TIP 1: Be picky about the workshops or styled shoots you attend! There are plenty of workshops that include styled shoots so that means you can be choosy about which you make the time for, as well as pay for! Research the photographer’s style and make sure you see inspiration boards that are being followed for the styled shoots to see if the ideas are be in-style, match your style and brand and are organized professionally. Also, be aware of how many photographer’s will be there and how much you are willing to compete for space, posing time and angles. Also, how many people will be posting similar images in your area after the workshop. Going out of town for a workshop might ensure your images to only be seen in your area, but if its a local workshop, people will start seeing similar images to yours so be aware if you want to stand out!

TIP 2: Help lead the models to successful poses. When you are shooting at the styled shoot, lead your models into poses that are useful from all angles, rather than poses that require eye contact to be successful. Leading the the models to look at each other, to the sides, or down to the ground ensures a romantic pose that multiple people can capture from multiple spots. If your style is semi-dependent on eye contact, make yourself heard, ask for eye contact for 4 frames and then move away so other people can have the chance.

TIP 3: Realize that at these types of shoots aren’t going to be similar to your regular sessions. You won’t get to connect with the couple one-on-two like normal sessions. The couple might not be totally aware of what they are getting themselves into. They probably aren’t used to getting their pictures taken, and probably not used to 9 photographers in their face when they do get them taken. Work to stand out from the crowd, make fun of the situations, be funny, make sure they are comfortable. You will not end up with 500 images to choose from. Attend these shoots with the expectation/ goal to get enough good images for a blog post. You are not expected to deliver a full gallery to the models so don’t stress out about missing a shot, someone is bound to have caught it! ;) Share the models and the space. Work to create a flow or expectation that once you have gotten what you need you step away so that each photographer can get the prime locations and angles.

TIP 4: Shoot with a new or longer lens. As you can see, elbow space is precious and the longer your lens, the less you have to participate in the frenzy. Styled shoots are low stress since you have zero expectation from a client so you can try out your gear that you haven’t felt comfortable with in the past. Be prepared to crop out shoulders, lenses and hands out of your images if the space is tight!

HOW TO GET THE MOST FROM A GROUP STYLED SHOOT