My Services
As a Prop Stylist and Food Stylist in Chicago, I collaborate with companies in a range of ways at every point of the production process, from initial creative conversations and planning to carrying out concepts on the day of the shoot to winding up a project in the days that follow. On the day of the shoot, I might be constructing and arranging scenes including food and tabletop products, designing expansive sets, or making the most of already-existing areas to make them camera-ready. Needs change based on the shoot, which is one of my favorite things about my job! I operate largely as a prop stylist under the name Photo Stylist, but I may also be hired for "light" food styling. I work with food frequently.
The benefits of using a prop stylist are greatest on shoot day and go far beyond simply finding and selecting items; Depending on the styling project I'm working on, the day's itinerary may differ (see examples below), but generally speaking, the day begins with props being loaded into bags and bins. I have a ton of possibilities that work with the many looks we've decided on throughout pre-production. I work with the photographer to determine the optimal cropping and perspectives for the eventual use of the photographs, if this hasn't been done by an art director during pre-production. After that, I start working on the scene, either by utilizing my own imagination or by according to the specifications and wishes of the client.
It's incredible how much detail can be planned ahead of time, but occasionally things just don't go as planned on set, and it's my responsibility to provide solutions when that happens. In these situations, having a specialist on set with a trained eye will have a significant influence as opposed to wasting time on trial and error without a stylist. When the client is satisfied, our team finds the ideal location for style, lighting, focus, etc., and we go through the shot list!