THE STYLED

SHOOT GUIDE

BEBA VOWELS
table
of
CONTENTSI. THE REASONING
II. FIND INSPIRATION
III. INSPIRATION IDEAS
IV. MOOD BOARD
V. VENDORS
VI. COUPLES
VII. DRESS AND TUX
VIII. FLORALS
IX. HMUA
X. RENTALS
XI. INVITATIONS
XII. COMMUNICATION
XIII. TIMELINES
XIV. VENDOR LISTS
XV. GALLERIES
XVI. INVITING
XVII. AFTER THE SHOOT
XVIII. GO CREATE!
THE REASONING

Hi, I am Beba! I created

this guide for a reason...
Hiiii!! I am Beba. I am a wedding photographer based in Southern California. If you didn't
know, for the past two and a half years I have hosted photographers retreats. The locations
have all been so fun; Temecula, San Diego, Joshua Tree (twice!), Winter Park, and Laguna
Beach. After doing them so many of them, I realized as much as I LOVE doing these, I have
more in store for my business! The retreat series is ending, new things are coming, and I am
so excited!

With that being said, I couldn't leave everyone hanging. Which is why I am so stoked to
share how a photographer like yourself can style their OWN shoots without a styling or
planning background. Just like I did!! Like everything you do in life; the more you practice, the
more you learn. I have learned so many things throughout all the planning struggles and I am
going to do everything I can so you guys don't have to deal with any bumps in the road!

Let's get into it!

FIND
INSPIRATION
The first step in creating a styled shoot is your why.
Why do you want to create a shoot? Is it to be
creative and let loose? Is it because you aren't
booking what you want to be, so you need to
create content in which you love? Whatever it may
be, be sure there is something. If you don't have a
reason and you are just doing it because other
people are, you'll most likely not end with the results
you want. Have a reason, whatever that may be!

After that, do you want to do this completely on

your own? Or do you want to go bigger and invite
others along to hopefully make some money? We'll
get a little bit into that later.

What inspired me
When hosting my first styled shoot, I had just started photography and was trying to book
more. I had constantly heard "put out there what you want to come in" and I was only
posting engagement sessions. So, I quickly realized I needed to get wedding content to post!
I was second shooting a ton, but wanted my OWN work to post! So, I found a venue that I
already had a good connection with, found a cute couple on instagram, reached out to a
few bridal shops, and got to work! When doing so, I realized I wanted to make a little bit of
money! I posted on instagram and local facebook groups saying what exactly it was and I
was selling spots for $75. I think I profited around $700(?) for that shoot! It was a ton of work
but I had the right motivation! After that, I started the retreat series and they got bigger and
bigger each time!

For the latest retreat, I found inspiration elsewhere. The photo above is the exact shoot I am
going to be talking about. Rue De Seine, a well-known, boho wedding gown company,
released their newest collection a few months before this retreat and when I saw this dress, I
knew I had to shoot it. So, I got it, and based the entire shoots inspiration around this dress
and the detail within it. This is a perfect example that your inspiration can be ANYTHING, if
you want to create something, DO IT!!! Just be sure you have a reasoning or else it may not
end up as you had imagined.
 WHAT IS YOUR 'WHY'?
- I WANT MORE CONTENT : This is great! Just be sure you have an idea of what you
want to create. Look at your feed or portfolio, what do you wish you had more of? What
type of content has preformed the best for you in the past?

- I WANT TO GET CREATIVE : Another amazing reason! If you saw someone else do
something, make it your own & do not copy. Styled shoots are a great place to practice
new techniques and challenge yourself!

- I WANT/NEED TO MAKE SOME EXTRA INCOME : Absolutely NOTHING wrong with

this, if this is the reason, be sure to fully outline your budget and expenses so you come
out on top! Make sure you are providing the value of what you're charging so people
have a good experience and want to come back.

- A COUPLE INSPIRED ME : I am so guilty of saving cute couples and asking them to

shoot! Such a fun time. Ask specific questions about their relationship and style.

- A DRESS OR SOMETHING ELSE INSPIRED ME : I mean, you know this is me to a T! haha!!

