Budget Photo Shoot Tips
While I would love to drop tons of money on beautiful gowns from Etsy, we’re on a tighter budget for photo shoots this year so I’m challenging myself to work with what I already have. With the exception of the edible glitter I used to make the golden liquid ($6 on Amazon), and the shoes that belong to Abigail, everything from this photoshoot came from my closet. Social media can make us feel like we have to spend a ton of money in order to make beautiful photos, but it’s entirely possible to create gorgeous photoshoot outfits for under $50.
Get Crafty!
I’m a crafty little kitten so I have all kinds of random craft supplies in my office. When I think of a prop that I want to use in a shoot but I can’t afford to buy it, I look to see if I can make it. I’ve made icicles out of hot glue and saran wrap, blood from chocolate syrup and food coloring and now a magical golden elixir from simple syrup and edible glitter. Side note: using simple syrup instead of plain water for the elixir made it swirl more slowly so I could catch it on camera.
Look At This Stuff! Isn’t It Neat?!
My highly organized friend Laura will probably give me some serious side eye for saying this but keep things that you find interesting that you might otherwise throw away. Did you buy wine that has a particularly pretty bottle? Keep it. Did you get a candle that came in a cool jar that you just can’t bring yourself to throw away? I say it’s kismet. Keep it. Don’t go nuts keeping every jelly jar you finish but if you can envision it in an image, even vaguely, hold onto it. You never know.
Second Hand Finds
If you’re looking for good costume jewelry or cheap prop options, check out the thrift stores. My crowns come from SweetV but all of my costume jewelry has been purchased at thrift stores. Even if something looks a little damaged but you really like it, think about whether the flaw will matter on camera.
Golden Fate
In the quiet serenity of an open field, a young woman embarks on a journey, guided by the whims of fate. As she wandered along a dirt path, her eyes caught a glimmer of light—a bottle, filled with swirling golden liquid lay nestled in the grass.
Mages, with their satchels full of potions, often took this road and, feeling a surge of anticipation coursing through her veins, she picked up the bottle. She knew that the tall, glass vessel held a secret beyond imagination—the golden elixir within, brimming with otherworldly power.
She chose to believe that finding the bottle was fate so, with a delicate twist of the stopper, the young woman unleashed a torrent of sweet-smelling enchantments. Ribbons of pink and gold magic flowed forth from the bottle, swirling and dancing in the air before gracefully enveloping her. In that moment, a profound transformation occurred, merging her essence with the ethereal forces that had been trapped within the elixir.
As the magic embraced her, a newfound sense of wonder and purpose awakened within the young woman. Her inner strength bloomed into something more, something brighter and more resolved, as if the elixir had unlocked the hidden depths of her soul. With each step, the field came alive with vibrant energy, mirroring her radiant spirit. She embraced her newfound power and embarked on a journey of self-discovery, embracing the beauty and mystery that surrounded her.
Just as the young woman discovered the transformative power of the golden elixir, we too have the ability to unlock our own inner magic, to embrace the unexpected and let our spirit’s soar.
Hey Photographers!
Are you a photographer who wants to learn more about how I create these budget photo shoots? Please feel free to reach out and we can chat about mentoring!
A few extras from this gorgeous shoot!
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