Hi there, budding photographer! So, you want to grow your business. Congrats on taking the first step by reading this blog! I am about to show you what has worked for me in terms of planning a styled shoot in Chicago, Illinois.

1. Announce to your sphere of influence that you are planning a styled shoot (this can be your friends, family, Instagram followers, and Facebook friends).
2. Find a venue to host your styled shoot
3. Create a mood board on Pinterest to achieve your desired aesthetic
4. Do a vendor call, keeping an eye on which vendors you’ve been dying to work with. This can be done on Instagram stories and Facebook
5. Do a model call for a cute couple, and reach out to people you know and like to see if they’re interested
6. Keep in mind group chemistry, and select people you enjoy working with
7. Sign a contract with each vendor, keeping in mind how each person would like to be credited on social media
8. Share mood board with each vendor, and have calls leading up to the shoot to ensure all goes smoothly
9. Create a group email chain to keep everyone informed of the plan
10. Have back up vendors, just in case someone backs out or becomes ill
11. Arrive at the venue early! Sometimes, things take longer than planned
12. Set up with your vendor team, and be as helpful as possible; working as a team
13. Take dreamy photos, using the skills you have learned in your career
14. Submit photos for publication before posting anything
15. Wait for publishers to return your inquiry.
16. Post photos with announcement of publication, giving credit to each vendor as they appear on the contract

Congratulations! Now you know how to plan a styled shoot. Be sure to email me at hello@mandelettephoto.com if you would like to collaborate, or need any guidance. I can’t wait to see your masterpiece!

Sincerely,

Rachel Mandel, Mandelette Photography