Love this! Focus on securing that piece first so you're not disappointed if you can't get it
after you planned the rest of the shoot.

- I REALLY WANT TO WORK WITH A SPECIFIC VENDOR : Another great one! Want to
create a career-long connection with this vendor? Even better. Invite them into the
planning process with you!

- I REALLY WANT TO BOOK MORE IN A SPECIFIC PLACE : This may be scary, but it is so
fun & not as hard as you may think! Styled shoots are a great way to break into a new
market!

- So so so much more! If you don't have a reason, think about these and see if any jump
out at ya!
 MOOD BOARD

You'll need to have some ideas of what direction

you want the shoot to go in before you just start
reaching out to vendors willy nilly. Most of the
time the mood board springs from the inspiration,
so just create a Pinterest board from that! If you
aren't sure what you want it to look like,
Instagram and Pinterest are your friends! Also
wedding blogs are awesome places to look for
ideas! Just remember to be inspired, and not copy.

When I create my Pinterest boards, I like to make

it 'secret' so no one can see what I am working
on! Then I make different sections for the different
vendors. It is important to me that I keep it all
under one board though so the vendors can see
the whole vision! Once I have the overall board, I
section it into dress, tux, invites, florals, and then
just an overall inspiration section for the shoot!
That usually includes things like new posing ideas,
colors, locations, etc.

Once I finish the Pinterest board, I am sure to include

that in all of the emails that I send when reaching out to
the vendors! Which I will talk about in a bit. But just to
clarify, I still keep them private and then I invite them to
join the board so they can also add some of their
inspiration to the boards as well! It makes it so fun to
see their ideas and the whole vision come to life!!

If you don't want to use Pinterest and don't want to have them
hassle with joining a board, there is an awesome site called
gomoodboard where you can create mood boards for free! It's
awesome and I use it for every styled shoot!
 MOOD BOARD
Here is an example of a mood board that I created for a styled shoot! It ended up not
happening, but this is what it looked like! :)

THE OVER ALL MOOD BOARD. WITH SPECIFIC VENDOR TABS

THE FLORAL TAB

MOOD BOARD

INVITE SUITE TAB

TUX/SUIT TAB
MOOD BOARD

DRESS & SHOES TAB

HAIR TAB
 VENDORS
Alright, now that you've found your inspiration and have
your mood board, it's time to start figuring out the
vendors! This is always so fun. YOU get to put together
a dream team and in doing so, make amazing
connections!

Now, this all depends on how big you are trying to go

with this shoot. I'm going to talk as if you are doing a
mid-sized shoot. So, list out what all you are going to
need. A super in-love couple, a dress, tux, florals, hair,
makeup, and if you are feeling fancy, some details;
invitation suite, props, etc. Then jot down ideas for who
you are wanting for these. Keep an open mind! Not
every wedding vendor wants to collaborate or has the
time and that is OK!!! If you got asked to shoot for free
all the time, you would get exhausted. So, keep an open
mind when thinking of people!

Since you already have a mood board made, you

probably have an idea of vendors who will fit well into
this shoot, and some who won't! That is OK!!! If you
have an amazing connection with a florist but she does
very bright and colorful work and you are wanting
something dried and neutral, thats OK! Don't feel like
you have to reach out to certain people just because
they are your friends or you have worked together
before! This is your shoot and you should find people
who are going to make it as amazing as possible!

Don't be afraid to knock on big doors either. Just

because someone has a huge instagram following or
works with 'big name photographers' doesn't mean they
won't want to work with you! Dream big and go big!!
Have back up plans if you don't hear back or if they
aren't able to work with you though!

Now, let's get into specific vendors and what I do to

solidify them!
 COUPLES
The first thing when finding couples is to expect
them to back out. I know, that sounds crazy,
right? Hear me out. I am a glass half full kind of
person, and have had many bad days when
couples back out. Be thorough when you are
talking with them so they don't back out, but
just remember they are people with lives and
things come up. So it's easier to just expect
them to back out rather than thinking everything
will go perfectly and then it doesn't.

