It started with a crazy idea because I wanted to get some unique shots I had had in my head for awhile and contacted a friend to model. It grew to what is now a monthly shootout with 20+ photographers getting together and helping build businesses and relationships. It is community, networking and support. And you can do it too!

Here is how we do it. (Not that we are perfect by any means but I get alot of questions of how I do it and thought this would be a way to share. Please feel free to change it up however you like! Oh, and if you start one, give me a shout at shann@shannonkelleyphotography.com

What is the purpose of shootouts:
-We design our shootouts to have an impact for different businesses, rather than just photographers. We use models who can use the pictures, we bring in small businesses that need pictures for advertisements such as hair and makeup people, and we have even partnered with Etsy clothing designers and other vendors depending on the theme of the month.

So the photographers get portfolio pictures, experience, and networking and the businesses get great pictures and also a way to network and advertise.

How to begin organizing a shootout:
- Create a facebook page and add local photogs.
To check out our facebook page for Knoxville shootouts go here.
- Think up some themes such as kids, seniors, etc. One month we did vintage brides and that was really cool. (its good to have these planned out a little for organization sake)
-Find your models! (We try to use when we can, people who are in need of pictures for their portfolios but some themes don’t cater to it… Model Mayhem is a good place to find local models or just ask around and search facebook too. If you are having a kids theme I found that just word of mouth with moms work great!)
-Think of how to add in other businesses. For instance we use a particular salon to do hair and makeup and they get use of the pictures for their advertising. Then you can also use a place to provide clothes and such too.
-Find a place. Again, this is a great way to add in a business. Find local spots and offer them pictures and advertising. You can always opt for a park or public place but don’t be afraid to ask to use other spots too!

Some other notes:

This is alot of work for one person and can have some costs if you have to pay for a makeup/hair artist, I always bring food for the models during their hair and makeup, and even just gas costs running around. We charge a nominal fee of $10 for the photographers to participate to offset the costs and time. However, I could even see charging more depending on the theme and time that has gone into it. This is well worth it for the photographer even for them to get portfolio pictures alone and also keeps the crazies at bay. Plus, it gives some credibility so you know who is signing up…helps people not take advantage of it.
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I also try to get a monthly sponsor to donate something that we can give away. There are tons of smaller photographer supportive businesses such as designers, templates, actions, etc. Makes it a little fun for the photographer participants with a giveaway at the shootout!
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We always end the night with some of us grabbing a bite to eat. Completely open to whomever wants to but gives it a nice social end to the night:)
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And take some group “in action” photos during the shootout and even a group shot to post on your facebook group:)

During the shootout:
There are several ways that I have seen shootouts go and some tend to get a little crazy with photographers piling on top of each other and no direction for the model. Here is what has worked best for us:

Depending on the # of models split your group of photographers up. For the purpose of explaining we’ll pretend we have 2 models and 10 photographers. I would recommend not having more than 8 photographers at the most to 1 model to allow all the photographers to have time for some good shots.

So you have 2 groups of 5 photographers to the 1 model in our example. The shootout starts at 6pm. Group 1 will be with Model A for 45 minutes and then Group 2 will switch and have Model A for another 45 minutes. Same goes for Model B.

So you have 45 minutes for a group of 5 photographers. Which means that each person will lead for 9 minutes. This is when they are in charge of posing and working directly with the model. The others can still shoot but the leader is who is taking charge of location and pose. Sometimes we have it to where for the last 2 minutes or so the leader is the only one shooting so that they can get something unique. You can have someone calling out the time if you want too.

Does that make sense? So each person will have lead time with each model. A word of caution: while you can do shootouts many ways and the above scenario can be changed up quite a bit, my experience with groups without some sort of plan or guidance it does get a little sticky because you’ll either have someone dominate the leadership or no one will stand up and lead so you have a very confused model. Just my .02:)

Please let me know if you have any questions or if I have missed anything:) shann@shannonkelleyphotography.com