. Or you’ve done one but not very well. Whether you’re a florist, planner, venue owner, or anything in between, photographs that showcase the true beauty of your wedding design work are a necessity in every wedding professional’s portfolio. In this blog post, I’m going to break down exactly how to put together a successful styled shoot, how to ensure your work gets featured, and how to publish it by a blog or magazine.

What is a Styled Shoot?

As its name suggests, a styled shoot is a meticulously planned, styled photo session. Rather than taking candid photos during a ceremony or reception, a styled shoot aims to showcase a specific theme, trend, or design concept within the wedding industry. 

A styled shoot typically involves collaboration between various wedding professionals, including photographers, planners, florists, models, and boutique owners, all of which come together to create a cohesive visual story.

Why are Styled Shoots Important?

Styled shoots offer wedding professionals the opportunity to showcase their unique creative vision, something not always possible with client work. They allow you to experiment with different styles or trends that align with your brand and resonate with your target audience.

Key Benefits of Styled Shoots:

1. Showcase Your Creative Vision: Highlight your skills and creativity in a controlled environment.
2. Networking: Collaborate with other wedding professionals and build valuable industry relationships.
3. Build Your Portfolio: Tailor every aspect of the shoot to your strengths and the desires of your target audience.
4. Marketing Campaigns: Create a visual marketing campaign that stands out.
5. Industry Recognition: Establish credibility and open doors to being featured in blogs, publications, and more.

What Should Wedding Professionals Expect From a Styled Shoot?

1. Collaboration

Styled shoots celebrate collaboration, bringing together various wedding professionals to create something beautiful. You’ll work closely with others to bring a cohesive vision to life, allowing everyone to showcase their skills and creativity.

2. Exposure

Share the resulting photographs across social media, business websites, and media outlets. This helps your wedding business gain exposure in the community and beyond.

3. Professional Development

Styled shoots allow you to flex your skills and build new ones, pushing you out of your comfort zone and enabling you to learn from industry experts.

4. Industry Recognition

Gain credibility and recognition within the wedding industry, which can lead to being featured in blogs, publications, and even on television.

How to Create a Successful Styled Shoot

Creating a styled shoot requires meticulous attention to detail and planning. Here are the steps to ensure your styled shoot is successful:

1. Define Your Vision for the Styled Shoot

Select a theme, color palette, or concept that aligns with your brand and target audience. Use mood boards to gather inspiration and create a cohesive story.

2. Assemble a Team

Share your vision with other wedding professionals and assemble a team of talented individuals who complement each other’s skills.

3. Plan and Communicate

Create a detailed plan covering the location, props, models, logistics, and timeline. Communicate this plan with your team to ensure everyone is on the same page.

4. Execute the Shoot

On the day of the shoot, coordinate with your team on-site and pay attention to every detail. Be open to compromises and adjustments to capture stunning images or videos.

5. Follow Up and Share

Share the final images with all participants and express gratitude for their contributions. Promote the styled shoot on social media, blogs, and publications.

Getting Featured

Once you have gorgeous images, it’s time to submit your styled shoot to magazines, websites, blogs, and other media outlets. Here are some tips to increase your chances of getting featured:

Tell a Story even when it Styled Shoot

Editors love a good story. Make sure your images and accompanying text tell a cohesive, compelling narrative.

Consider Images

Include a range of shots, from close-ups to full scenes, with interesting angles to grab attention.

Submit Clean Images

Ensure your images are free from watermarks, frames, or borders.

Read the Rules

Every publisher has submission guidelines. Read and follow them carefully.

Where to Submit Styled Shoots

Here are some places to submit your styled shoots:

• Brides Magazine
• Southern Bride
• Inside Weddings
• Bridal Guide Magazine
• MunaLuchi Bridal
• Ruffled
• Equally Wed
• Rock N Roll Bride

Styled shoots are a powerful tool for wedding professionals, allowing you to showcase your unique vision, build your portfolio, and gain valuable exposure. By following these steps and embracing the collaborative spirit of styled shoots, you’ll not only enhance your portfolio but also position yourself as a leader in the wedding industry. Ready to take your styled shoots to the next level and get your work featured? Contact us today to discover how our expertise can help you create standout-styled shoots and achieve greater success in your wedding business. Let’s turn your creative ideas into stunning visuals that capture attention and leave a lasting impression!