Rhiannon Hendricks
Styled shoots are a great way to showcase the skills and services of wedding businesses and vendors. They are also an excellent opportunity for photographers to express their creativity, build their portfolios, and network with other professionals in the industry. When planning a styled shoot, it is important to consider the location, theme, colour scheme, mood, lighting, and style of the dress. Photographers should also keep in mind their ideal client and target audience to attract the types of weddings they want to shoot. In terms of the wedding dress, it is crucial to find a flattering and interesting background that tells a story, get a full-length gown shot, and pay attention to the details of the dress to ensure they are not blown out in the photos.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Planning | Styled shoots require careful planning, including the venue, theme, mood, lighting, colour scheme, and team of creatives. |
| Purpose | Styled shoots are a great way to express creativity, build a portfolio, network with professionals, and showcase skills and services. |
| Publication | Research the publication you want to submit your work to, considering their preferences and wait times. Consider the seasonality of your shoot to increase the chances of getting published. |
| Wedding Dress | Choose a dress that flatters your body type and showcases your favourite features. Consider the movement and flow of the dress, and don't be afraid to add a veil for extra drama. |
| Details | Pay attention to the small details, such as customised hangers and intricate dress features. Ensure proper lighting and backdrops to highlight the dress without blowing out any details. |
| Collaboration | Styled shoots involve collaboration and everyone donates their time, talent, and materials. It's essential to have a clear goal and ensure everyone is working towards the same vision. |
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What You'll Learn
Ask friends or family to model and borrow their wedding dresses
One way to source a wedding dress for a styled shoot is to ask friends or family to model and borrow their wedding dresses. This is a great way to save costs and can also make the process of planning a styled shoot more fun and collaborative.
Start by thinking about who you know that has a wedding dress. Consider asking a close friend or family member to model for you, or if they would be willing to lend you their dress for someone else to model. It can be helpful to have a specific person in mind, as you can tailor the dress to their style and size. Having a model in mind can also help you to plan the rest of the shoot, including the location, theme, and mood.
When asking friends or family to be involved, it's important to be mindful and respectful. Make sure they are comfortable with the idea and that they understand the purpose of the shoot. It can be a fun experience for everyone, and a great way to create memories together. You can also offer to return the favour in some way, whether that's by helping them with a project or treating them to something as a thank you.
If your friend or family member's dress doesn't quite fit the vision for your shoot, you can style it differently or make some alterations. Adding accessories, changing the hairstyle and makeup, or even shooting at a different location can give the dress a new look and feel.
Using a wedding dress from a friend or family member can add a personal touch to your styled shoot and create a unique and memorable experience for everyone involved. It's a great way to bring people together and showcase the skills and talents of those around you.
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Find a venue that fits your theme and brand
When planning a styled shoot, the venue is a crucial aspect to consider. It can make or break the desired atmosphere and theme of the shoot. Begin by brainstorming ideas and creating a mood board with images that inspire you, including the style of dress, colour scheme, mood, lighting, location, and theme.
Pinterest is a great tool for this initial brainstorming phase. Once you have a clear vision, you can start searching for venues that align with your concept. Consider whether you want an indoor or outdoor venue, and whether the venue's style and atmosphere fit your brand and the story you want to tell.
For example, if you're going for a whimsical outdoor wedding theme with soft colours and natural light, a venue with beautiful gardens or a rustic barn surrounded by nature might be ideal. On the other hand, if you're aiming for a more intimate and elegant theme, a venue with grand architecture and sophisticated interiors could be more suitable.
When you've found a few potential venues, reach out to them and introduce yourself. Provide them with details about your concept, theme, and mood board. Ask about their availability, as weekends are usually reserved for weddings. Be specific about your requirements and don't hesitate to ask questions.
Remember, the venue sets the tone for your styled shoot, so choosing one that aligns with your theme and brand is essential for creating cohesive and captivating visuals.
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Use Pinterest for inspiration and create a mood board
Planning a styled shoot for a wedding dress can be overwhelming, but Pinterest is a great tool to help you get started and stay organized.
First, create a Pinterest account if you don't already have one. Then, start a new board by clicking the plus sign on your profile or by clicking "Create Board" at the bottom of the list of board names. You can name it something like "Wedding Dress Styled Shoot Inspiration" or "Wedding Dress Shoot Mood Board." If you want to keep your board private, be sure to toggle the privacy setting to "Secret."
Now for the fun part—start searching for inspiration! You can search for specific keywords like "wedding dress," "bridal style," or "wedding theme ideas." You can also search for more general terms like "wedding inspiration" or "wedding mood board." As you find images that resonate with you, pin them to your board. Aim for 15-20 images or more that capture the style of dress, color scheme, mood, lighting, location, and theme you're aiming for.
