Staged photo shoots?

[Fireball]

I've noticed some very successful photographers (mainly wedding) that do staged shoots where they hire models, team up with florists, decorators, etc. and set up sometimes over-the-top shoots. And these are not workshops they're teaching. I'm guessing they do this to add to their portfolio or to give potential clients ideas for creative portraits?

[CaptainTom]

Your guess would be correct.

[kimberley]

yep correct and FUN!!

[DEMDeepEllumMusic]

You can also try some different poses/lighting techniques and see how they actually look in print vs concept and you can also work on posing flow to go from one pose to the next with the least wasted time (do it a dozen or so times with the models and you get your technique/flow smoother).

[Fireball]

And I'm guessing that they don't hire the models, that they are helping them to build their portfolio also. And maybe the same goes for florists, etc.? So you do a service trade and get free advertising both ways by placing the pics on your blog, FB page, etc.?

[CaptainTom]

Originally Posted by Fireball

And I'm guessing that they don't hire the models, that they are helping them to build their portfolio also. And maybe the same goes for florists, etc.? So you do a service trade and get free advertising both ways by placing the pics on your blog, FB page, etc.?

sometimes the models are paid, sometimes not.
If you have a good reputation, models and vendors will sometimes provide services for TFCD. The more experienced models are for hire only unless you have an idea that they like and can use in their port.

[Fireball]

What's TFCD mean? Bear with me. I'm still learning.

[Tom]

Trade for CD (of images)

[Fireball]

Oh, thanks!

[toverman]

It sounds like a great idea for trying some new things. To me, though, it's a much more genuine depiction of someone's work (portfolio-wise) when actual clients are used during the actual wedding or session. Using staged shots as part of a portfolio might be OK, but only if those same looks can be replicated easily on location. Just my .02 cents!