If this shoot isn't near a big town that is full of

couples to find last minute -- here are
somethings to especially put into motion....

some things to do to help prevent back out

1. Keep the communication going! Let the couple know all the details before-hand, but make them excited
too! I like to send over the dress company's instagram to the girl when they confirm! Any other vendors
or things you get excited about with the shoot, fill them in!

2. Follow them on instagram if you aren't already! Find out about them & show that you care about their
life. Comment on their photos, reply to their stories etc!

3. If they are local, ask to hang out! What does 30 minutes at the coffee shop hurt? It helps them realize
that you are a real human and will make them more comfortable with you!

4. If it is a long drive for them to the shoot & you have it in your budget, offer to pay for their gas or get
them a hotel room! If you are staying somewhere, maybe find an airbnb with 2 rooms and offer them
to crash at your place!

5. Get a contract! There are so many free ones online for models! Let them know how serious this is to
you, but don't scare them away.

6. Be a kind human, don't be a robot behind a screen! Talk to them like they are too!
 HOW TO FIND COUPLES

again; be inspired, don't copy

This may be the most fun & most stressful part of it all! The first & best way, in my opinion, is to
reach out to couples that you already have shot or have a connection with! This doesn't guarantee
that they won't back out but it most likely will give less of a chance that they will! They will
probably be more comfortable in front of the camera since they already know you!

If you are shooting in an area that you aren't from, or don't have connections in, there are a few
different ways to easily find couples! My favorite way is to reach out to photographers in that area!!
So easy & in shooting them, you are making connections with a new photographer! Another pro
with this is that they most likely will not back out because they may have had this happen to them!
For example if you are shooting in Phoenix, an easy way to find them is just by searching "Arizona
Wedding Photographer" or "Phoenix Photographer" and I am sure at least 15 people will pop up. And
the chances of them having a significant other is 50/50! If they can't, they may give you
recommendations for people in the area as well!

Another of mine is to look up hair stylist in that area and finding the girls from their page. I know,
this sounds very stalker-ish but, I mean, if a girl has good hair she probably is cute and has a
significant other, right?! An example of this, there is a Style Lounge in San Diego, I sometimes go to
their page, and just click on the girls or guys' profiles that they tag, see if they have a significant
other, and reach out!

The most obvious one is just location searching! On instagrams search bar, there is an option to
search locations only. So if you are looking to do a shoot in Oregon, type Portland and there will be
tons of couples! That goes for every location! Try to not search super touristy spots, as those posts
are probably people just visiting. But trying coffee shops in the area, beaches, thrift shops, hikes,
bars, or some place that local people would go, take a photo, and tag it! Coffee shops are a huge
one!! They are so popular!

An example for Southern California with that would be searching The Goods Carlsbad,
Revolutionary Roasters, Laguna Beach, Point Dume, Sunset Cliffs, Malibu Farm. Some places I
wouldn't** search are Disney Land, Hollywood, Balboa Park, etc. Those are all very touristy and you
probably won't have the best luck.
 COUPLES CONT.
Another amazing way is to join Facebook groups! Some
of my favorites are Dirtybootsandmessyhair Community &
Weddings & Wanderlust - Adventure Photographers. Post
in those facebook groups where you are going and if
there is anyone in there interested in modeling or know of
someone! I personally have never done this, but I see
people do it all the time & have great success!!

I labeled the last page as "be inspired, don't copy" what I

meant by that is, don't deliberately go to photographers
pages and take couples that they had booked. That is a
super skate way of doing things and can get you in
trouble by some photographers who are vocal. It is
different if you personally know them, or have asked the
photographer, but be inspired, put in your own hard work
just like they did!

what to say once you find a couple

Like I said earlier, be as personal as possible! Don't be a robot,

because they will most likely skip past the DM if it seems like a
scam haha! I'll attach a screenshot here of an actual conversation I
had with a couple when finding them & asking them to model! I
like to keep the first message simple to not overwhelm them. Then
give them more details if they are interested!

Also keep in mind that most people have jobs! So, if you are able
to do a shoot on a weekend, or in the evening that may give you
a better chance of finding someone!

Don't skimp on the details either. People want to know what they
are getting into before they fully commit. But again, don't be a
robot. Casually explain it to them so they get the information, but
it doesn't sound like a business deal.

