Ebb and Flow : A recent styled shoot on a beach

Styled shoots are essential for wedding suppliers and photographers because they offer a creative platform to showcase their skills and vision in a controlled environment. For wedding photographers, it’s an opportunity to expand their portfolio with high-quality, curated images that reflect their style, attracting potential clients. For wedding suppliers, such as florists, planners, and dressmakers, styled shoots allow them to highlight their products and services in an ideal setting, often resulting in images that they can use for marketing purposes. These shoots foster collaboration among industry professionals, build connections, and generate content that can be shared on social media, blogs, and publications, increasing visibility for everyone involved. At Bathory Elizabeth Borden, we take full advantage of these creative opportunities to stay at the forefront of the industry and ensure our clients can visualize their dream wedding.

My idea:

I will hire collaborators and models to create a styled wedding shoot that fits the alternative, moody, and dark wedding theme. The shoot is scheduled for Saturday, October 5th, with multiple locations and collaborators involved.

1. Preparation at the First Location:

   • Time: The day will begin at a flat, where the hair and makeup artists will arrive to prepare the model(s). This process will start at [insert time] to ensure there's ample time for styling and capturing “getting ready” shots in a controlled environment.

   • Photos: I'll take a series of intimate and detailed "getting ready" photos, including close-ups of makeup application, the bride adjusting her dress, and other candid moments that add emotional depth to the narrative. These shots will set the tone for the moody, atmospheric style I aim to achieve.

2. Transition to the Second Location (Beach):

   • Departure: After the preparation photos, we will drive to the second location: the beach. I’ve checked the tide schedule and confirmed that 2:30 PM is the optimal time for beach photos, as this aligns with low tide and provides access to a wider stretch of sand for the shoot.

   • Additional Location (Wooded Area): If we arrive earlier than planned or need extra time, there's a wooded area next to the beach that will serve as an ideal secondary location. The dense, shadowy trees will provide a different atmosphere, contrasting with the open, windswept beach, and will allow for some darker, nature-focused shots.

3. Beach Photoshoot:

   • Florist Meeting: Upon arrival at the beach, we will meet the florist, who will hand over the bouquet for the model. The floral arrangement will be a key element in balancing the darker tones of the shoot, offering a pop of color or texture that complements the overall moody theme.

   • Main Shoot: The beach shoot will include various poses and compositions to highlight the dramatic backdrop of the shoreline, with a focus on capturing the movement of the ocean and the interaction between the couple (if multiple models are used). I'll explore wide shots with sweeping landscapes as well as intimate, close-up portraits that emphasize emotion.

   • Lighting Considerations: I’ll use natural lighting as much as possible, utilizing the soft, diffused light from the overcast sky (if conditions allow) to enhance the dark, cinematic mood. I’ll also bring along reflectors and portable lighting for any necessary fill light or to create dramatic contrasts.

     
     

By blending these locations and using the natural elements of the beach and surrounding woodland, the shoot will evoke a sense of mystery, depth, and connection to the environment, aligning perfectly with the theme of alternative, dark wedding photography.

Moodboard: