How To Style Like A Pro: 6 Tips for Better Prop Styling
If You’re new to prop styling or product styling here are some great tips to help you style like a Pro.
As a product stylist, your job is to make products look their best and communicate a brand's message through visuals. Here are some of my favorite tips for achieving stunning product styling for stills and motion.
1. HAVE A VISION: Start with a clear vision. Before you begin styling, make sure you understand the brand's aesthetic and message. This will guide your styling choices and ensure that the final result aligns with the brand's identity. I cover this in another post, here.
Brand: HUM NUTRITION - Creative Director: Barsha Dahal - Photo by: Alex Kapustin - Styling: Dana Kapustin Shot at: RIG STUDIO LA
2. THINK IN THREES: Use the rule of threes: This is one of my favorites, and a key to creating balance within an image. If it’s possible and the product line allows for it, when styling products, group them in odd numbers to create visual interest. Three products arranged in a staggered pattern is a classic styling technique that never fails.
Client: Theraone Photo: Alex Kapustin - Styling: Dana Kapustin - Shot at: RIG STUDIO LA
3. PLAY WITH TEXTURE: If you’re working with product texture, such as the case I often find myself in when styling for cosmetic or skincare brands, don’t be afraid to experiment. Mixing or layering textures adds depth and interest to an image and helps to create stunning product photography. Consider pairing smooth and rough textures such as eyeshadows, gel liners, or mascara. Try layering a moisturizer over a face scrub. When it comes to softgoods (clothing or fabrics) try playing with various folding techniques, and delicate movement of fabrics. Add in contrasting light and dark tones to create a dynamic composition, and you’re well on your way to crafting stunning work!
Brand: Hedley & Bennett - Creative Direction: Sarah Winter/Elizabeth Natoli - Photo: Alex Kapustin - Styling: Dana Kapustin Shot at: Rig Studio LA
4. DETAILS. DETAILS. DETAILS: After I’m finished with a layout, I like to take the time to give the final composition a once over. Make sure to pay close attention to small details. Every element in your composition/layout should be intentional and purposeful. This includes the props, background, lighting, and even the smallest details like the placement of labels and packaging. This is a big one. The rotation of the product relative to what the camera sees can appear off from the naked eye, make sure to pay attention to the monitor/screen for reference so you’re confident each product logo is facing the correct orientation and direction. (Now, there are exceptions to this rule, for instance if the Art Director wants a more organic look, and is okay with product skewing left or right in frame, then by all means…let that product skew to your hearts content).
Brand: HUM NUTRITION Creative Director: Barsha Dahal Art Direction: Brit Hallin Photo: Alex Kapustin Props + Styling: Dana Kapustin
5. IT’S OKAY TO EDIT: One of the final tips I’m sharing today, is also one of the hardest. Knowing when and how to edit your final layout. One of the hardest aspects of prop styling is knowing when enough-is-enough. It can take some time to get used to editing your composition/layout, but it’s necessary. Less is usually more unless the call for creative is, more-is-more. You catch my drift? I like to step back, take a few minutes to study the final projected layout and then revise. You can always, as they say, “peel back” if necessary. My advise, get comfortable with not only peeling back, but also revising your scene, too! That’s part of the fun of it!
Brand: HAUS LABS - Creative Direction: Angela Kongelbok - Photo: Alex Kapustin - Styling: Dana Kapustin
6: STUDY OTHERS’ WORK: Lastly, don’t be afraid to follow other creatives in your field, it’s a great way to connect and share advice, tips, and tricks of your own. That is if they’re willing, some are not and that’s okay, too. One of the greatest tips I can offer is to study your peers’ work and portfolio. What they may produce might inspire you and you might learn a thing or two just by reviewing the work they produce. Like any great artist knows, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If you’re lucky, you just might make a few new friends while you’re at it.