As far as paying couples -- My personal rule is if I am getting paid

for the shoot, then I pay the couples. So, for all of my retreats, the
models got paid, as well as any brand shoots I do that I get paid
for. If it is a just for fun shoot and the couple isn't taking off work,
or driving 100+ miles then I don't. Be sure to communicate that
with them as well! Whether they will be getting paid or just free
photos in return, let them know! It doesn't have to be in the first
message, but let them know the situation at some point.
 DRESS & TUX
Another fun one!! We'll start with the dress. If you have a specific dress or designer you want, go
to their website and go to their "Retailers" tab that they will most likely have, and find a place near
you that carries that design! The best way that I have found is to go in person. People are less
likely to tell you no if you are confident and do it in person. The first styled shoot I ever did, I did
this. I was nervous as all get out but I got the dress I wanted!! And, I made an amazing connection
with this company! I walked in, had my mood board pulled up on my phone and simply told them
what I was doing, showed them a photo of the model & bragged about how cute they are(!!), my
vision, and why that dress would fit perfectly into the shoot. I also explained to them that they
would of course be tagged in every post on social media & my blogs, and I would send them a
gallery within a month! I'll get to galleries in a later page as well.

If for some reason you can't go in person, I like to call before emailing. These are most likely big
companies who get a ton of emails that get passed by. Call, and do the same thing that you
would do as if you are in person. Tell them you would be more than happy to send over the
mood board as well! There is a good chance that they will tell you to email them with all the
details, don't get discouraged! That may just mean that they have a specific person to take care of
stuff like this! When emailing them, be sure to mention how good it was to chat with *NAME* on
the phone today & you can't wait to work together! It puts you in a great position!!

I also like to offer to pay for shipping costs if they have to ship it, it shows that you care about
this shoot a lot!! A few bridal shops charge a cleaning fee, as well! Completely understandable and
something to keep an open mind about! Usually it is anywhere from $50-200.

I also treat the bridal shops as I do the couple, I keep them updated and excited! I reply to their
stories and comment on their posts. It keeps you on their radar so they don't forget! If they are
shipping something, I always follow up a few days before the ship date and ask if there is anything
they need from me!

You can also order a dress from Amazon, Lulus, etc. or there are photographers who rent out
dresses. Or if the couple is already married & you love their dress, they may want to play dress up
again! I have done this and it's worked out so perfectly & easily! It makes it more fun for the
couple as well!
 DRESS & TUX CONT.
Tuxes can be super super easy!!! I have an awesome
connection with a company called Friar Tux. They
are amazing and after doing so many shoots with
them, it just takes 1 email to get my vision across!
Tux shops are usually bigger than bridal shops and
you'll probably have a better chance at getting one if
you email them vs going into a store.
The same thing with the dress, tell them your vision,
ideas for the tux, have the measurements for the guy,
and send over the mood board and dress if you have
that secured already.

I know the Black Tux seems to collaborate often. I

personally have never worked with them but I see
other photographers using them! ASOS also has a
TON of amazing options for tuxes/suits for fairly
cheap!! I bought all of the tuxes for the Joshua Tree
Retreat from ASOS. Since they did not collaborate, I
did not put them on the vendor list. Another option is
asking the guy if he already has something that would
pull off nicely! I have seen some people just use
black skinny jeans with boots, a button up, and a
jacket! That is an cheap and easy way to get a look!
Or even going to Target! Don't over complicate it.

treat their babies good!

This may be a no-brainer, but don't treat the dress and tux like crap! Brides will be trying these
dresses on, the tux company will be renting out these outfits. That is a huge reason why I have
such amazing connections with the shops I do. I always return the products back on time (or
earlier), I make it a point to be super communicative with the shops afterwards as well. Friar tux's
marketing girl's name is Chelsea, I have never met her so I always email her after the shoot and
simply just let her know it went great and I can't wait to get the galleries to her! Such a simple
thing that takes 2 minutes but goes a long way! She is always so grateful.

For the dresses, I love working with a company in Denver, so I always text her when I ship them
back with the tracking number. I make her aware of anything that may have happened and I am
more than happy to pay an extra cleaning fee if need be. For example, the photo above, the
model was so short and the dress got wet and sandy, I spot cleaned it as much as I could before I
had to ship it back. They were so grateful I let them know so they could expect it to be out of the
shop for a few days getting cleaned.

