5 TIPS TO NAIL STYLED SHOOT EMAIL ETIQUETTE

 

It's no secret that I love styled shoots. They allow me to be my most creative self. They are community builders and in the long run can add up to countless referrals which equals the ever important income we need. To date, putting on/ participating in stylized shoots has been one of the best things I've done to grow my business this year. I've seen my fair share of styled shoot inquiry emails over the past year and I'm not saying I'm a professional by any means, but I have gained a plethora of knowledge regarding them and especially involving the ever important email inquiry. 

You can catch more of my tips for styled shoots here, but today I wanted to focus specifically on that first email. That initial point of contact is so imperative and I'm here to help you get you started on the right foot. 

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1. EMAILS ARE A MUST

I'm going to talk a little bit about how shoots should be looked at as work for vendors in #2, but anything work related or collaboration related should be in email form. This doesn't mean that if you have an industry bestie that they will be miffed if you text them about a shoot, but most of the time if there are questions that are asked or information that is given to a colleague, it should simply be in email form. You would be amazed at how many people use my personal Facebook Message option to contact me about a shoot. So much so, I have disabled message notifications on Facebook. I love having everything I need that is OSDIM related in my email. Everything is together and I can easily find what I'm looking for, whether I'm needing to look at the inspiration board again, or check in with another vendor on board with a styled shoot. And emails are so much more professional. 

I'll do a quick breakdown of what a styled shoot request email should include before moving on

- An introduction if you've never met before

- How you found them if you've never met before 

- Your theme and overall SS vision (you don't have to include your inspiration board up front if you don't want to, if that's something you only feel comfortable sharing once vendors have committed, I feel that that is completely fine.) 

- The date, location, and time frame of the shoot. 

- A brief explanation of what you would like from that particular vendor.

-Other vendors that are on board. 

And here are few other points to make sure you nail styled shoot etiquette...

2. DON'T ASSUME SERVICES ARE FREE

The simple truth is that inspiration shoots should still qualify as work and should be approached in the same way. Somehow it seems that this isn't obvious to everyone and I so wish it was. Don't assume a vendor will "donate" their services for free just because it's a styled shoot. We all understand that the team of vendors will be credited wherever it ends up being featured therefore giving each exposure. It's a wonderful thing for all, but you wouldn't go into a clothing store asking for a free sweater because well, you'll be wearing it in front of a lot of people giving them publicity. That would be crazy. I believe the same for styled shoots. Instead of just asking a industry colleague if they'd like to be involved and leaving the email at that, tell them you'd like them to be included and would love to know what their policies regarding shoots are. This tells them that you respect their work and understand that though they may offer free services, you aren't expecting them free of charge. This goes for all vendors whether florists, planners, photographers, calligraphers, and graphic designers. It may turn out that that certain vendor doesn't donate services and you aren't prepared for the expenses and/or they are out of your budget (flowers, paper, or time put in) and that's ok! You still reached out and didn't assume and no feelings got hurt. Your colleague will remember that and chances are you'll get to work together down the road. 

3. PUT TOGETHER THE PERFECT TEAM 

 Be intentional with your vendor team. Put in the extra effort to create the ideal squad that will effectively bring your vision to life. Maybe your shoot has an organic feel and a lot of neutrals, look for a planner/stylist that you feel will do a fantastic job with the esthetic you're going for. Or if you're looking for a photographer to come aboard, look for editing styles that you feel will go well with your vision. If you are putting on a shoot, you're going to want it to reflect you and your business and the way to get exactly what you want out of it is to do your research on vendors that are in your community or potentially long distance. This would be easier for a calligrapher or graphic designer, but a photographer, planner, or florist-you'll most likely have to cover travel expenses. 

Think of it as you are essentially a bride looking for your wedding vendors, just on a smaller scale. Don't just email a vendor only because they might be available on your date, reach out to them because you think they'll be a perfect fit. Not only will your vendors love being part of your vision, but your styled shoot will benefit greatly.

4. BE SURE TO SAY WHY YOU'D LIKE TO INCLUDE THEM

Get personal! We all can do better than an email that  says "Hey so and so, I'm putting on a styled shoot and we need a so and so. Would you like to be a part of it?" Vendor relationships are imperative to our business and wherever you can grow a relationship with a fellow industry colleague, you should. Tell an invitation designer WHY she'd be perfect for your shoot. People love words of affirmation and you're more likely to get that yes to be being involved and not only that, they'll be excited to work with you! Nothing better that starting out on the right foot! 

 

5. ASK IF THERE IS ANYTHING THEY WOULD LIKE

We all know an editorial shoot is a team effort. You are all working together to pull off one stunning event and it's a beautiful thing to see it all come together. They are such hard work, but holy moly are they worth it. On the many shoots I have worked on this year, one of my favorite things has been when someone putting on a shoot remembers the other vendors too. And what I mean by that is, they will ask in their emails if there is anything specifically that you would like from the shoot. Maybe a certain angle of a model to really show off the amazing makeup details that the HMUA vendor can use in their portfolio, or a certain shot of a the bouquet. Keeping other vendors in mind when the madness of the shoot is happening is such a huge thing and you better believe that vendor will remember that. If you have some of the vendors there on site with you, double check with them if they'd like anything extra. Little things like that go a long way!

 

I'll say it again, Styled Shoots are huge business builders. They are the #1 way (in my opinion) to take your small creative business to the next level. I mean, who doesn't want to be a part of something gorgeous, get beautiful images, and build vendor relationships? Just remember to have a little styled shoot etiquette and treat others like you would want to be treated. 

