You would probably think as a Photo Stylist I would dress really "stylish" going to work on photo shoots - I don't! (lol) I have developed over years of styling my "signature/capsule" wardrobe. It's sorta plain - but I have my reasons. Here they are:

Wear Dark Clothing (Black/Navy)

Light clothing shows dirt more (& photo studios/location work can get dirty!)  Also, brighter clothing can be picked up on camera, when you are close to set.

Quick story:  I once worked in a Studio with many Stylists.  One Stylist hired was new to working in a Photo Studio (She came from retail, where she did home styling) She was very stylish and fashionable and one day wore a bright florescent dress to work. She looked great - but a bright dress reflects in a Photo Studio, and fellow stylists told her in a not so pleasant way! :( This is the reason I have workshops/summits and talk about life as a Photo Stylist - to let new/aspiring stylists know what to expect and learn about...

If you are a Lifestyle Stylist, you will probably be styling florals and plants for your shots. I have styled Interiors and Food and both require some type of “life” added to the shots.  My suggestion is to always use fresh (Use faux “in a pinch” or if your faux is really high quality)  If you are using faux, and using a clear vase, always remember to put water in the vase, so it “looks real/fresh”! ;)  (I have included in this Post a Styling Assignment I did for Armstrong Floors. This is an example where faux is ok to use.  I used very little and the focus was the floor, so the "environment" around floor should be minimal.)

While you can always get your plants/florals at a local nursery or floral store (or even the grocery store), my suggestion is to register at your nearest Floral Wholesale Market.  Even if you don’t purchase plants/florals often, it is completely worth registering because it's cost...

I have gone to countless seminars, workshops, trade shows, meet-up’s, you name it, I’ve been to them!   Really, when I look back, it was the beginning and cornerstone to achieving industry and business knowledge and bookings with clients.  So, I really want to encourage you to attend conferences, trade shows, events, and workshops - and not just pertaining to the Styling Industry.  While we get a lot of our inspiration (and business) via websites and online, it is great to get out and meet people “IRL” ;), right?

I have developed a Networking Guide from my trade show and event experiences to guide you as you navigate through attending these events as a means to gain knowledge, get inspired, get clients, and meet collaborators & friends!  

Before reading this Guide, you can check out our Resource Library for  The Photo Stylist’s Guide to the Best Conferences, Trade Shows and Events to Attend.  This Guide is a companion...

My goal with this Site and Blog is to help you as a Photo Stylist, whether you are thinking about a career in styling or if you are styling now and feel you may want further help or if you are a Blogger or Photographer who feels that photo styling business knowledge would help in your career. You will find many Resource Guides in our Library. I'm starting our Blog with this post because I feel the key to being a well rounded stylist is education and you get that by attending conferences and events - both by gaining insight to different niches/avenues you can take and by meeting people! :)

Knowledge of a wide variety of topics and niches is great for your styling career.  I am a Lifestyle Stylist (styling home/interiors, food, and wardrobe)  At times, I have been called upon to do styling that is outside of my niche.  So, it’s always great to have knowledge of other niches and disciplines, business and the industry as a whole.  The following topics are great...