Styling Kit Essentials

When I’m setting up for a photoshoot I ALWAYS have my trusty styling cart right by my side. My styling cart is full of little bits and pieces that come in handy on almost any shoot. So today I thought I would share with you what is in that cart and how I use it!

MICROFIBRE CLOTH

I always make sure that I have a microfibre cloth with me when shooting, this helps to polish up any product or props in the frame - this is especially important for working with jewellery, glass or any shiny objects.

Steamer + Lint roller

This comes in hady when I’m working with fashion items, accessories or a draped material backdrop. Having a steamer and lint roller on hand allows you to remove any distracting wrinkles and lint and saves you loads of time in the editing process.

Blue tack / Various tapes + Sissors / clamps

Absolutely essential! When styling you often need to stick things together, prevent things from rolling away or make things sit in a very particular way. To do this, you’ll need an arsenal of adhesive tools; including blue tack, tape and clamps. I couldn't work without them!

Fishing line / Clear acrylic rods

If you are planning to make objects float - you’ll need some fishing line or clear acrylic to secure objects and products into place. You’ll remove these supports later in the edit. So the more inconspicuous you can make them in the shoot - the better.

WOODEN BLOCKS

I have a large array of wooden blocks in my studio which I often use as display props, but these also come in handy for tucking away behind objects in the scene to prop things up and help objects in the set stand securely.

Stuffing / plastic bags / Tissue paper

When styling, there is often a need to ‘plumpen’ things up. For example you may have a bag that looks a bit sad and droopy, or a gift box that looks a bit sucken and empty. This is where stuffing comes in handy. Fill your bag or box with plastic bags or tissue paper, sit your decorative props or products on top and ‘whala’.

Cotton Gloves

Another important item that I keep in my prop kit is cotton gloves. I usually wear these when I’m styling to prevent me making any greasy or dirty marks on products and props as I am working. Again, a life saver when you have to edit out marks and imperfections. 

Floristry foam / Kenzan + Secateurs

I use a lot of flowers in my images and I often like to make them stand or sit on their own (without the need for a vase). To do this I use floristry foam or Kenzan which secure the flowers in place. You can either tuck these behind objects in your scene or remove the kenzan or foam in the editing process.

MISCELLANEOUS HANDY THINGS

Such as Batteries, Battery testers, bobby pins, esatic bands, measuring tape, tooth picks etc.

OK, so there you have it. The main tools you’ll find on my styling cart! I hope this blog has been helpful and gave you some insight into some styling hacks. As always, if you create anything awesome please share your pics in the Facebook Group Photography for Makers - I’d love to see your work!