If you are shooting somewhere that has sand, cactus, dirt, or anything that may get it dirty; try to
limit the amount of movement you do and help the model pick up and carry the dress when she
walks somewhere. Also communicate to her that she needs to take good care of it!
 FLORALS

I love to give little direction and let the florists do their thing!
I think florists are so so talented and have so much creativity inside them that they don't always
get to do with weddings. Watching what they come up with is always a blast! I send them the
mood board, point out specific things I love from their work, and tell them to do their creative
thing! Since mosts florists are very creative, I have actually never had a florist tell me they don't
want to collaborate. I make it as simple for them as possible in a couple different ways.

I always offer to pay for the cost-of florals and give them a budget. What that means is, I'll pay
for the flowers themselves, their wholesale price. I don't pay for their services & time. Since they
would be out that money, it only makes sense to me to offer to pay that. Then I also give them a
budget to go along with that. For example if I just need one bouquet, I'll tell the florist my vision,
I'll show her the couple, the dress, and inspiration! Then I'll say something along the lines of "I
absolutely love what you did with this!!! Maybe something inspired by this? *insert picture* But,
seriously I love EVERYTHING you do and know you'll create some magic! I am thinking just 1
bouquet. Obviously, I'll pay for the cost of florals! I have a budget of $75, does that sound OK?" In
that message I gave them a tiny bit of direction I want to go in, but let them know I trust them
with whatever they do! Then I stated I'll pay for the cost of and this is my budget!

Once it gets about 2 weeks out from the shoot, I follow up and ask how they would like for me
to send them the money, I do that and then ask what is easiest for them to get the bouquet to me!
I ALWAYS offer to pick everything up! But, also invite them to the shoot if they want to come
along! Some florists like to get BTS. Some like to take photos themselves and if you aren't
comfortable with them bringing a camera, communicate that beforehand! Let them know kindly
that that is a part of the collaboration and you'll be sending them a full gallery!

When I pick up the florals I am always sure to ask them which is the front of the bouquet if it isn't
obvious. And then I hug them, tell them how thankful I am for them & hype up their work as much
as I can!! They put a lot of work into their craft and deserve to get sweet words, just as we want
from them when we deliver the galleries, right?

I always ask if they want the bouquet back at the end of the shoot. Some pieces may be able to
be reused and that could be valuable to them! All in all, treat the florists the same you would any
other vendor!! Make amazing connections & create a good experience with them!
HAIR AND
MAKEUP ARTISTS
These are probably the most simple! The hair and makeup artist community is UNREAL!
Seriously, every hair and makeup artist I have met have all been the sweetest girls who are
just so ready to CREATE!

I personally am terrible at makeup, and don't know anything about it. So, I like to reach out
to a hair stylist first. I have a few people that I absolutely love that have very different
styles. You should recognize that and see what their work really is about before reaching
out to just anyone. For example, if your inspiration for a shoot is very classy and you are
wanting a more formal up do, maybe don't reach out to someone who specializes in braids
and loose styles! A super simple way to find these people are just by searching "*TOWN*
Hair Stylist". That is how I found @kaelynchristine.hair who is one of my favorite people to
work with!

After you find the hair stylist, if you don't already have a makeup person, I would just ask
the hair stylist if she has anyone she loves working with! 9 times out of 10 they will say yes
and either just bring someone along, or send you a list of people to reach out to! Then they
can carpool and there is a less likely chance that one or the other will back out too.

When reaching out, I personally do this specific vendor over the DM's. I feel that it is a
quick and easy way to be in contact and has always worked great with me! I can't find any
messages that I sent to these vendors to screenshot and share, so the excerpt below is
what I would say!

