Creating art can get expensive, and it can be difficult when you don’t have a lot of spare income to pour into your creations. Here are some tips for photographers to put together a beautiful but inexpensive stylized shoot whether it’s for wedding photography or fashion photography.
Number one: Use what you have
This is a time to think creatively. Maybe you could use the baby pool you have in the garage with a sheet over it for the base of a milk bath shoot. Or maybe you have some forgotten jewelry in the back of your closet somewhere that would just pop on your model. Or you have a blanket that would work great as a newborn backdrop. Often you can use something you have instead of buying something new. It just takes some creative thinking.
Number two: Borrow from friends
Maybe you don’t have something but you know your friends do. This can range from getting permission to shoot on their land to getting them to dress back up in their wedding dress so you can do a bridal shoot. Don’t forget to be careful with their things and to thank them with a plate of cookies or brownies!
Number three: Learn a new skill
Instead of forking out money you don’t have for a makeup artist, try watching some tutorials online and practicing until you can do it yourself. This isn’t just limited to makeup; maybe you can make a really good looking cake for a shoot, or maybe build your set yourself! Maybe you can even sew the perfect dress or make the perfect necklace for the shoot! Just be careful that your DIY doesn’t end up costing you more than it would’ve if you had just bought the item ready made in the first place.
Number four: Hit the thrift store
Maybe you can’t afford a $500 dress for a couple of pictures but occasionally you can score a great wedding dress for only $20 at the thrift store. Maybe there’s a great settee, or a great curtain that would make the perfect tablecloth. Maybe there’s some pretty silk flowers that you could make into a floral headband. Keep your mind and eyes open, and you might be able to save yourself a lot of money at thrift stores, yard sales, and on craigslist.
Number five: Trade for pictures
Maybe you just have nothing you can use, or you don’t have any friends to borrow from :(, or you’ve been looking and you can’t find anything used that fits your needs. I have found success trading for the pictures I’m going to take. Approach your local florist, clothing boutique, model, or other professional and tell them what you’re aiming to do. Ask if they’d be willing lending you some flowers or a dress, and in exchange you’ll source them when you post your pictures and that you’ll give them a copy of the pictures that they can use as promotional material or in their portfolio. It helps to have a portfolio and an idea board put together so they can see that you have a plan and that you’re capable of pulling it off. Don’t be discouraged if they say “no.” Just try the next place. If they say yes make sure you keep lines of communication open and that everyone’s on the same page about what they’re getting and when they’re getting it.
Expensive doesn’t automatically mean good, and Inexpensive doesn’t automatically mean bad. You can put together a gorgeous and fantastic styled shoot without spending a fortune. Be patient, be creative, and happy shooting.
Do you have any extra tips or strategies that you follow to help keep your costs down? We’d love to hear them!