The Importance of Revitalizing Creativity in Photography

couples, portraits

May 26, 2022

Keeping creativity in photography while running a photography business is not an easy feat. Luckily though, within the past couple of years, styled shoots have grown significantly in popularity. This styled shoot put on by Red Lips and Honey Photography was such a cool experience to be a part of. Styled shoots are creative photo sessions put together by vendors in the creative industry. They are extremely popular in the wedding industry. They give photographers and other wedding vendors the opportunity to work together and create inspiration for future clients and grow their own skills as vendors. In the photography industry, it is so easy to get caught up in running your business. Often photographers forget to nourish the creativity that brought them to start their businesses in the first place.

Styled shoots like these are SO important to care for your creativity. I firmly believe all photographers should participate in styled shoots. Not only are they great for networking and meeting other creatives but, they nourish your creativity in photography.

Portrait of a woman wearing a wedding dress looking at the camera with maroon cloth behind her

Creativity in Photography

Styled shoots are such great resources for any creative that takes part in it. Styled shoots take the pressure out of documenting. They give photographers the opportunity to play and experiment with their cameras and surroundings. This lack of pressure is key as it allows us to experiment with new styles and strategies. This amazing collaborative experience is great for anyone involved, especially for a photographer.

Not only do sessions like these allow for growth as a wedding photographer, but they also help the industry grow. In the world of social media, tools like Instagram and Pinterest are what help our clients make decisions on their weddings and events. When we as creatives work together, we end up creating inspiration and setting trends for future weddings in the coming seasons.

A woman's eyes and forehead peak out over a ledge

Preventing Burnout and Staying Motivated

We’ve all been there, whether you’re in your first busy year as a photographer or you’ve been in the business 10+ years, burnout finds us all sooner or later. It’s something that’s just natural with running a business, but that doesn’t mean we can’t combat it. Because we work on our own so much, working in a collaborative environment like a styled shoot is a great way to work against your burnout.

Collaborating with others and seeing the way others spark their creativity in photography is SO inspiring. Working with other professionals in close proximity and talking with them is incredibly motivating and invigorating. It can help you out of a lul or a creative rut, and that is SO important for your mental health and well-being as well as your creativity as a photographer.

Two dancers wearing all black sit and stretch together

Two dancers wearing all black jump in synchronization and throw a piece of white cloth in the air

Man wearing a black and white striped shirt clasps hands behind his head as he looks at the camera

Different Types of Photography

As a wedding photographer, typically my sessions involve couples. This styled shoot though had SO many different models and accessories, it definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone. Along with two couples, there was also a set of dancers, individual models, and SO many accessories. Though yes, I do photograph portraits on a wedding day, in my day to day work environment I don’t often have the opportunity to flex my creativity and try new things. Styled shoots help me to grow mentally and bring a new perspective to my client’s work that I might not find in just photographing couples.

After this styled shoot, going back into my weddings and wedding season I will be able to take these experiences and bring a new outlook to my wedding photography.

Woman wearing a white blouse, black pants and gold necklace holds her hands up to block the sun while looking at the camera

Woman wearing a black leather dress and golden earing walks towards the camera

Two women seated next to each other, one wearing a white blouse and black pants and the other wearing a black dress, the one in white looks at the camera while the one in black looks at the woman in white

Where to Find Styled Shoots

There are SO many places on the internet to find styled shoots. Some of the easiest ways to find styled shoots though are Facebook groups and Instagram! Groups like Aligned Creative by Ali Leigh, Styled Shoots in Minnesota and Wisconsin, or Instagram accounts that specialize in throwing styled shoots like Wanderlust Shootouts!

If you haven’t participated in a styled shoot yet, or if you were on the fence about trying one I hope this article helps you take the leap into it. It’s such an amazing way to tap back into your creative side and get yourself thinking outside the box when it comes to your photography. If you’re looking to get creative for a branding session or are looking for some updated portraits head on over to my contact page and we can get to planning your session!