When you’re browsing a photographer’s website, you might come across photos from a styled photo shoot instead of an actual wedding. As a wedding photographer myself, I also participate in these and think they’re totally fine!
But here’s the thing: shooting a real wedding requires a whole different set of skills. So, don’t mistake styled shoot pictures for a complete showcase of your potential photographer’s abilities, or you might end up disappointed.
In this article, I’ll help you break down the differences between the two and show you ways to assess your potential photographer’s portfolio to know if they’re the one for your big day.
Ready? Let’s jump in!
So, what is a styled photo shoot?
A styled shoot is like a dream team collab of wedding vendors putting together a staged wedding.
We use models as the marrying couple, dress them in gorgeous wedding attire and jewelry from designers we want to support, and everyone brings their A-game to create a specific theme (like the punk rock wedding you see here!).
Styled photoshoots give photographers the freedom to perfect every shot. We can take all the time we need, experiment with different lighting, and try out various locations.
These are those stunning, picture-perfect shots you usually find on Pinterest. But remember, they’re more like a photographer’s dream come true, not a real wedding.
Once the photo shoot wraps up, the photographer and videographer turn it into amazing online content that the entire vendor team is free to use for their blogs, social media, websites, and more.
How to spot a styled shoot
So, you see a wedding photo on social media that you love… how do you know if it’s a styled shoot or a real wedding?
Well, styled shoots usually feature just selected moments of only the marrying couple, detail shots (like the ones above), or the setup in the venue. You won’t see photos of guests, first looks, the reception, dancing, or the ceremony.
Here, it’s all about those perfect, dreamy shots of the bride or the marrying couple.
Why do vendors love styled shoots?
Styled shoots may not be real weddings, but they’re a total must for photographers! Here’s why:
They get our creative juices flowing
When we plan a styled shoot, it’s like having a blank canvas. We get to unleash our creativity, try out new ideas, and sharpen our skills without the stress of getting everything perfect for a paying client.
It’s a chance to think outside the box, play around, and have fun without worrying about time constraints or making every shot flawless—because hey, it’s not a real wedding!
In this creative playground, we can experiment, mess up, and try again as much as we want. We can explore new techniques, push boundaries, and level up our game.
So, while styled shoots might not have the same magic as capturing a couple’s big day, they’re an invaluable opportunity for us to grow and perfect our craft.
They allow for a more diverse portfolio
And if we create something truly scroll-stopping, we can add it to our portfolio or social media feed as a fresh, unconventional piece.
This helps us showcase our versatility and lets everyone know we’re all about celebrating diversity and inclusivity, including working with LGBTQ+ couples.
Styled shoots are our chance to build inclusivity and trust, showing potential clients that we’re open, accepting, and ready to capture love in all its beautiful forms and different styles.
A great way to network with other awesome vendors
For photographers and wedding vendors, collaborations are everything! It’s how I’ve met some of the best in the biz, and it’s a win-win because I can recommend them to my clients with confidence.
What I love about styled shoots is that they give me a peek into a vendor’s style and work ethic before I refer them. It’s like a test run where we get to see how well we vibe together and how amazing the final results can be.
They help us attract our dream clients
Lastly, styled shoots are awesome because they let us bring our own visions to life instead of sticking to a client’s brief.
Don’t get me wrong—I absolutely love turning my clients’ dreams into reality! But, if I only showcase one style, I’ll probably only attract clients who want that exact style.
So, if I want to do something new, I have to put it out there first to attract clients who are excited about it. Styled shoots are perfect for this because they let us explore fresh ideas and share them, opening the door to new and exciting opportunities!
But real weddings are a whole different game: Here’s why
Unlike styled shoots, where we have all the time and control in the world, real weddings bring a whole new level of time management and pressure. In a styled shoot, we can perfect every pose and direct every moment in a controlled environment.
But at a real wedding, we’re dealing with unpredictable factors like weather, different emotions, and tight timelines.
In a styled shoot, we often work with models who are used to being in front of the camera and know how to pose effortlessly. But most people aren’t like that, and it’s our job to make them feel confident and not nervous—PS: This is my specialty!
We have to capture candid moments and real emotions on the fly, all while coordinating with other vendors and the wedding party.
And we do this while adapting to changing conditions and different lighting situations. It’s more chaotic, but that’s what makes it so exciting and rewarding!
Why you need to check the ‘real wedding day’ portfolio pieces, too
As wedding photographers, we have to know our stuff well enough to capture stunning images under all kinds of pressure—even when the lighting isn’t perfect.
A styled shoot doesn’t come with the same challenges or the unpredictable conditions of a real wedding day.
That’s why, when choosing a wedding photographer, be sure to also check more of their portfolio from a real wedding day!
You don’t want to hire someone just because you saw a beautiful, Pinterest-worthy shot, only to find them completely overwhelmed and stressed out on your big day. Or worse, not end up with those stunning photos you’ve been dreaming of.
So here’s what to do:
Ready to chat with your photographer about their portfolio? Ask this!
We’ve established that styled shoot content isn’t all bad, but it shouldn’t be the only thing you use to decide if a photographer is right for you. So, what else should you look for? Here are my pro tips:
Request to see multiple full wedding day galleries
This is where you’ll find photos that go beyond just the marrying couple and details. You’ll see everything—from the ‘first look’ to the ceremony, cocktail hour, gorgeous scenery, and even guests busting out their best dance moves.
This will give you a real feel for the photographer’s skills and style.
Pro tip: Ask to see photos taken in different lighting conditions or settings similar to your wedding day!
Ask how many weddings they’ve photographed (especially as the lead photographer)
Sometimes, photographers who have a lot of styled shoot pics in their portfolios are still relatively new.
As a client, you might not be able to tell because the photos look stunning, but the real question is: Can they deliver that same quality during a real wedding?
Asking them directly about their experience will give you all the answers you need.
Check if any of the work in their portfolio is from a styled shoot
Styled shoots often showcase a photographer’s creativity and vision. If they have styled shoot work in their portfolio, ask what inspired them about it. This will give you a better sense of their authentic style and what to expect if you hire them.
Final thoughts on a styled shoot wedding
A styled photo shoot is an awesome way for a photographer to play around, hone their craft, and network. But remember, that’s not necessarily what all their work will look like!
To really get a sense of your potential photographer’s skills, follow the steps above, and you’ll be able to tell if they’re the right fit for you.
If you’re looking for someone who’s experienced in real weddings and still loves to sharpen their skills through styled shoots, then reach out to me! Feel free to browse my website to get a feel for my work.
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