Lights – Camera – Action!

Whether you are just starting out as a wedding planner or are a seasoned veteran, a photo shoot of a mock wedding is a great way to add to your portfolio.  When you are planning a wedding for a couple, you likely get to keep some of the images from their photographer to show off their vision that you brought to life.  With a photo shoot, you can illustrate your own style and designs and show what you are capable of designing.

A photo shoot is a great way to show off your familiarity with the hottest wedding trends and your attention to detail.  Use this as an opportunity to work with local vendors.  The planner will typically not spend money on the shoot because vendors will include their services complimentary in exchange for the professional photographer photos for their own portfolio.  Not only are you showcasing their talents, but you are networking as well and establishing lasting business relationships.

The idea of a mock wedding photo shoot may seem intimidating to some, but don’t worry. There is no need to run out and rent a hall or church.  It’s all about staging.  You’ll want to decide on your theme, as you would do for any other wedding.  Then choose what aspects of the mock wedding you want to highlight.  If one of your strengths is creating gorgeous and unique table set-ups, work with the florist to put together a table that shows this.  There is not a need to put together 20 tables and decorate an entire head table.  You can put linens on one table and arrange it how you’d like for the photos.

Sharing your work is so important, especially in today’s world of social media.  How many times has a bride come into your initial meeting and showed you her wedding Pinterest Board?  You can use the photos from your photo shoot to post on your own Pinterest boards, on your website and on your business blog.  Posting these pictures and categorizing them accordingly will help you gain more exposure when brides and grooms search online for ideas.  You can also include the vendors who helped with the shoot so they are all associated with the images too and couples can see how everyone works together to create a wedding.

Photo shoots are all about displaying your talents and creativity, so have fun with it!  So often as the planner we are doing what the client asks, so take this chance to show off your ideas.

This is a guest post from Christine Bochniak.  Christine resides in Galena, IL where she works as an Author Account Manager for Kendall Hunt Publishing. She also works as a wedding coordinator part-time for her own business Rise Events Planning.