"Hiiii! I am a photographer based in Oceanside! I see

your in San Diego!? So fun!!! I absolutely love your work.
Your braids that you do are unreal! I am putting together
a little styled shoot next month and was wondering if
you would want to be a part of it! Let me know if you
are available / down and I can send over all the details
and the mood board! It is going to be March 6th in La
Jolla!"
 HAIR AND
MAKEUP ARTISTS CONT.
After the hair stylist says she's down, I send
over all the details; mood board, times,
locations, models, etc. Then let her know that
even though I have a vision, I want her to do
her creative thing & create what she loves!!! Go
on with no limits! That is also when I say,
something like "Also!! I haven't found a makeup
artist yet, so if you have anyone that you love
to work with, send them my way!! I want you
to have a ton of fun too! :)" It's so much easier
on your end, and they also will probably have a
better time if they are working with a friend!
Along with that, their styles are probably a little
similar!

I personally don't usually pay these vendors. If

they are driving a couple hours or more, I'll
compensate them for gas and food if I don't
provide them with food at the shoot!

I know styled shoot days can be hectic, but I

always make a point to greet every vendor,
hair and makeup artists specifically! Their work
can easily get overlooked and I want them to
know how much I appreciate them!! When they
get there, I am sure to always greet them with
a big hug, a bottle of water if they want, I
show them the bathroom (especially if they
drove a long ways) and make them feel like
they are in a welcomed and loving area! Then I
introduce them to the model! Hyping them up
and complimenting their work is never a bad
thing and just creates such a good relationship!
You should do this with each vendor, but
especially the ones that put thought and
creativity into their work.
RENTALS + PROPS
If there is something fun that you are wanting to add to your
shoot like a sweetheart table, fancy car, hat, ceremony site,
mock reception table, or anything unique and fun!!! Decide
whether it is worth it for you to take the time to research
big companies, or to just buy / rent.

For example, the photo below -- it wasn't worth it to me to

research car place and ask if they would want to
collaborate. I figured by the time that I reached out to 3 or 4
companies and went through the collaboration process, it
would be worth it for me to spend a couple hundred dollars
and just rent a car on Turo. If you are wanting a car, I
definitely recommend Turo!!! It is an awesome company.
Basically like airbnb for cars.

But also, don't be afraid to knock on big doors! Just like I

said earlier! Big companies are more willing to collaborate
than you may think, especially if it means exposure for them
+ you pick up and return. Places may also be willing to give
you a discount if they don't want to collaborate.

An example of knocking on big doors -- there was this huge

corporate company that rents out amazing linens! Their
prices were too much for me to justify so I was like
whatever, if they don't want to collaborate, I only wasted a
few minutes typing up an email and I'll go buy some cheap
ones from amazon. Well, they replied! And within a few
hours! They were so excited and turns out their warehouse
was only an hour away from me so they said shipping was
on them. I created an amazing relationship with this huge
linen company and they have worked with me for every
shoot since!

And an example of places giving discounts -- There is this

very popular table top rental company in Southern California
that I was nervous to reach out to because they work with
huge planners and are always so busy. They didn't to
collaborate, but they offered 50% off their pieces! Which
came out to be very cheap!

All in all -- just weigh out whether it is worth your time to

reach out to companies or to just buy it!
RENTALS + PROPS CONT.
extra ideas to add to your shoot
- hats
- cars
- jewelry
- sweetheart table
- ceremony set up
- rugs
- chairs
- airbnb for getting ready area
- arches
- reception tables
- peacock chairs
- mobile bar
- taco / food truck
- milkshakes
- ring boxes
- linens
- table top rentals
- hanging lights
- a bride jacket
- unique rings
- old bus
 NOITATIVNI
SETIUS
If you are wanting to add something to your shoot so you have details, but aren't
wanting to go through all the work of a whole sweetheart table, invitation suites are
the way to go! This is definitely one of my favorite things to shoot at weddings and I
always make sure there is one at my styled shoots!

Just like the other vendors, I reach out to people that I think do amazing work and
introduce myself, ask if they'd be interested! If they are, I send over the mood boards
but let them know I'll be stoked with whatever direction they take it in! These people
are always so fun to work with!! Usually they ask me for direction on a color scheme.
When they do that, I chat with the florist on what she is planning to do so that if I
decide to use the bouquet with the flat lay, it all goes good together!

