Organizing a styled shoot is one of my favorite ways not only to push myself creatively, but to connect with other wonderful vendors! I have created so many amazing connections with others in the photography industry through styled shoots that are absolutely priceless! In the days leading up to a styled shoot, I am constantly wondering what I got myself into… but once the final images are curated, I am always so glad it happened and excited to plan another! I’ve received multiple messages asking for advice on how to organize a styled shoot, so I figured a blog post would be helpful for (hopefully!) more than just the few that inquired! I’m certainly not an expert by any means, but here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way.

1. My first piece of advice is to be bold! Don’t be afraid to reach out to vendors – no matter who they are, how high end their business is, or the cost of their product. Worst case scenario they say no! You have absolutely nothing to lose! Send a kind, professional email asking if they would be interested in collaborating with you – and then you’ve done your part.
2. Create a strong vision. Start a Pinterest board, but be very picky with what you pin to it. I find that I create my best work when I am detailed and choosy. This helps your vendors to know the exact feel you are envisioning and keeps everyone on the same page. Only pin things you absolutely love! When deciding if you want to include something or not, ask yourself if it authentically reflects the mood of your inspiration board. If not, you need to go a different direction!
3. Details are incredibly important! In other words, go big or go home. ;) If you are going to put all the effort into planning a styled shoot – contacting models, finding a wedding dress, setting a date – you need to make it amazing. I’ve done styled shoots before where I’ve given it a half-effort because I was consumed with other things. Details make or break the shoot, so I would be as focused on them as possible!
4. Enlist the help of someone on the day of! Whether it’s your Mom, a close friend, or fellow photographer, it’s way too much work to try to get something set up on your own and also focus on doing a beautiful job photographing details, working with your vendors, making your couple feel comfortable, etc. 
5. Go for it!! If you are constantly scrolling through blog posts and images from beautiful styled sessions wishing you could do one yourself – just do it! You have nothing stopping you! Organizing a styled shoot will push you in countless ways, and it will be so good for your growth as well as adding some beautiful images to your portfolio!

Just for fun – a few images from different styled shoots that I’ve planned and a little behind the scenes video from my fabulous florists! :)

I hope this post encourages you to go out and plan your own styled shoot! I’m always happy to answer questions – so feel free to shoot me an email at hello@jessica-lauren.com if you have a specific topic or question you’d like to see a blog post about! Happy Thursday, friends!!

Much love,

Jessica Lauren