Arguments for Styled Portraits:
* Creative Expression: Styled portraits allow you to fully realize your artistic vision. You can control every aspect of the image, from wardrobe and makeup to location and lighting, resulting in a highly polished and deliberate piece of art.
* Portfolio Building: Styled shoots are an excellent way to build a strong and diverse portfolio. You can experiment with different themes, styles, and techniques without the pressure of a paying client.
* Collaboration and Networking: Styled shoots often involve a team of creatives (stylists, makeup artists, models), providing opportunities to network and collaborate with other professionals in the industry.
* Increased Perceived Value: High-quality, well-executed styled portraits can elevate your brand and make you appear more professional and in demand.
* Attracting a Specific Clientele: Styled shoots can attract clients who are drawn to your particular aesthetic and vision. If you consistently produce a specific style, clients seeking that style will be more likely to hire you.
* Selling Art Prints and Stock Photos: Styled portraits, especially those with a commercial feel, can be sold as art prints or stock photos, generating additional revenue.
* Editorial Work: Styled portraits are a crucial part of editorial photography (e.g., fashion magazines), and creating them can help you break into this field.
Arguments Against Styled Portraits (or Reasons to Prioritize Other Types):
* Cost: Styled shoots can be expensive, especially if you're hiring professionals like stylists, makeup artists, and models. The cost of wardrobe, props, and location rentals can also add up.
* Time Commitment: Planning and executing a styled shoot takes a significant amount of time and effort, from concept development to post-processing.
* Not Always Realistic Representation of Clients: Styled shoots often feature models who are professionally made up and styled, which may not reflect the appearance or lifestyle of your average client. This can lead to unrealistic expectations and dissatisfaction.
* Can Feel Staged or Artificial: Overly styled portraits can sometimes feel forced or unnatural, lacking the genuine emotion and spontaneity of candid or documentary-style photography.
* Marketing Misalignment: If you want to primarily photograph families in a natural, lifestyle setting, producing solely highly-styled portraits could attract the wrong kind of clients, expecting that same high level of styling.
* Preference for Natural/Authentic Photography: You might simply prefer capturing authentic moments and natural beauty without the need for extensive styling. Your passion might lie in capturing the raw essence of a person rather than crafting an idealized image.
* Faster Turnaround with Natural Photography: Shooting natural portraits is often faster, as you're not spending hours on hair, makeup, and wardrobe changes.
Things to Consider Before Deciding:
* Your Photography Style: Are you drawn to a more polished, artistic look, or do you prefer a natural, documentary style?
* Your Target Audience: What kind of clients do you want to attract? What are their tastes and expectations?
* Your Budget: Can you afford the costs associated with styled shoots?
* Your Time Availability: Do you have the time and resources to plan and execute styled shoots?
* Your Goals: What do you hope to achieve with your photography? (e.g., build a portfolio, attract specific clients, generate revenue, express your creativity)
* The Market: Research what kind of portraiture is popular in your area or online. Are people clamoring for highly-styled shoots, or is there more demand for natural, authentic portraits?
* Your Existing Body of Work: How does your existing portfolio reflect your style and skills? Are you looking to diversify your portfolio or further refine your existing style?
Hybrid Approach:
You don't have to choose one extreme or the other. Consider a hybrid approach:
* Offer both styled and natural portrait sessions. This allows you to cater to a wider range of clients and express your creativity in different ways.
* Incorporate elements of styling into natural portrait sessions. For example, you could offer wardrobe consultations or suggest locations that complement your clients' personal style.
* Use styled shoots sparingly for specific purposes. For example, you might do one or two styled shoots per year to refresh your portfolio or showcase a new technique.
In Conclusion:
There's no right or wrong answer. The best approach depends on your individual circumstances and goals. Carefully consider the pros and cons of styled portraits in relation to your specific situation, and choose the approach that best aligns with your vision and your business objectives. Don't be afraid to experiment and adapt your approach as you grow and evolve as a photographer.