Why I only work with a stylist

I’m pretty stylish, can’t I just do it myself?

That’s what a lot of clients might think, or think about their clients (aka the homeowner). But if you want professional photos, you need a professional stylist. Creating the right shot takes a lot of work. Firstly, a lot of decluttering and cleaning has to happen. Then it’s about getting the balance of the shot just right whilst still feeling real and not too staged.

A stylist knows exactly how to bring a shot to life, what items to add, and what to take away to get the mood right. The value in using a stylist is a mix of bringing some beautiful items that the homeowner may not have, the ability to know what to add and take away, and the eye to see what can be utilised from the home owner's personal collections.

If you don't engage a stylist to help your photographer, a lot less will get done in a day - you can't expect the photographer to put away the kid's clutter, style the kitchen and make the bedroom look magazine worthy with a hot pink doona cover can you? A good stylist works ahead of the photographer so that they can concentrate on getting the best shots in a prepared room.

A typical little boys room, perfectly functional, but not showing off the cabinetry to its best.

Room to breathe!

I so highly value working with a stylist for architectural projects that I now won't shoot without one. The only exception to this is if one of the parties engaging me is an interior designer or stylist themselves.

I cannot overstate what a difference the final styling makes to the photos. I think it’s an investment equally as important as professional photos.

A stylist will also bring props along to improve the quality of the styling - often smaller items like soft furnishings (cushions, throws, and bed linen), botanicals and vases, and kitchen props like fresh produce and ceramics.

Large furniture items like tables, chairs, sofas, rugs and artwork are generally not included in a standard day rate as this involves substantial more pre and post-production work, and courier fees. However, these can be organised where they’re needed, but just incur a higher fee and more lead time.

In summary, if you want the best photos for your project - a stylist is an essential part of the team, and brings so much to the final result!

Guess which side of the room we were shooting here?! This shot is post-de cluttering, but before the stylist went back in to style the shelves.

Below are some behind the scenes with my good mate and stylist extraordinaire Belle Hemming. Another benefit of a stylist on a shoot is that it’s much more fun too!