Styled Shoots is a big thing in the wedding industry for portfolio building and networking. These carefully curated sessions are often a collaborative effort between the planner, photographer, florist, stationary artist, cake designer, models and more. In exchange, participants establish images and content for their portfolio designed to attract their ideal client.  Lately, I’ve noticed the uptick of styled shoots and workshops across other niches like branding, motherhood and family which is great because it allows photographers beyond the wedding industry to attain images and content to attract ideal clients also. As an alternative, you can host model calls which offer the same benefits of a styled shoot but on a lesser scale. Let’s dive into why model calls may be a great option for you. 

What is a Model Call?

Much like a styled shoot and workshop, there’s various ways and structures in producing a model call. Generally, model calls are similar to styled shoots but with minimum to no collaborative effort between other vendors aside from the model(s). You may decide to work with “real” people rather than professional models but really the decision is entirely up to you. In return you gain content fine tuned to your particular style and ideal client for both your portfolio and marketing efforts. 

Full Creative Control

Because you’re the one planning and pulling together the location, models, styling, color scheme, props, workflow and more. You’re creating the blueprint of your vision coming to life! Nothing’s more soul nourishing and rewarding than experiencing all your ideas unfold right before your eyes. It’s magical. 

Multi-Purpose Use

Model calls aren’t just about manifesting a vision. You can utilize these as a way to test out a newly scouted location, practice poses, establish marketing content for the upcoming season or mini sessions. There’s a variety of ways you can make the most out of model calls. 

Meet New Potential Clients

While you can work with family and friends for model calls. I recommend working with new people within your community. They may turn into future paying clients or refer potential new clients your way. To improve your reach within your target market, I highly suggest reaching out to a few people within your local market who are highly involved in your community or has a larger social media following than you to expand your reach to your ideal client. This approach has been highly successful for me. As a motherhood photographer, at times I like to reach out to mama’s in my local community who serve the same ideal client as mine. In exchange, they receive a gallery of free images if they also tag me or refer me to others within my network. I always receive a boost in inquiries through this.

Can be Cost-effective 

Styled shoots and workshops can offer a lot of bang for your buck but when you consider the trade-offs, you may find you’re better off investing the same amount of funds you would towards the styled shoot on producing a personal model call instead. For instance, is it worth stumbling and tripping over 5 other photographers just to get the shot? Does each styled breakout align with your style? Does the location and time meet the requirements of your style? Will your ideal client see the same session posted by another photographer they’re also following on social media ? Are you gaining mentorship by a photographer you admire during the styled shoot/workshop? So many factors to consider to determine whether or not it’s worth investing in the styled shoot or if you’re better off hosting a model call.

Exclusivity

If you’re participating in a styled shoot within your local market, chances are other photographers within your market are there as well. Not an entirely bad thing but if you’re trying to stand out in an oversaturated market, it may be challenging to do so when you’re sharing the photos from the same session on social media as another photographer nearby. How does that translate to a potential client ? Again, this may not be a big deal if you all have very uniquely different styles. But if your work can essentially fit in a similar box as another photographer at the same styled shoot. It may be harder to make a lasting impression with potential clients.

There are so many great benefits to hosting a model call. I recommend committing to at least one every season to evolve and hone into your craft. However, I highly encourage curating a model every 6-8 weeks to keep your creative juices flowing and to be kept on your toes. 

Styled shoots and workshops are good options as well. You have the opportunity to network and build relationships with fellow photographers in your niche, learn from others, become inspired and allow someone else to take over the planning for a chance.I just recommend participating in these less frequently to give yourself the platform to really stand out. 

If you’d love to work together, Inquire about a session today!

I’m looking forward to hearing from you.