The Benefit of Styled Shoots

boho western style bride and groom in hats having fun

March 18, 2021

Hand painted custom pink leather and fringed denim jackets, beaded fringe booties, bolo ties, hats, and mini cakes- what more could you ask for to make your southwestern boho elopement dreams come true?! Check out the benefit of styled shoots (like this one!) and why they are important.

This styled shoot, hosted by myself with my planning partner in crime Abbey Nims from Abbey Rose Events AND shot at my all-time favorite indoor studio venue Tendue in downtown Portland, was what the non-traditional kind of couple’s dreams are made of.

I’d like to take a few moments to talk about what a styled shoot is and why I will stand on my soapbox all day proclaiming

why these are a MUST DO for every photographer and creative out there.

No, a styled shoot isn’t a real wedding or wedding couple (I mean, they are usually a couple- not necessarily getting married during the shoot though!) But they are usually made to LOOK like a real wedding or engagement or something like that. They are PERFECT for curated and beautiful content, and they can be planned within days or months (depending on your vision). I went to my first styled shoot a few years ago and man was it all that and more than I was expecting! Not only did I get to capture some crazy beautiful content, but I also gained a new group of photog friends who I still love-on and support to this day. (shoutout to you Cindy Baez and Jennifer Auner)

If you want the shoot without the planning.

While I’ve created my own small styled shoots since that first one (see S+T: Edgy and Romantic Cannon Beach Elopement) I LOVE when I can show up to styled shoots and just take photos. This is why I’m such a huge advocate that everyone, from those who are talented + well known to those just starting out, needs to attend (or host…more on that later) a styled shoot. Now I’m not saying to just show up to any and every styled shoot you see, but rather look for one that encompasses the style/vibe/location that will set your creative soul on fire and produce content that will potentially attract your ideal client. Additionally, make sure to do your research on who is putting the shoot on and what their plans are.

Do they have a vision or mood board for the shoot? Do they have the travel plans and day of timeline for the shoot all squared away? These are things I’d recommend you ask about before paying them your hard earned cash!

Here are a few that I’ve either gone to or have heard a TON of great recommendations about:

PNW Shootouts

The Shootout Society (currently expanding all over the US)

[Also make sure to keep an eye on your favorite local photogs who may just put one together themselves!]

A few tips if you decide to plan your own.

Decide on your theme/vision. Wether you are taking inspiration from a single prop or dress or something you saw elsewhere, build your vision and the elements of your shoot around that and STICK TO IT. Sometimes it’s really hard not to include all the things, but in order to pull off a cohesive and put together looking shoot, you need to stay focused on your original vision.
Pay vendors for what you can or make sure you are delivering them content photos they can ACTUALLY use for their own businesses. During your shoot, make sure you take time to focus on the details and products from other vendors. Do you know their aesthetic? Is there something particular they need content photos of? Be sure to ask them these questions before your shoot so you can deliver photos of their products/services that they will be able to use in their own marketing. They will then share your photos with their group of influence and in the end it’s a win, win for you both!
Start small. For your first styled shoot, I recommend starting small. Maybe just a couple and some outfits and flowers and a beautiful location (which is exactly what I did for mine at Cannon Beach!). You may have these epic and grand ideas but unless you are planning your shoot with the help of a team, you may be biting off more than you can chew. Styled shoots, if done well, take a ton of prep and communication and scheduling. Keep these in mind when you start to make your plans.

Get out there and create something you are proud of.

Personally, I am making it mandatory in my business to create something just for the joy of creating it (and photographing it) no less than twice a year– whether that be by attending someone else’s styled shoot or by putting one on myself. (fingers crossed I will be doing more of those this year- so keep an eye out!!) And I HIGHLY recommend you challenge yourself to do the same.

As for this particular styled shoot, scroll through for a peek at some of the magic created this day. Click on and check out these vendors who poured their creative heart and souls into this shoot to make it all possible! (even after all of the change of plans and reschedules due to Covid mid-last year)

Styling: Abbey Rose Event Planning and Design

Hair and Makeup: Marina Haynes Artistry

Florist: Wildflower Portland

Groom Model: Bo Baskoro

[who is also an AMAZING musician and if you haven’t checked out his songs on Spotify or Apple Music, go do it now. I think my favorite would have to be either “Levee” or “The Woman”. But honestly they’re all so good!]

Bride Model: Jessi Beyer

[Who is ALSO a multi-talented human. She is a speaker, WROTE A BOOK- How to Heal- check it out, and advocate for mental health. Honestly she does so much more so just go to her website for more deets.]