Love,

Michelle 

 

5 THINGS GETTING ME THROUGH THE BUSY SEASON

The current season we're in is my first real busy few months. The Spring and Summer had it's busy moments for sure, but they were nothing like what I'm currently in. Back to back double header weekends, getting my Spring 2016 brides up to date with their proposals, editorial shoots, and other events have made for a whirlwind of a month and though October is a bit slower, we're in the midst of busy season and I've struggled to keep balance. I knew this heading into September so I took precautions, set boundaries, and jumped in. I thought I would share the 5 things that are helping me kick busy season's butt and keeping me sane. 

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1. Limiting Social Media Use.

It's no secret that I love social media and it's been come invaluable to my business, Booking brides that find me via Instagram or Facebook is my favorite thing. Because it's so important to running my business, I  have to keep it up to date with daily postings. I've started to become aware however of just how much I'm on it and honestly, it's too much. This season I've made it a point to be more in the moment instead of thinking about my Instagram feed or "brand worthy" photos. I challenged myself a few months a go to put the phone down at 6pm everyday and leave it downstairs when I go to bed. (I'm the one watching dog videos before I fall asleep...not healthy) and the results were glorious. I felt better, more rested, and started to care less about the little square world we get wrapped up in. So this busy season, I wanted to go back to that. And gosh has it helped me stay on task and be more productive. It's no secret that the key is balance and it takes some time to find yours.

 

2. Sticking to work hours. 

Having office hours is a wonderful thing and they have been imperative this season. Monday through Thursday 9:30-4:30 is when I am emailing, working on collaborations, prepping for upcoming weddings with invoices and proposals. Fridays are for all things wedding prep during an event week and on non-event weeks are used for my creativity and for intentional One Sweet Day in May time. Planning out future months and business plans. It ends my week on such a high note to have a day just for my little business. My office hours provide much needed balance during the busy season. Once the end of day comes, the computer and phone get put down and I get to enjoy me time or family time knowing that I used the hours of that day to love on my clients and be as productive as possible even with all the crazy happening around me. 

3. Outsourcing. 

This! This my friends has been my life saver. Remember when I introduced you to Caroline? She has become such an important part of One Sweet Day in May and takes care of the little things so I don't have to worry about them. Those pesky things like SEO and updating my portfolio are no longer on a list that never gets done. And the organizing of pin boards that Caroline has taken over now has made Pinterest one of my top 5 referrers to my blog/website in just the two weeks Caroline's been working on it. Amazing! And the best part, I don't have to spend time on it. Getting a part time assistant was scary, but after some price restructuring and business plans for 2016, I learned I can afford to have a team member. And gosh do I love that while I'm spending my time on my clients and weddings all that little stuff is getting done too. 

4. Date Nights and the little things.

I'm a little things kind of girl. Always have been. I'd rather have take out on the couch with my guy and a good movie over a fancy 4 course dinner any night. In fact, that sounds perfect for tonight on this rainy and cold day. If you have any movie reqs send them my way! Getting back on topic though, In this season of busy, I live for the little things, The random jump in the car and go for frozen yogurt, or trip to the dog park with the pups little things. Chris and I have had a once a week date night since the very first week we met and it's something that is very important to us and to be honest it still me gives butterflies the morning of. So silly, but I just love our night together and it's what fuels me during the crazy times. It usually consists of pizza at our fave local place and a movie, mini golf, or other activity, nothing crazy. Looking at my week on a Monday and seeing what a whirlwind it's going to be (these double header weekends are not for the weak) makes me so excited for date night. Chris has a strict no phones rule and as much as I act annoyed by it, I love that he cares so much about our night. These things are what complete my life and are what I need during the busy season. Whether it's a Sunday drive to Charlottesville, a Thursday sushi girl's night, or a dollar movie double date at the Byrd downtown, the little things keep me sane.  

 

5. Saying No. 

This is hard y'all. So hard, but it's becoming easier. Maybe it's turning 30 or that I really don't have the time for all the things, but I've said the word no more the last 2 months than probably ever in my life. Hah. And you know what? Kind of like leaving my phone downstairs at night, it's so relieving.  I've turned down my fair share of collaborations this Fall and saying no has given me the time to be a smarter business lady and allowed me to focus solely on the future of One Sweet Day in May and my all important brides. I've read recently that the secret to creativity is saying no and I full heartedly agree. It's scary and you have to be smart about it, but saying no has been so freeing. 

 

 

Love,

Michelle 

ONE SWEET FRIDAYS

Happy Friday! It's a gloomy and rainy Fall day here in Richmond and I'm loving it. I'm curled up in bed with some pumpkin coffee and an oversize sweater and it feels wonderful. This week was a full one over at One Sweet Day in May. A stunning editorial shoot with Annmarie Swift and a 2 day vow renewal for a sweet couple celebrating TEN years took up most of my time. There were plenty of emails, proposals for some exciting events in 2016, and meetings too. It is absolutely crazy how fast this year is flying by. How life is flying by. Tonight will be spent celebrating Chris' little sister's 12th birthday with a family dinner and tomorrow is operation get the house back in order after a handful of weddings basically turned it upside down this past month. After that mission is accomplished, a whole lotta nothing is on the agenda for the rest of the weekend. A weekend at home with my little family with the leaves changing and crisp air sounds good to me friends. 

Have a wonderful weekend! I'll see you back here on Monday! 

Love,

Michelle

 

P.S. Here's a sneak from my shoot this past Wednesday! Can't wait to share more! 

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