Styled Shoots for Calligraphers: How they work & How to get the best photos
Having a strong portfolio is key if you want to get hired by clients for wedding calligraphy. Whether you're just getting started or have been doing this for years, your portfolio needs to make your work stand out to attract the planners, and couples you dream of working with. Maybe you’ve done a few weddings but didn’t get great images back. Or maybe the weddings you’ve worked on don’t reflect the kind of events or offers you want to book moving forward. Or maybe you’re always working on calligraphy projects at night and haven’t been able to get any good photos of your work on your own! Don’t let yourself get discouraged!
That’s where styled shoots come in! These creative collaborations are more than just an excuse to make something pretty. They’re an opportunity to showcase your calligraphy in a setting that reflects your style, to connect with other wedding vendors, and start building real relationships that lead to referrals. When you approach them with intention, styled shoots can become one of the most impactful tools in your business.
Photo by April O’Hare Photo
What is a styled shoot?
A styled shoot is a mock wedding designed by vendors who want to have creative rein to try out fun ideas while getting great photos of their work. There’s no paying client involved, just a collaborative effort where each person contributes their time and materials in exchange for photos and the potential for future referrals.
Since we’re not often at our clients’ weddings, it can be hard to make sure our work is getting included in the photos. Styled shoots give us more control over how our wedding calligraphy is styled, photographed, and shared. A well-curated shoot lets you create the kind of visuals you can use in every aspect of your business - on social media, on your website, to use during the booking process to show past work, on proposals, and even to attract the planners, photographers, and couples you actually want to work with.
The bigger benefits of doing styled shoots as a calligrapher
Styled shoots are also about building relationships. Many of my long-term vendor partnerships started from a styled shoot, and many of the features I’ve had published came from shoots like these, rather than real weddings. When you’re intentional about how you show up and who you collaborate with, styled shoots can lead to real opportunities.
Styled shoots are also one of the reasons I’ve been able to grow my business in the way I have. The shoots act as a way for planners to determine if they like working with you - and if you like working with them! For instance, I met a planner in a styled shoot she organized in March of 2020. We hit it off, and that single shoot turned into a long-term trusted relationship and three dream wedding clients. Another shoot resulted in my work being featured in Cosmo Bride (see it here) and becoming that planner’s go-to wedding signage provider. When you’re intentional about how you show up and who you collaborate with, styled shoots can open doors you didn’t even see coming.
How to find styled shoot opportunities for calligraphers
Ok, now you’re pumped and ready for your first styled shoot. Now…how do you get a seat at the table? I get asked this all the time!
It can seem like you have to be part of a super-secretive society to get invited to a styled shoot. The truth is not as exciting as that. Most styled shoots are organized by wedding planners or photographers. They consistently need new photos to show their work at new venues or with different themes. Many of them organize shoots to experiment with new ideas or apply for publication features. The best way to get included is to genuinely connect with local planners and photographers in your area, online or in person, and let them know that you’re interested in styled shoot opportunities. If you’re new to building business relationships, I’ve got you! Check out my blog on networking as a calligrapher. It has tips on what to do before, during, and after a networking event to start making connections.
I also recommend joining Facebook groups for wedding vendors in your service area. Often you’ll find not only posts sharing styled shoot opportunities but also job opportunities, and be able to find other talented vendors through the group. I’ve found more than one of my styled shoots in this way - and one of those planners eventually became my wedding planner and someone who I’ve booked several wedding clients with!
Finally, for the styled shoot organizers who are looking for calligraphers to join their shoot, make sure that your Instagram bio clearly states what you do and where you’re located within the name field, which is searchable on Instagram. For example, my name field says “Shaochen | Denver Calligrapher”.
Bonus tip: to get your business discovered and referred more, join my free Calligrapher Directory, with over 200 US calligraphers and counting!
When to know if the shoot is right for you
In the beginning, I said yes to pretty much all of the styled shoots I was invited to. And while I got professional photos, they weren’t always what I was hoping for. I did more than 15 styled shoots in my first two years of business, and you learn really quickly to be more selective with your shoots and how you show up for them. This concept is so important that I have a whole lesson about it in my course for wedding calligraphers! But three easy steps to consider for every shoot are:
1. Get to know the photographer
When a shoot opportunity comes up, don’t feel like you have to say yes every time. Look at the vendor team. Do you like the photographer’s editing style? Will the shoot give you the kind of photos you can actually use on your website? Be selective! It’s better to do one aligned shoot than three that don’t serve your brand.
2. Communicate your expectations and boundaries
It’s also important to communicate ahead with the planner and, in some cases, the photographer. Make sure you’re on the same page about what you’re providing, how you’d like it styled, and what kinds of photos you want to come away with. Sometimes the organizers don’t know how expensive or time-consuming pieces are to create, and might ask you to contribute something that isn’t feasible or in your budget, and you may need to push back or propose alternative ideas. After all, you’re still going to have to put in the time and material cost to make the pieces, just like you would for any paying client. For example, someone shouldn’t be asking you for 50 place cards when 10 or fewer is plenty for photos. You don’t need to control everything, but you do need to be comfortable advocating for your work to be captured in a way that fits your brand.
3. Show up!
I recommend showing up in person for the styled shoot whenever possible. This has a two-fold benefit to you. The first is that being on-site lets you style your work exactly how you want it to be photographed, and gives you a chance to bring props or styling tools for flat lays and signage. But secondly, and even more importantly, being there means you can connect with the other vendors face-to-face! Those conversations are where real connections form. That styled shoot that led to three high-paying wedding clients? That may not have happened had I not shared so many conversations and worked closely with her on shoot day.
Here are some styled shoot photos I’ve received of my calligraphy!
My final thoughts on styled shoots
Styled shoots aren’t just for getting great photos for Instagram. They’re a strategic way to build a portfolio, get your work published, build business connections, and attract your dream wedding calligraphy clients. The key is being intentional. Know what you’re hoping to get out of it. Know who you want to work with. And don’t be afraid to advocate for your work to be styled and photographed the way it deserves!
If you’re looking for more tips on how to consistently attract your dream wedding clients, check out my free masterclass! I walk you through three more powerful steps I used to go from total newbie to earning 4-figures per wedding in my first year!
