Unveiling the distinctions: Editorial bridal campaigns vs. styled shoots
Someone asked me recently what the difference between one of my shoots and a styled shoot was. I realised that this is a fantastic question and I wanted to tell you the answer.
I define my shoots as Editorial Bridal Campaigns. Whilst they are similar to styled shoots, there are a few very important and distinct differences.
Defining Wedding Styled Shoots:
Styled shoots are a collaborative creative project between a group of wedding professionals. They come in different sizes and styles, but the main purpose is to create portfolio boosting content. By organising a styled shoot, each member gets to showcase their individual expertise in a style or theme they haven’t had the opportunity to create before.
Understanding Editorial Bridal Campaigns:
On the other hand, editorial bridal campaigns, focus on highlighting a specific bridal designer or brand's collection. The photos are created to show a designer/s creations in the perfect setting and style to produce a set of images that attract their ideal client and increase sales.
Conceptualisation and Planning:
In a styled shoot there is normally one person who comes up with the concept and organises the shoot. They decide what theme or style of content they need for their portfolio and pull together a team who are interested in contributing to the shoot.
This element is quite similar to one of my editorial bridal campaigns. I create the concept, mood board and pull the team together. However, the very big difference between my shoots and styled shoots is that my designers are the client. I create the photos I know will work for THEM. Not for me. My job is to capture the images and videos purely for them. I am a conduit not creating the pictures for my own use.
This means that, unlike a styled shoot, the designers are the bosses during one of my editorial bridal campaigns. The model, florist, make up and hair artists, venue and content creator are working for the designers, not themselves. This allows me to create photographs and videos that work for the client only.
Now, I love a styled shoot and am a big advocate of them, but there are a lot of chefs in that kitchen. Each contributor needs to make the investment of the time and cost of making the products work for them during the shoot. It can be a real struggle for everybody to get what they need from it. Working on one of my editorial bridal campaigns is very different; your designs are the ONLY thing I consider.
I organise the editorial bridal campaigns as a fierce advocate for YOU, my designers. By joining my shoot, you are not in competition, you are the beginning, middle and end and the photos I produce show that.
Photos by Rebecca Goddard Photography
Styled vs. Compromising:
Another difference between joining one of my editorial bridal campaigns and a styled shoot is that I style every look. Top to bottom. There is no compromising with other suppliers about whether their shoes goes with your dress, or giving into the hairdresser when you know your headpiece will not work with their hairstyle. I plan each look fully before the shoot to make sure that the hair, make up, outfit and accessories all look their very best.
Each look is inline with the shoot concept, designer’s ethos and created to create photos that convert into sales.
Investment:
Both styled shoots and my editorial bridal campaigns cost to participate in. With a styled shoot you have to travel to the venue, buy the materials and often create a new dress or accessory. You also have to spend the day there, making sure you get the shots you need. This all adds up.
Booking into one of my editorial bridal campaigns costs £500 for accessories designers and £1,500 for dress designers. This cost covers me doing absolutely everything for the shoot for you. All you have to do is send me your products. Dress designers get 4 dresses/outfits photographed and videoed and accessory designers get 8 pieces covered.
This is a LOT more than you would get created by a styled shoot as the photographer also has to photograph the flowers, cake, stationery, venue, hair and make up, tablescapes and styling. On my shoots, the designers are the one and only priority.
Plus you do not have to take any time out of your schedule, or travel anywhere. I manage and direct the photoshoot so all you have to do is create the pieces then sit back and wait for the photos and videos to arrive.
Photo licensing:
Have you ever joined a styled shoot then found out you cannot use the photos in your marketing materials or submit them to a blog? I certainly have. It is normal practice for the photographer to own the photos and have control over where, when and for how long you can use them. That is because there is not a contract between you and the photographer and you did not paid for the photographs.
When you pay me to participate in my editorial bridal campaign, I pay the photographer and very member of the shoot team. That means that the photos that are created belong to you and you can use them as you want. Whilst we all appreciate a tag in photos or a credit on a blog, you do not have to do this. No one will be sending you an annoyed message if you did not tag them on Instagram!
When we work together, we have a chat, before the shoot, about what you want to use the photos for. This allows me to make sure we get the size and orientation of the photos right for you and your usage. If there are any particular shots you want for your website, or an advert, then I have them planned into the shoot day schedule.
Remember the shoot is for the designers, not for me. The photos will work for your needs and make sale conversion easier.
Photos by Sarah Brookes Photography
If you are interested in joining my next editorial bridal campaign in England on March 28th 2024, please download the guide below.
Photos and videos will be ready before White Gallery and would make a fantastic start to 2024.
Faded Grandeur: Editorial Bridal Photoshoot Guide
Here is what Sarah, who participated in my last editorial bridal campaign had to say:
“I needed a project I was excited about to kickstart my creativity again. When I heard the shoot was ‘Golden Hour’, the inspiration was flooding in my mind and I knew I had to get making again as I couldn’t think of anything else I’d rather be doing. You gave me the freedom to design and make without restrictions and I really appreciated the trust from one professional to another. An instant mutual respect that I valued a lot. The images and videos I received were wonderful, on brief, very high quality and on trend”.
Please send me an email to book your space onto the Faded Grandeur shoot on March 28th 2024. VERY limited spaces available.
Dream Wildly,
Joanna xx