Styling Tools and Tips: How to Set the Scene for PhotographsThat Pop

Getting an object to pop in a picture is rarely a point-and-click operation. Instead, photographers often enlist the help of ateam of stylists to prepare the perfect shot. From wardrobe, hair, and makeup stylists for models, to still-life stylists forproducts, food, and decor, these pros help make each photo shoot a success. To do so, they rely on tools, backdrops,accessories, and a few tricks of the trade.

Whether you’re a one-person operation — styling, photographing, and publishing your own photos — or you have dreams ofstyling products as a career, try these tools and tips to get started.

 

(http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-45368056/stock-photo-creative-background-made-of-art-tools-for-drawing.html?pl=photographytips-styltoolandtipshow&cr=img)

Creative Background by lady.diana (http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-45368056/stock-photo-creative-background-made-of-art-tools-for-drawing.html?pl=photographytips-styltoolandtipshow&cr=imgc)

Stock your stylist toolbox

Every stylist’s toolbox is unique, but some supplies are essential and fairly straightforward: scissors, precision knife, tape,pens, pencils, tape measure, pins, and so on. In addition to the more obvious items, consider stocking your toolbox with thefollowing:

Reusable adhesive putty: Want to shoot a ball without it rolling away? A few pinches of this stretchy putty substance(found in office-supply stores) will keep it in place without needing to crop a stand out later. To keep your photos orpapers from curling, add little dots of putty in each corner to keep them smooth. A large chunk of this stuff also worksnicely as a riser if you need to change the angle of a flat surface. When you’re done, simply roll it off and reuse it for thenext shot.

Paintbrushes: Sweep away debris from tight spaces by keeping paintbrushes of various sizes in your kit.

Level: Keep things straight by using a level to align multiple items perfectly. Sure, some of these things can be fixed withthe tilt of a camera or adjusted later with Photoshop, but a good stylist should aim for a clean, crisp shot every time.

Misting spray bottle: Dry air can cause lightweight items to collect static and stick to you — a frustrating task whenyou’ve spent ten minutes getting the shot set, only to unintentionally carry it away when you step aside. A light mist ofwater can be enough to weigh things down. If water speckles will ruin the shot, lightly spray your hands and arms instead.

(http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-173422046/stock-photo-still-life-details-cup-of-coffee-and-retro-vintage-black-and-white-photos-top-view-point.html?pl=photographytips-styltoolandtipshow&cr=img)

Still-Life Details by Alena Ozerova (http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-173422046/stock-photo-still-life-details-cup-of-coffee-and-retro-vintage-black-and-white-photos-top-view-point.html?pl=photographytips-styltoolandtipshow&cr=imgc)

Build a better backdrop

Backdrops can make or break a picture. While a purse in a bold jewel tone and metallic trim will look crisp on a whitebackground, a clear lucite bracelet can appear washed out. When selecting backgrounds, think about colors that complementthe product, as well as the sheen of the surface. Wrapping paper, tablecloths, and fabric are both inexpensive and offer a widevariety of choices. But don’t forget about surfaces that already exist in your home, such as a marble baking stone, a woodcutting board, an heirloom silver tray, or a vintage map you found at a garage sale. Be creative to make your product pop.

(http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-131574104/stock-photo-beautiful-colorful-shelves-with-different-home-related-objects.html?pl=photographytips-styltoolandtipshow&cr=img)

Colorful shelves with different home related objects by Africa Studio (http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-131574104/stock-photo-beautiful-colorful-shelves-with-different-home-related-objects.html?pl=photographytips-styltoolandtipshow&cr=imgc)

Accessorize with style

Giving a product context can help the viewer more easily form a connection. For example, a diamond ring shot in a vibrantvelvet box on a white background will evoke a different response than when it’s shot on the stem of a daisy atop a shabby-chic desk. When setting the scene or mood of your image, think about the story you’re trying to tell. Who is your audience?What will entice them? What accessories can you put in the picture to complement the product without stealing the viewer’sattention?

A few good accessories to have on hand include vases, decorative storage containers, plates, flatware, flowers, jars, andbooks. But accessories really depend on your product and context. Remember, while you want a pretty picture in the end, thepriority is to highlight the product.

