Episode 6: Editorial shoots for your creative business

Hi, today I’m talking about styled shoots, or editorials – what they are, why you should do them and how to go about organising or participating in one should you be invited.

First things first, I want to be clear what we’re talking about today:

So the difference between a Brand shoot and a Collaborative Styled Shoot – a brand shoot is for YOU, you should expect to pay for it – from photographer to stylist, make up artists, models and hiring of other elements like furniture or location. This is solely to promote you and your business, the images might be used in blogs and magazines as well as on your own website and social media for PR purposes.

Collaborative shoots are usually organised by one or two people, but everyone gives their time in exchange for the images and share costs. The end goal is usually to have the images published on a blog or in a magazine that is suitable for all the brands involved, with later on the ability to use the images on each of the participants websites and blogs and social media.

Today I’m focussing on collaborative styled shoots (or editorials). I’ve been styling and managing these (from concept to mood boards and on the day styling and direction) for over a decade now (with close to 100 shoots featured on blogs and in magazines around the world). And of course, I’ve been photographing them more recently too alongside my creative direction skills. I also used to run online courses and live workshops on this topic (I’m pondering on a new one soon too – watch this space).

But anyway today I’m sharing some of my top tips for getting the most out of collaborative editorial shoots, whether you’re the one organising it or you’ve been invited to take part in one.

The First questions to ask are always:

WHERE will it be published

This is core to understanding the PURPOSE of the shoot – (which is always ultimately to attract your attract IDEAL clients – what do they want to see and where are they likely to look for it?

WHO else is involved – do their businesses align with your look, style and ethos

This is all about the right TEAM building - you all need to be on the same page...