Pros and Cons of a Styled Shoot
As a wedding vendor there is a such thing that we sometimes participate in that is referred to as a styled shoot. If you’re reading this, there is a high chance that you already know what I am referring to here - but just in case a simple explanation would be a photo shoot created by a group of professionals getting together and creating a fake wedding for inspirational purposes.
There tends to be mixed feelings around styled shoots - but I believe that if they are done correctly, they can be very beneficial. Since I am quite new to this world I am slowly learning how to pick and choose which ones I participate in and when to politely say no to the others.
Make sure you are asking the right questions when you are approached with an opportunity. One of the biggest lessons I have learned is to ensure I get a feel for the inspiration before I commit. If the inspiration does not match my overall aesthetic I usually do not participate.
Here is my personal list of pros and cons when it comes to styled shoots:
Pros.
Showcase your expertise. A styled shoot allows vendors to showcase their specific skilsl & creativity - which can be super special for each individual. We get to create the items that we specifically chose to showcase, something we have possibly wanted to try but haven’t found the right client for or something we want to offer but not quite sure if it would work.
A chance to network. If you read my previous blog on networking, you know that I have mixed feelings about that process & what it all entails. Styled shoots can be another form of networking since multiple vendors will participate & the chances they could be a great opportunity for referrals or future collaborations. If you have been wanting to make specific connections taking a peak at the vendor list before choosing to participate in a shoot may also be beneficial.
Pictures for your portfolio. One of my favorite pros of a styled shoot is the fact that it provides the vendors with professional, high quality images. These images can be used to enhance your social media content or website upgrades. The images can also be used to attract clients and provide inspiration on marketing materials or advertisements.
The ability to create what you want. A styled shoot is designed by the vendors which allows them to create exactly what they want with no guidelines of a client. We can push our design boundaries and try out something that we may have never tried before.
Great inspiration. Collaborating with other talented vendors on a styled shoot sparks inspiration, encourages creative collaboration, and fosters a sense of community within the wedding industry. It's a chance for vendors to learn from each other, share expertise, and collectively elevate the standard of their work.
Cons.
What will it cost. There is a very slim chance that as a vendor you will be getting paid for your time or services when you participate in a styled shoot. Everything you create will be at your expense. f not carefully managed, these costs can outweigh the potential benefits, especially for vendors with limited budgets.
Your time commitment. Planning and executing a styled shoot require a significant time commitment from all participating vendors. Coordinating schedules, designing concepts, and executing the shoot itself can be time-consuming, taking away from other business activities.
Will it be worth it. While styled shoots can enhance a vendor's portfolio and brand image, there's no guarantee of immediate or tangible returns on investment. Securing new clients or bookings directly attributable to a styled shoot may be difficult to quantify, making it challenging to justify the time and resources invested.
My overall advice for you if ever deciding to participate in a style shoot would be to ensure the aesthetic matches your vibes, that you will enjoy creating the skill you are going to showcase, and that you check out the list of vendors. Although this will most likely not not benefit you monetarily, you want to make sure that it can in multiple other aspects!
