Brook Branch Park: Fairytale Theme Engagement Photos

This is a blog post to teach photographers how to plan a styled photoshoot and a photo gallery collection of the fairytale theme engagement photos.

 

 

Learn how to plan a styled photoshoot (engagement photos edition)

Everything you need to know about how to plan a styled photo shoot on your own with a very small vendor team can be found useful on Youtube channel under the “Photographer Education” tab.

Reasons why you should plan a styled photoshoot

• Attract your ideal clients that speak your brand and what you like to photograph: whether that’s wardrobe style or photography editing style or photography shooting style or how you like to pose your clients
• Update your portfolio and content for social media platforms
• Meet and network with other vendors who will recommend you to potential leads (don’t forget to share the photos with them as a trade!)
• Step out of your comfort zone and try something new that you do not dare to try with a real-paying client
• It’s very fun for everyone involved

The best ways to find vendors to work with you on a styled shoot

• Instagram hashtag search your local area (where the photoshoot will take place) and their type of business. For instance, if you’re planning a photoshoot in NYC and looking for a makeup artist to collaborate with, search #NYCmua . If you’re seeking a florist, you could find them #nycflorist
• Models are very tricky to find and even harder to make sure they commit to the photoshoot without any compensation. If you don’t have a portfolio yet, try #nycmodel or join a Facebook group in your area NYC TFP Models . TFP means “Trade for Photos”. Sometimes other photographers in your area will use models and you can find them via tags on their Instagram page. If you’re a bit more established with a portfolio of work, you could reach out to modeling agencies and pitch them the idea of collaboration in trade for photos with one of their new models. Typically their new models need photos for their portfolio to pitch to big paying brands.

 

What do I need for an engagement photoshoot?

I recommend you watch the Youtube video to learn what you need to plan and prepare for a smaller-scale styled shoot. Some basics off the top of my head are:

• A mood board to make clear your vision and share with vendors. I love the online software picmonkey to create mood boards for all my photoshoot projects, including real wedding days!
• Budget. Nothing comes free! I had to pay for the female’s wardrobe, hairpiece, and jewelry
• Models
• Hairstylist: be sure to ask about their availability and how long they typically need to complete a hair look. That way you can create a timeline based on their schedule. Always add an extra 30min-1hour to the timeline to allow room for hiccups, parking, and unpacking, and they can take before and after videos/photos for their social too!
• Makeup artist: read whatever I said about hairstylists lol! Sometimes MUA’s can also dupe hairstylists. Just ask!
• Wardrobe
• Location to do the preparation and the photoshoot. DO YOUR RESEARCH! Some locations require permits, so make sure you check on that before planning a whole photoshoot there and avoid any tickets/stops to your session. (it’s embarrassing!)
• Contact information for ALL who are participating in the photoshoot. Include name, email, phone number and Instagram handle (@).
• Email ALL of them with updates leading up to the photoshoot day. Including timeline, addresses, directions, what to expect after the photoshoot, and how the models should prepare for the photo shoot

 

Not everything will go as planned

I have been a part of and planned a lot of styled photo shoots and I have to say I had my fair share or hiccups. Here’s what had happened to me in the past (despite all the planning – things can still go wrong!)

• One of the biggest photo shoots I planned with 8 photographers, 2 videographer, a planner, florist, rentals, caterer, cake, 4 modeling couples, a dress company (and more) – a modeling couple completely ghosted me and the planner. They responded to the emails and texts we sent as reminders and updates but come the photoshoot day they completely flaked and dodged our calls. I freaked. The planner and I brainstormed and she had the idea to ask one of the vendors that was there to supply treats/bakery could model for us (without a partner). The planner asked, and she agreed and she FIT THE DRESS!! How is that?! Everything works out…
• A recent styled photoshoot, one of the 4 models (a male – groom model) got covid and never showed
• At this particular photo shoot, the female model didn’t fit the dress! We had to pin and tighten the bow around her waist to hide the folds from how loose the skirt was on her and change the top portion completely on a whim! lol
• There are more stories – but that’s just some things that could happen!!

 

 

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Fairytale Theme Engagement Photos Gallery

OMG! I am SOOOO excited about these photos as I was trying to update my brand as a “fairytale” – like photographer. I want to attract more clients who are interested in the ethereal, magical, whimsical, feminine engagement photos – wearing a flowy gown and feeling like a princess or main character in a love story novel. How do you think I did?

 

 

 

 

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New Jersey Vendors for your Wedding Day or Photoshoot

BTS + ASSISTANT @maias.cameraa

HAIR @shannonsarabridalhair

MAKEUP @shameless___beauty

FLORALS @gardenofedithfd

MODELS @john_paulkearney + @ariana.cordero

SKIRT @etsy 1000Love

DECOR @tjmaxx & @michaelsstores

LOCATION @brookbranchpark