The photography community in northern Utah is spectacular. I hear horror stories of young photographers trying to start in an area, but are snubbed out and excluded by all of the “experienced and established” photographers in the area. It becomes hard to learn, second shoot, and grow without a supportive community around you.  Some of my closest friends are photographers that I shoot with and want all new photographers to have a similar experience. Often times, photographers will get together to do what we do best. Yup, we get together for a shoot out!

What is a shoot out? Shoot outs have the energy of yearbook signing day in high school. They are days to get out from behind the computer and put our editing list down. We join with other photographers in the area, some are good friends, others I have only talked to on social media. A styled shoot is put together with a few models and local wedding vendors and we go to town. The sound of shutter clicks and girlish laughter just warms my soul.

Usually at my sessions, I am the only photographer. I do not have co-workers and only occasionally I have an assistant with me. The sessions run as I would have them, but when I get stuck or in a rut, there is no one around to suggest something new or fresh. To shoot next to someone to talk about specific lighting situations and lens choices is not only education, but exciting.  It pushes me to try harder when I have someone next to me that understands photography and has a passion to create beautiful art.

The Photo Fete is a small group of Utah wedding vendors that host these shoot outs. There are themes and details pulled together that help inspire us to try new things and attract our ideal clients. I have been blown away with how much work The Photo Fete has done on these events. Wedding cakes and desserts are made. Custom stationary pulled together. Florals, hair, makeup, table settings, etc. It truly embodies all the detail of a full wedding and is the perfect eye candy for any photographer.

I went this last week to The Photo Fete’s stylized wedding shoot out and wanted to share with you a little peek at some of the details. I will be sharing more on the blog soon so stay tuned and be sure to check out the wonderful local vendors who helped put this shoot together.

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