I do not pay this vendor! I have never had someone ask to cover shipping either since it
is usually less than $10. But, if you are trying to make a good connection with a certain
business and you have the budget to do so, go ahead!! Again, this is just what I like to
do :)

When I receive it in the mail, I usually either voice message them, or send them a video
/ picture so they know just how much I appreciate their hard work and dedication to
my shoot!! I've said it a million times, and I'll keep saying it -- create amazing
connections with these vendors!
COMMUNICATION
Be sure you fully communicate with each of the vendors. It needs to be clear what is
expected of them, what their position is in the shoot (so they don't overstep on
anything!), what the date and time are. I like to do this all in a very nice and inviting
way. It would seem a little intense to be say "This is your job, I expect you to do it, and
be good. You need to be there at 4:00 and if you are late then the whole shoot will fall
a part." LOL. Don't be that person!! But make it clear. If you are bringing on someone to
do hair, then the invitation person shouldn't have a say in what she does, if that makes
sense! They have one job!

Also be super communicative on when you need the products by. If the shoot is on
Saturday, the dress should probably try to arrive by Thursday at the latest, just incase
there are some shipping delays. Same with the invites, or anything else being shipped in.
I always let the people know that I like to get things in a little early just to be sure it is
there for the shoot! For any of the day-of people, I like to plan to be early. The real
reason for that is because I am late to like 90% of things, haha! So for example, the hair
and makeup artist -- I'll ask each one how long it will take them. Let's pretend it will
take them each an hour, then the bride will need to get dressed and go to the
bathroom, grab a bite to eat maybe, so let's say 30 minutes for that. Two hours and 30
minutes total, so I'll tell the hair and makeup artist to get there 3 hours before the shoot.
I don't say anything like "to be safe" because if someone told me that, I'd take that as
"perfect, time for starbucks!" So, let the vendors know. Be communicative and be on
call the day of & ready to be needed!
TIMELINES
I touched on this subject a bit in the
last page. But, it is important
enough to have its own page! Make
a timeline!!! When are you wanting
to shoot? Work backwards from
that. I know for me that I love to
shoot at sunset, so if the sunset is at
5PM, then we will need to be at the
location by 3:30, let's say it takes 30
minutes to drive there from where
the couple is going to be getting
ready, so we need to leave by 2:45
(account for the time it takes to find
parking, get out of the car, maybe
traffic? who knows!) You put a ton
of work into this shoot, don't let it
not happen because there wasn't a
solid timeline! I don't need to go
into too much detail, but account
for 10-15 extra minutes for each
event throughout the day! You
would rather have too much time
than not enough!! Once you have
fully created the timeline, send it off
to everyone involved the day of!

To put it simply, make sure

everyone knows what the heck is
going on at what time!!
VENDOR LIST
Alright guys, this whole guide I've been talking about
how important is to have amazing connections and
relationships with all these vendors, that continues to
after the shoot! Which I am going to chat about in the
next couple pages.

The first step being the vendor list. Have one, send it,
use it, tag them, all the things! You should make it
before the shoot and send it to everyone so they can
tag any vendors in the BTS they take and so they can
have an idea of who all is going to be there! Plus, then
you don't have to worry about sending it afterwards.

I have made many mistakes within vendor lists so learn from me with these. Don't forget
anyone!!! Seriously, that is the absolute worst feeling, when you forget someone and they
point it out to you. Make the list, let it sit for a couple days; think, think, think, and double,
triple check before you send it out to be sure you aren't missing anyone.

Second thing is to make sure everyones names are spelled right. I sent out a vendor list
one time and one of the girls names was spelled wrong. So she basically got no credit
from all the posts since her name wasn't clickable. DOUBLE, TRIPLE CHECK!!! Just be sure
that you are correct on everything before you send it out. If you do make a mistake in
some way, that's ok. We are all human and people are very understanding. Just let all the
parties involved know so they can also fix it on their end!

