The First Project: Photo-Styling

Styling is an inevitable everyday task. From getting dressed in the morning to setting up the dinner table, styling plays an important role. While some people find it to be restless and a chore, others, like myself, see it as therapeutic and expressive.

For the past five weeks of my FIT class, my group and I have been planning and bringing in props to incorporate into our ‘still life’ shoot. The assignment was to choose a fashion accessory and expand it into a theme, which we would later have a photo shoot of. The product we chose to use was a black suede flat with random placed splats of gold. We all agreed that the shoe reminded us of antique royalty, which then became our theme.

One painting in particular, the Dutch Still Life, looks identical to photography, and served as our inspiration by making our shoe’s environment a table top setting. The dark and rustic contents of photograph influenced the type of props we incorporated-such as, a gold plate, maroon cloth napkin, distressed looking candle stick holder, wine bottle, wine glass that was found at an antique shop and was filled with cranberry juice, etc. Professor Philip Shubin granted us with a piece of wood as the table and loose pearls and gems that emphasized the shoe.

On the fourth week into the project, we had the chance to shoot a week early. Our project had been planned out solidly. The only problem was the lack of props we had with us. We were missing the silk scarf that was used as the back round and a candle stick that was going to fulfill the holder. Luckily, someone was aware of NY Style Imports Inc., a store located on 28th Street and 6th Avenue that has a large variety of silk scarves. We found the candle stick at a local grocery stores only a couple of blocks away from FIT’s campus. To make the candle not look so new and modern, we lit it up just enough to let the wax drip on it. Although, we didn’t have enough time during class to shoot our project that day, we were able to become acquainted with the frequent challenges stylists face.

On the day of the shoot, we were fully equipped. All our props were present and everything was prepared. We did, however, encounter some trouble. The creases in the silk scarf did not give the solid illusion we had wanted. Conveniently, a steamer was located and that minor problem shortly disappeared.

The whole group contributed to the project equally. We all participated in every action from setting up the shoot, to volunteering changes. This task was so enjoyable, as well as working with my group members. It is so satisfying to be around people who are interested in the same things as yourself. The four girls in my group who were once just classmates, are now my friends. Project one was such a pleasurable experience. My adrenaline is pumping in anticipation of project number two!

Comments

One response to “The First Project: Photo-Styling”

  1. furnir Avatar

    very good article, how to make a comprehensive description of the background lights, and supported with pictures .. I’m like