Organise your own shoot...

pxl8

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Andy Jones
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I was chatting with a magazine editor last week and she mentioned how hard it was to get images for the cover given their budget of almost nothing and it got me thinking of how I could set up a shoot for nothing except my time. I then realised that if I could get other companies involved in a sort of mutal promotional thing I could pull it off, and I have.

I decided to see if I could arrange a Bridal shoot so first stop was my local Wedding Dress shop, I explained the idea of the shoot and they were immediately up for it and agreed to supply some dresses, shoes, etc. Now all I needed was a bride - I tend to make mental notes of people I meet who might be useful and had someone in mind, we talked this morning and she agreed to model in exchange for prints. She also suggested a friend who runs a beauty salon for hair & make up who'd be willing to help out.

The other week I'd exchanged cards with a guy who runs a limo company, they'd just taken delivery of a shiny new Rolls Royce - another phone call, another one signed up.

I thought the venue would be the tricky one, again I knew the perfect place that was local and had beautiful grounds. They've only just started doing Weddings and I'm booked for one there next year. Turns out they're keen to get some photos as they have an Open Day next month and have also arranged for Bridesmaid model.

Only the flowers left to sort out but I've got a contact at the local florist who I think will be willing to supply flowers for the shoot.

When I started I thought it would be a real struggle to arrange but it's all come together like a dream. Of course the pressure is now on me to come up with the goods on the day but I'm feeling confident and already have some of the shots planned.

Of course there's no money to be made from the shoot but the agreement is that all involved will credit the others whenever the shots are used for whatever reason which will hopefully lead to referrals and paid jobs.

But I have set up a Bridal shoot complete with Rolls Royce at a stunning location for absolutely nothing apart from a little luck and a lot of front :thumbs:
 
Very enterprising :)

Hope it turns into business for you. You must have some front for sure. My business was not in any of these areas but we did get asked for freebies....and always said no. Well we did say yes once but it was the first and last time!
 
Well done, very businesslike. :clap::clap:

Now you need to have a double page spread in the local paper and wait for the phone to ring. You'll be :lol::lol::lol: all the way to the bank.
 
Outstanding that man!!! Well done - really inventive. I'd see if some of the mags might be interested in the story - with appropriate credits and all!
 
Thanks folks. Everything is booked up now, we're shooting at 11am next Wednesday. I'll either post up some shots that evening or just one of my tears because it all went horribly wrong ;)
 
OK - just reading old posts - did you ever do this and how did it turn out?

Great idea btw - I work for a magazine company (not as a 'tog) and think the idea is pure genius, we always struggle for quality, relevant cover shots.
 
An interesting read for me too. How did it turn out? Rolling in it yet???! :D
 
Yep, it went ahead on 22nd August and turned out better than I hoped. Feedback from clients, magazines, press has been great. The bridalwear shop has 18x12" prints of the shots on display along with my details. Local paper is running a wedding supplement this week and one of the shots is on the cover along with some free editorial. Already taken 2 bookings for next year on the back of the shoot and met with another potential this evening.

I'm already thinking about another shoot :)

Gallery of the shots is here
 
A good commercial venture where many an aspiring tog could learn a thing or two. Well done on the idea and a great set of pictures mate! :thumbs:
 
What a great idea for an aspiring photography business. I am glad it worked out for you and that you have made some additional bookings as a result of taking this initiative.
 
Cheers Paul, the shoot was 2 months ago :)
 
Can I ask how everyone involved got their prints? Did you provide all the contributors with a copy of all shots taken and let them arrange their own prints or did you give them proofs and arrange printing at cost? I have to say it was a very innovative idea and good on you its obviously worked in your favour.
 
The model got a Photobox book of the shots, everyone else got high res files to use as and when they needed.

I'm now in the early planning stages for a bigger & better event along similar lines but this time hopefully it will allow for peoples costs to be covered and directly lead to bookings for everyone as well :thumbs:
 
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