Why Styled Shoots Matter: Behind the Scenes of Our Western Barn Shoot in New Smyrna, Florida

KimberlyReynoldsPhotography
May 23
2 min read

Hey y’all! Kimmy here from Kimberly Reynolds Photography—your local lifestyle photographer specializing in senior portraits, family sessions, and maternity shoots across the beautiful state of Florida.

Today, I’m giving you a behind-the-scenes peek into a recent Western-themed styled shoot I had the pleasure of participating in, right here in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Styled shoots are more than just a fun day with a camera—they’re a powerful creative tool, and I’m so excited to share why they matter and how they help photographers like me better serve YOU.

What’s a Styled Shoot, Anyway?

Styled shoots are pre-planned, themed photo sessions where photographers, models, and creatives come together to experiment, collaborate, and create magic. They’re not client sessions, but they are a chance to test out new ideas, locations, and concepts—think of them as the creative playground for photographers.

For this shoot, the theme was all about Western charm. Picture cowboy boots, barn backdrops, and golden sunlight filtering through Spanish moss. Add in a few real-life farm animals and you’ve got one unforgettable session!

western models in florida wearing cowboy hats and boots. western couple.

The Setup: Rustic Vibes & Farm Friends

We hosted this styled shoot at a rustic barn in New Smyrna, Florida, and let me tell you—it had everything:

🐴 Two couples and two individual models in full Western fashion
🐖 Friendly farm animals, including horses and pigs
📸 A team of six photographers (including myself!) working together to pose, shoot, and support one another

Learning how to harmonize with other creatives in real time was such a valuable experience. Coordinating poses, sharing light, and bouncing ideas off each other was a reminder that photography doesn’t have to be a solo gig. It’s a community.

Why Styled Shoots Help Me Serve You Better

As someone who specializes in high school senior photography, family portraits, and maternity sessions, styled shoots like this one are game-changers. Here’s why:

Creative Growth: They let me test new posing techniques and editing styles so your session always feels fresh and unique.
Location Scouting: I get to find new backdrops and hidden gems—like this barn—that could be perfect for your next session.
Versatility: Working with different personalities helps sharpen my direction skills so I can bring out the best in you during your session.
Confidence in Chaos: Wrangling horses, pigs, and people? It builds serious confidence in working with all types of energy (and let's be real, toddlers and teens can be just as wild!).

Let’s Make Magic Together

If you’ve been thinking about booking a senior session, planning an updated family portrait, or want to capture your beautiful maternity glow, I’d love to work with you. I bring everything I learn in shoots like this into every session—so your photos are not only stunning, but filled with real connection, personality, and fun.

📸 Ready to plan something beautiful together? Let’s chat.

With love,Kimberly Reynolds PhotographyCapturing Florida’s families, grads, and mamas-to-be with heart, style, and sunshine.