Did my 1st Styled Shoot go as expected? Photographer Confessions: June 2024
“A comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there.” — John Assaraf
My Thought Process
There’s something unforgettable about experiencing a “first”—especially when it combines creativity, beauty, and stepping outside your comfort zone. I was scrolling through instagram and a photographer who I have never seen before, showed up in my feed advertising a “Floating Floral Frame” Styled Shoot.
Something about the post drew me in. Maybe it was the stunning florals, the romantic vibes (I’m a hopeless romantic at heart) or the way I suddenly became uneasy about being surrounded by other photographers, all photographing the same model.
There has always been a stigma between photographers. Anytime I was around others it always felt like a “competition” and never a friendly encounter.
I DID IT!
I sent a message to Melissa, from MMB Photography. I felt like a high school girl trying to make friends, hoping I didn’t get embarrassed or felt shut down. Instantly Melissa was on top of her messages, I was impressed! I asked question after question, and I wasn’t sure if she could feel my nervousness or hesitation, but she started answering me back in voice memos and I suddenly started to realize just how genuine she was.
Melissa explained to me that she was determined to create an atmosphere of photographers who were all gathered for the same reason. To learn, to grow and to network.
The Location:
Tampa, FL – Here I go!! Sure, it was only a 4 hour drive for me. I wasn’t hoping on a plane or going overseas but I still had the same excitement as if I was!
From the moment I arrived, I was surrounded by thoughtfully curated floral designs, inspiring photographers, and an atmosphere that celebrated artistry in every detail.
Watching each floral frame come to life and seeing how flowers transformed ordinary moments into stunning works of art gave me a whole new appreciation for the creativity behind styled shoots.
Melissa truly put heart and effort into this styled shoot – and it showed.
The Model
LeighAnnLights was dressed in a lilac floral gown which mimicked something out of a Disney Storybook. The picnic set up was detailed with incredible taste and elegance to match the stunning theme of the shoot. Then to top it off there was a custom cake to finish off the picnic table.
The End I wasn’t expecting
Everything at this styled shoot had me just standing there soaking it all in. But what surprised me the most, was not the set up, not the talent I was surrounded by but that every photographer there had the kindest heart and purest intentions by attending this shoot.
No one was there for their own gain. Don’t get me wrong, we were all there for the experience and to help build our portfolios – but each and every person there helped give me hope that not all photographers are in it for competition.
I had the opportunity to attend my very first floral frame-styled photography shoot, and it was everything I imagined and more.
Instagram handles:
@mmb_.photography
@leighannlights
@noblepicnics
@bakedbylish
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