In addition to Pinterest, you can also save images you find online to your board by adding the "Pinterest Save" extension to your browser. This will allow you to pin images, webpages, and even tutorials to your board.
Once you've collected a good amount of inspiration, you can start to organize your pins. You can reorder them or place them in sections to help you plan and visualize the flow of the shoot. For example, you might create sections for the dress, the venue, the color palette, and any other relevant categories.
Using Pinterest for inspiration and creating a mood board will help you establish the aesthetic for your styled shoot and ensure that all the visual elements come together cohesively. It's a great way to organize your ideas and ensure that your shoot tells a story and showcases the skills and services of wedding businesses involved.
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Consider the season and publication waiting times
When planning a styled shoot, it is important to consider the season and publication waiting times. If you are aiming to get your shoot published, a winter-themed shoot won't be as relevant if it's being submitted in the spring, so do plan accordingly.
The season will also impact the lighting and location of your shoot. For instance, if you are shooting in the late morning, afternoon, or early evening, you may want to capture the golden hour and sunset for a softer, more romantic look. If you are shooting in the middle of the day, you may want to find a shaded area with natural light to avoid harsh shadows.
Additionally, consider the publication waiting times. These can vary, with some publications requiring film photography and others preferring detail shots. Research the publications you are interested in and plan your shoot with them in mind. Keep in mind that publications often have long waiting periods before they can publish your work (sometimes up to three months), so factor this into your planning. If you are shooting for a specific season, you may need to plan your styled shoot well in advance.
Furthermore, the time of year can impact the availability of vendors. For example, peak wedding season may mean that photographers are busier and have longer turnaround times for delivering photos. If you are relying on vendors for your styled shoot, be mindful of their availability and plan accordingly.
Lastly, consider the time of day for the specific shots you want. For example, if you want to capture the bride getting dressed, you'll want to allocate about 20 minutes, including time for putting on jewellery and shoes. For individual portraits of the bride and groom, right after hair and makeup is ideal as everything is fresh, and the day is not yet hectic.
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Don't blow out the details on the dress
When it comes to styled shoots for weddings, it's important to remember that they are a great opportunity to express your creativity and showcase your skills as a photographer, as well as those of other wedding businesses. While planning is essential, it's also crucial to keep in mind that these shoots are meant to tell a story and highlight the unique style and details of the wedding dress.
One way to ensure that the details of the wedding dress shine through is to create a comprehensive shot list before the shoot. This will help you stay focused and ensure that you capture all the important elements of the dress. Consider the unique features of the dress, such as any intricate embroidery, beading, or lace details. Plan shots that showcase these elements up close, as well as from different angles and in various lighting conditions. Remember, it's the small details that can make a big difference in the overall impact of the images.
Another way to avoid blowing out the details on the dress is to carefully select your models and ensure they complement the dress. Consider the silhouette and style of the dress when choosing your model. For example, if the dress has a fitted bodice and a full skirt, ensure your model has the appropriate body type to showcase the dress's silhouette effectively. Additionally, think about the overall theme and mood of the shoot, and choose models whose personalities and presence will enhance the story you're trying to tell.
Lighting plays a crucial role in highlighting the details of the dress. Natural light is often favoured in wedding photography, as it creates a soft and romantic atmosphere. Plan your shoot during the golden hours—the hour after sunrise or before sunset—when the light is warm and flattering, creating a dreamy ambiance. Avoid harsh lighting conditions that may create excessive contrast or wash out the delicate details of the dress. If shooting indoors, consider using reflectors or softboxes to control the light and ensure the dress's details are captured accurately.
Lastly, don't be afraid to get creative with your composition and framing. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to showcase the dress in unique ways. Get up close to capture intricate details, or try shooting from a bird's-eye view to highlight the dress's shape and flow. Utilise negative space effectively to draw attention to the dress, and don't be afraid to incorporate props or other elements that complement the dress's style and theme. Remember, the goal is to create a visually appealing story that showcases the wedding dress in the best possible light, highlighting its unique details and charm.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a few ways to get a wedding dress for a styled shoot. You could ask the model to wear their own wedding dress, borrow a friend's wedding dress, or get a dress from a store. If you're looking for a specific style of dress, consider creating a mood board on Pinterest for inspiration and guidance.
You can ask friends or family members to model for you, or you can hire professional models. It is also possible to collaborate with other vendors and photographers to find models.
If you don't have access to a wedding dress, you can try borrowing one from a friend or family member, or renting one from a costume shop or theatre company.
Start with an idea and create a mood board with images that inspire you, including the style of dress, colour scheme, mood, lighting, location, and theme. Consider the season and your ideal client to create a styled shoot that appeals to your target audience. Reach out to vendors and other creatives to collaborate and build a team with a shared goal.
