Hi!
If you're just joining this series you won't want to miss Part I and Part II as they cover both {Key Players} and {Timelines}- the first two big lessons I learned very quickly while planning this particular shoot.
For Part III I thought I'd let Abba handle the introduction:
That's right, Part III is all about BUDGET!
Even if you have a fantastic superwoman team of vendors on board who are graciously donating their services, skills and magical expertise, chances are there are still some things that may need to come out of pocket- YOUR POCKET. At this point your creativity is probably flowing big time and, take my word for it, not having a budget can let things get out of hand pretty quickly.
A personal example: One of the visions I had for this specific shoot included those beautiful awesome GIANT round latex balloons and I was thrilled to find I could get exactly what I wanted for only $30! But guess what? Balloons need helium. Big giant balloons need a LOT of helium. A whole slew of big giant balloons need a WHOLE LOT of helium. Helium is not inexpensive.
So now my $30 balloon idea has turned into something that just isn't reasonable for this particular shoot. So I scrapped it.
It was then that I realized I needed to set a SERIOUS BUDGET.
First steps: Write down everything you want and then go back through the list and figure out approximately how much everything will cost you. I happen to be an over-estimater. I'd rather be prepared to spend more than I actually spend instead of unprepared- so I always guess high when I budget. But obviously you can do what works for you!
Once you have your final total figured out based on exactly what you have in mind for the shoot it's time for some DECISION MAKING. Is your final total something you can handle? If not, look over your list again and start deciding what you can live without.
I will say this: If your list gets to the point that you've taken a lot of things off and your vision just isn't going to be achieved with what you have left: think about holding off on your shoot until you can afford it. Don't stifle that beautiful idea just to get it done because you're itching to shoot it- wait until it's the perfect time and you can afford exactly what you want.
Trust me, it will be worth it!
BUT if your budget is on board and you can afford what you need then GO FOR IT BABY! But remember to stick within the budget- don't hurt yourself or your business for the sake of your creativity.
I know I know why did I have to bring up money? No one likes the money talk. But someone has to be honest and rip the band aid; and keeping within a budget for styled shoots really is an important piece of the big picture- so don't leave it out!
Best,
Sarah
Read Part IV here!
Hint number 3 from the inspiration board for the shoot. Only 6 weeks left until the big day! Anyone have a guess as to the theme yet?! ;)
If you're just joining this series you won't want to miss Part I and Part II as they cover both {Key Players} and {Timelines}- the first two big lessons I learned very quickly while planning this particular shoot.
For Part III I thought I'd let Abba handle the introduction:
That's right, Part III is all about BUDGET!
Even if you have a fantastic superwoman team of vendors on board who are graciously donating their services, skills and magical expertise, chances are there are still some things that may need to come out of pocket- YOUR POCKET. At this point your creativity is probably flowing big time and, take my word for it, not having a budget can let things get out of hand pretty quickly.
A personal example: One of the visions I had for this specific shoot included those beautiful awesome GIANT round latex balloons and I was thrilled to find I could get exactly what I wanted for only $30! But guess what? Balloons need helium. Big giant balloons need a LOT of helium. A whole slew of big giant balloons need a WHOLE LOT of helium. Helium is not inexpensive.
So now my $30 balloon idea has turned into something that just isn't reasonable for this particular shoot. So I scrapped it.
It was then that I realized I needed to set a SERIOUS BUDGET.
First steps: Write down everything you want and then go back through the list and figure out approximately how much everything will cost you. I happen to be an over-estimater. I'd rather be prepared to spend more than I actually spend instead of unprepared- so I always guess high when I budget. But obviously you can do what works for you!
Once you have your final total figured out based on exactly what you have in mind for the shoot it's time for some DECISION MAKING. Is your final total something you can handle? If not, look over your list again and start deciding what you can live without.
I will say this: If your list gets to the point that you've taken a lot of things off and your vision just isn't going to be achieved with what you have left: think about holding off on your shoot until you can afford it. Don't stifle that beautiful idea just to get it done because you're itching to shoot it- wait until it's the perfect time and you can afford exactly what you want.
Trust me, it will be worth it!
BUT if your budget is on board and you can afford what you need then GO FOR IT BABY! But remember to stick within the budget- don't hurt yourself or your business for the sake of your creativity.
I know I know why did I have to bring up money? No one likes the money talk. But someone has to be honest and rip the band aid; and keeping within a budget for styled shoots really is an important piece of the big picture- so don't leave it out!
Best,
Sarah
Read Part IV here!
Hint number 3 from the inspiration board for the shoot. Only 6 weeks left until the big day! Anyone have a guess as to the theme yet?! ;)
