How to Collaborate with Local Businesses for Creative Shoots
If you’ve ever wanted to work with local businesses but felt too nervous to reach out, trust me, I get it. But here’s the deal—most small businesses love collaborating, especially when it helps them get fresh content for social media.
I recently set up a creative shoot at HunkyDory Record Shop in Durham, and it was such a vibe. Here’s how I did it and how you can too:
Instead of just picking a random spot, my husband and I made a day date out of it. We explored different spots, grabbed some coffee, and took our time soaking in the aesthetics of each store. When we walked into HunkyDory, I knew it was the one—the retro vinyls, the warm lighting, the endless cool-factor. A total dream setting.
Step 2: Reaching Out
Sliding into DMs isn’t just for dating. I reached out to the shop owner, introduced myself, and explained my vision. I kept it simple: who I was, why I loved the shop, and how a collab could benefit us both. He was super kind and said yes!
Pro Tip: Keep your message short and sweet. Business owners are busy, so respect their time. Offer something valuable in return, like professional photos for their socials.
I didn’t need pro models—just some friends who were down to have fun in front of the camera. Pro tip: If you’re starting out, friends and family are your best bet. They’re comfortable around you, and it makes the shoot more relaxed and authentic. Plus, who doesn’t love a free mini photo session?
I love a good mood board to help visualize my shoot. I used my Canon Ivy 2 Mini Photo Printer to print inspo pics from Instagram and Pinterest, which made organizing my ideas so much easier. Seeing the vision laid out helped me coordinate outfits, poses, and the overall vibe.
Styling Tip: Pick a color palette! For this shoot, I leaned into vintage tones—warm browns, deep greens, and muted reds—to match the record store’s aesthetic.
I made sure my friends knew the vibe I was going for—think laid-back artsy, not cocktail party glam. I sent them inspo photos beforehand and encouraged them to bring accessories like sunglasses, headphones, or their fave vinyl records to add personality to the shots. Clear direction = better results.
I arrived early to get a feel for the space and test my lighting. Then, we just had fun with it! We played music, moved around the shop naturally, and I encouraged lots of candid moments. The best shots always come when people feel comfortable and forget the camera is even there.
Photography Tip: Don’t be afraid to experiment! Change up angles, play with reflections (like mirrors or vinyl covers), and get creative with framing.
The photos turned out chef’s kiss and my friends loved them. Even better? I sent them to HunkyDory so they could use them for their own socials and website—win-win! This small collab gave them fresh content and put my work in front of their audience.
💪 You’ll build confidence working with businesses.
💡 You’ll expand your portfolio and creative skills.
👥 You’ll make connections with local brands.
💼 You might even get future paid opportunities!
Moral of the story? Just go for it. The worst someone can say is no, but the best-case scenario? You build your brand and create something amazing.