(http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-197309882/stock-photo-modern-interior-room-decorated-with-artificial-flowers-in-rustic-wooden-vase.html?pl=photographytips-styltoolandtipshow&cr=img)

Modern interior room by Naphat_Jorjee (http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-197309882/stock-photo-modern-interior-room-decorated-with-artificial-flowers-in-rustic-wooden-vase.html?pl=photographytips-styltoolandtipshow&cr=imgc)

Bonus stylist secrets

The best stylists always have a few tricks up their sleeves. While you’ll develop your own over time, here are a few to get youstarted:

Fake it: Food stylists will be the first to admit that in photos, things are not always what they seem. Scoops of ice cream?Nope: vegetable shortening, powdered sugar, and cornstarch. Why? Because ice cream melts and loses its shape quickly,especially with warm lights overhead. While food styling is a different animal with its own tools and secrets, it’s a goodexample of how photo styling is often about tricking the eye. If you don’t have money to spend on sets and accessories,find ways to fake it. Shorten long curtains by duct taping the folded ends. Pin fabric onto the fronts of throw pillows whenyou need a pop of color — you get the idea!

Work with the camera: An object that looks straight when you’re standing in front of it can look wonky when seenthrough the lens of the camera. Remember, the goal isn’t to make the object look right in person — it’s all about capturingthe right image digitally. Take test shots and adjust as you go.

Keep calm: When a wall frame comes crashing down, breaking the only glass you have on hand, how can you respond

‹ PREVIOUSIndulge in the Simplicity of Serbian Cuisine with Tatjana Ristanic

(http://www.shutterstock.com/blog/indulge-in-the-simplicity-of-serbian-cuisine-with-tatjana-ristanic)

NEXT ›How to Create Double-Exposure Portraits with Your Smartphone or Tablet

(http://www.shutterstock.com/blog/how-to-create-double-exposure-portraits-with-your-smartphone-or-tablet)

Tweet 0

0

without losing your cool? Maybe you can mock up a new piece with plexiglass, or change the look by taking it out of the

frame all together. The shot may not be what you intended, but Plan B may turn out better than you imagined. Learn to beorganized, prepared, and patient, and you’ll have the best skills any stylist can possess.

The more styling you do, the better you’ll get. Try a variety of tools, accessories, and tricks, and finally, when styling awayfrom home, always pack more than you think you’ll need.

Top image: Chamomile flowers, white enamel cookware, glass bottles, vintage spoons on a white wooden background(http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-198185216/stock-photo-chamomile-flowers-white-enamel-cookware-glass-bottles-vintage-spoons-on-a-white-wooden.html?pl=photographytips-styltoolandtipshow&cr=pb) by Daria Minaeva

(https://submit.shutterstock.com?pl=photographytips-styltoolandtipshow&cr=img)

RELATED ARTICLES

How to Create Double-Exposure Portraits with Your Smartphone or Tablet (http://www.shutterstock.com/blog/how-to-create-double-exposure-portraits-with-your-smartphone-or-tablet)

Cute and Exotic: 10 Rare Animals You’ve Probably Never Seen Before (http://www.shutterstock.com/blog/cute-and-exotic-10-rare-animals-youve-probably-never-seen-before)

Detailed Digital Paintings by Bangkok Artist Tithi Luadthong (http://www.shutterstock.com/blog/detailed-digital-paintings-by-bangkok-artist-tithi-luadthong)

The Big Picture: 10 of the Largest Things in the World (http://www.shutterstock.com/blog/the-big-picture-10-of-the-worlds-largest-things)

How to Capture Joy and Movement in a Photograph (http://www.shutterstock.com/blog/how-to-capture-joy-and-movement-in-a-photograph)

Explosive Landscapes: Volcanoes, Eruptions, and Crater Lakes (http://www.shutterstock.com/blog/explosive-landscapes-volcanoes-eruptions-and-crater-lakes)

Posted in: Contributor Blog (http://www.shutterstock.com/blog/category/contributors), Photography Tips (http://www.shutterstock.com/blog/category/tips-and-tricks/photography-tips) | Comment (http://www.shutterstock.com/blog/styling-tools-and-tips-how-to-set-the-scene-for-photographs-that-pop#comments)

COMMENTS

June 2, 2015

0 COMMENTS (HTTP://WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/BLOG/STYLING-TOOLS-AND-TIPS-HOW-TO-SET-THE-SCENE-FOR-PHOTOGRAPHS-THAT-POP#COMMENTS)

0 Comments Sort by 

Facebook Comments Plugin

Top

Add a comment...

0Like

(http://www.shutterstock.com/blog/author/canton)

AUTHOR Carrie Anton (http://www.shutterstock.com/blog/author/canton)

Carrie is a freelance writer, editorial expert, and all-around marketing maven. Follow her on Twitter @carrieg777.

MORE FROM SHUTTERSTOCK

50,000 Incredible Images Added Every Day!

START EXPLORING (HTTP://SHUTR.BZ/1GY3IVT)

  (http://shutr.bz/1GY3ivt)