Styled Shoots seem to be my love language huh? I talk about them non-stop and today I'm focusing on the all important submission. We spend so much time and money creating bridal inspiration and submitting to blogs such as Ruffled and Style Me Pretty can be nerve-wracking! Getting a no here and there is going to happen no matter what- it sucks, but the great things is there are dozens and dozens of great blogs out there to get featured on so you can just try somewhere else! Hooray! I wanted to share some tips that I've learned over the past year of being a part of and putting on editorial shoots. Keep in mind the smaller blogs too! Of course to get that yes from blogs like Style Me Pretty and and 100 Layer Cake is so exciting, but sometimes the smaller blogs give you better exposure. You stay on their front page longer and in turn getter more traffic to your website.
These are little tips to help you get that yes from editors. My tips focus on online weddings blogs and print submissions may be a little but different, but regardless these are the 5 things I think about when a Styled Shoot is on the schedule.
Photo by Alicia Lacey Photography.
1. DETAILS
When it comes to details, blogs love them! Portraits of brides and grooms are of course stunning, but blogs really (and I mean really) love details. The paper products, accessories, the dessert table, the table settings- all are so important. My tip? Make your details unique yet not so out there. Blogs love things that are creative and different but that real brides can attain.
2. BE UNIQUE
I've said this before, but it's so important. With the abundance of styled shoots happening everywhere we look, you have to stand out. Think outside the box and make an idea your own. The same things seem to be done repeatedly. Be fresh and use that creative brain of yours! I think as a general rule, you should be your own self in this industry. It benefits everyone. Show that unique side in a styled shoot. it's the perfect platform to be you.
3. VERTICAL IMAGES
Allow for the majority of your images to be vertical. Editors love to pair images and verticals alway look better on a webpage layout. You have to style and and shoot your designs for a submission. Keep that in mind.
.
Photo by Courtney Morgan Photo. Ribbon by Ruffled Lane.
4. FOLLOW BLOG RULES
Each and every blog has it's own set of procedures for blog submissions whether it's through their site directly, two bright lights, or through a gallery link. Be sure to check with the site you are submitting and follow each direction perfectly. It makes it so much easier for the editors and staff involved and you're more likely to get that yes.
5. CREATE A STORY
This is my favorite tip. When I start an idea for a shoot, I think about a story. Readers of blogs want to see a story created through your images. For one, it makes your editorial more relatable. Brides want to be able to see themselves in this beautiful setting you are creating. Stories can be told in so many different ways. Through beautiful meaningful details, the bride and grooms models, the setting. The options are endless and can really make you stand out.
6. YOUR SUBMISSION TEXT
Tell the editors all the things! What was your vision going into this shoot, tell them about the details, the flowers, the DIY elements, Tell them your story!
Another tip, the more vendors involved (the more URLS) the better your chances! Be sure to credit every vendor too! This seems like it would be obvious, but sometimes a vendor gets overlooked especially with sneak peaks on social media. It's time consuming to get every vendor tag and double check you didn't forget anyone, but it's oh so important. No one wants anyone's feelings to get hurt. Make list of everyone involved with their names, business names, social media handles, and website. Once you comply your list, email it to everyone on board so everyone can easily credit everyone when posting.
Good luck sweet friends, just remember to be your true self and make an idea your own. Be intentional and use shoots to express your style and set yourself apart.
Warmly,
Michelle