vendor list from my latest shoot I make it a point to put this vendor list in
every single one of my captions (or in the
Photo: @bebavowels comments). These vendors put a ton of
Couple: @mersadiolson & their heart and creativity into this shoot and
@jayo1son deserve to be recognized! I also do this for
Dress: @vagabond_bridal weddings as well. Along with sharing this
Dress Boutique: on instagram, I also do this for blog posts
@aandbe_bridalshop and facebook posts. In addition to posting
@aandbe_denver this in the caption, I also tag them in the
Florals: @wyld_blooms photo. This makes it show up on their
Hair: @kaelynchristine.hair profile, and you never know who may be
Makeup: @mualaciexo scrolling their tagged photos and need a
Suit: @stitchandtie photographer ;)
Invitation suite: @truthpapers
Retreat: @roamersretreats Tag your vendors people!!!!
SEIRELLAG
I personally deliver a gallery every
single time I shoot. No matter if it's
free, a styled shoot, a workshop I
attended, anything! I know how
hard every one works to put on
these shoots and they all deserve
the photos! ESPECIALLY if you are
the only photographer there, they
probably are going to want a little
more than just a few sneaks on
instagram.

Not only do I always deliver a gallery, but I also always

deliver it within a timely manner. I actually put it in my editing
que just as if it was a paid shoot. If you get these vendors to
collaborate and say that you'll give them photos in return,
then give them photos in return! And if you happen to have a
bad experience with a vendor, they still deserve the photos.
Just because they were not the best to work with doesn't
mean that gives you an excuse to not tag them + send over a
gallery. That is just my personal opinion though!

Another huge perk of finishing a gallery and sending it off to

everyone, is that you then get to blog it and possibly submit it
to blogs that feature styled shoots! You will also be able to
send it over to potential clients. If you are shooting in some
place epic and you want to shoot there again, one day you
might get an inquiry for that place and you'll want to be able
to send it over asap. It puts you in the expert's shoes to show
that you have indeed shot there, made magic, finished the
gallery, and can show it off!

When I send it off to all the vendors + models, I give one big
final thank you. I let them know in the group email thread that
it wouldn't have been possible without them and I hope to
work together again soon. Then I attach the vendor list one
last time for easy access!
INVITING OTHER PHOTOGRAPHERS
OK, I am not going to get to deep into this topic. This could easily be a 50+ page guide.
But, I did want to touch on it because a lot of photographers associate styled shoots
with multiple photographers being there. It doesn't have to be though! Which is why I
wanted to talk on this. This is YOUR styled shoot. You can do whatever you want with
it. If you want this to be completely yours and yours only. That way you can promote
this all on your own, couples will see this shoot and think of you and you only! You can
be as creative and as crazy as you want with the couple without having to worry about
if other people are getting the shots they want! Or, you can invite a few friends! If you
do -- be sure you have a contract so you aren't held liable if anyone get's hurt. There
are some online for free, I suggest getting it checked by a lawyer beforehand. Be
conscious on how many people you invite though. Having 20 cameras on one couple
can be VERY overwhelming and not everyone (including you!) will be able to get the
shots they want. I am sure a ton of photographers would love to come for free, but
don't sell yourself short. If you do invite people, considering charging them. Or if you
don't want it to be like that, you can ask them to pitch in for the costs that come from
the different vendors. You don't want to leave the shoot feeling like you just fully
funded a styled shoot for other people and you didn't get the shots you wanted. Trust
me, I have been there. It's not fun. Just really weigh what is most value-able to you! If
you do decide to invite other people, I have found that starting a facebook group with
all the information is the best way to go. Instagram DM's can get lost and messy!
Just as I have preached throughout this
entire guide -- keep the connections
going. If you had an amazing experience
with some vendors, add them to your
vendor list! Let them know you did, and
maybe they'll add you to theirs! Imagine
if you did a full wedding with all the
vendors from the styled shoots!? Magic,
right?

AFTER THE SHOOT

I like to keep it connections in tack by

following them on instagram, like
actually following them.. liking their
stuff, replying to stories, and supporting
them in anyway I can! Then they are
more likely to want to work with you
again, and you gain a new friend!! Win,
win!
CIGAM EMOS ETAERC OG
I hope this was so helpful to all of you guys
who are ready to start planning your own
styled shoot!! They really are the best thing I
have done for my business, and are SO much
fun to plan! It is simple, yet so complex. I have
made many mistakes while planning shoots
and my goal is for this guide to prevent you
guys from making those same mistakes.

xoxo beba