LISTEN ON SPOTIFY | LISTEN ON APPLE | LISTEN ON AMAZON
In the world of wedding photography, building a strong network can be just as important as mastering your craft. If you’re looking to grow your connections and enhance your portfolio, styled shoots can be a game-changer. In this blog post, we’ll explore insights from Katy Murray, the host of the Ginger Biz podcast, on how to leverage styled shoots not only for stunning images but also to expand your professional network.
Watch on Youtube:
What is a Styled Shoot?
A styled shoot is a collaborative event where photographers, planners, florists, and other vendors come together to create a mock wedding or event. The purpose is to showcase everyone’s talents in a controlled environment, often leading to beautiful images that can be used for portfolios, websites, and social media. However, styled shoots offer much more than just great photos—they provide a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals and build lasting relationships.
The Power of Networking Through Styled Shoots
According to Katy Murray, styled shoots are an invaluable tool for networking within the wedding industry. Katy shares that when she started her career, she used styled shoots not just to build her portfolio but to create meaningful connections with other vendors. “Styled shoots are more than just pretty pictures,” Katy says. “They’re about building a community and finding people who align with your brand and values.”
By participating in styled shoots, you have the chance to meet planners, florists, venue owners, and other photographers who can become valuable contacts and even friends. These relationships can lead to referrals, collaborations, and opportunities to be featured in publications, all of which are essential for growing your wedding photography business.
Choosing the Right Vendors and Building Relationships
When it comes to networking through styled shoots, Katy emphasizes the importance of choosing the right vendors. “Look for vendors who align with your style and values,” she advises. “It’s not just about filling spots; it’s about creating a cohesive vision and working with people who are on the same page.”
Once you’ve chosen the right team, the real work begins in building those relationships. Katy stresses the importance of clear communication and setting expectations from the start. Make sure everyone knows their roles and what they’re contributing to the shoot. This helps ensure a smooth collaboration and a positive experience for all involved.
The Importance of Follow-Up
Networking doesn’t end when the shoot is over. Katy highlights the importance of follow-up in maintaining relationships. “After a styled shoot, make sure to reach out to the vendors you worked with,” she recommends. “Send them a thank-you note, share the images, and let them know you enjoyed collaborating with them.”
Staying in touch keeps you top of mind for future opportunities and shows that you value the relationship. Whether it’s through social media engagement or a quick email, maintaining that connection can lead to referrals, collaborations, and even friendships that support your business growth.
Best Practices for Hosting Styled Shoots
If you’re considering hosting your own styled shoot, Katy shares some best practices to ensure it’s a success:
- Have a Clear Vision: Before reaching out to vendors, have a clear idea of the theme, style, and goals of your shoot. This helps attract the right participants and ensures everyone is working towards a common goal.
- Communicate Clearly: Make sure all participants know what to expect. Provide details on the timeline, location, and deliverables. This helps avoid confusion and ensures a smooth collaboration.
- Ensure Mutual Benefits: A styled shoot should be a win-win for everyone involved. Make sure each vendor gets what they need from the experience, whether it’s images, exposure, or the chance to work with new people.
- Follow Up and Share: After the shoot, send the images to all participants and follow up with a thank-you note. Share the photos on social media and tag the vendors, giving everyone credit for their hard work.
Taking Styled Shoots to the Next Level
Styled shoots are an excellent way to build your portfolio, but they can also be powerful networking tools if approached with the right mindset. By choosing the right vendors, communicating clearly, and maintaining relationships, you can leverage these shoots to grow your network and your business.
If you’re ready to take your styled shoots—and your wedding photography business—to the next level, consider joining us at our next workshop in Scottsdale, Arizona, in January 2025. This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about styled shoots, network with like-minded photographers, and gain valuable insights into growing your business.
Meet the podcast Guest: Katy Murray
Want to learn more from Katy? Connect with her on Instagram and check out her podcast for more tips on growing your photography business.
Thank you for reading! If you found this blog helpful, share it with your friends and tag me on Instagram. I’d love to hear how you’re using styled shoots to network and grow your wedding photography business!
Instagram: Take Your Shot Collective
More From Take Your Shot Collective
We’re all about supporting and elevating creative business owners, and so along with our weekly business podcast we have so much more to share with you! Get plugged in, take what you need, and let me know how I can continue to support you in your business!
Join our free online community
Coaching opportunities with Halle
Did you find this helpful?
If you enjoyed this episode of the Take Your Shot Podcast, don’t forget to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!
