If you have an on or off line business and sell 'things', or a blog where you share things be it food, DIY, or fashion, you've probably been overwhelmed at some point by styling your photos or products just so. How do I get it just right?
There are so many things to remember when either setting up displays in a store, or photographing product for online selling, or creating a blog post that is well received: lighting, staging, placement, perspective. The list goes on.
In the end though, it all comes down to the one basic thing: the story.
It's how us humans connect to things. When something tells a story that we can relate to, we immediately have a connection. That's the crux of why we buy a certain product online, or read a specific blog, or shop at a favorite store. It's the story it tells which creates a connection we can't ignore. Whether it's a sense of belonging, or of likeness and similar tastes, or a mood that speaks to us, creating a story is the one sure way to engage buyers and readers.
Here's some of my favorite product styling from etsy. Keep in mind, these are small shop owners, most with limited resources and budgets, yet who found a way to tell a story and create that connection.
Row 1: rRadonica ; Gypsy Tent
Row 2: LAccentNou ; Gallivanting Girls
Row 3: my hideaway ; elsie greenhh
Row 4: ColdGold
These are all product shots, but the basis for the success of their styling can be applied to blog photography as well.
They tell a story and create a connection. Do you love flowers? Then take a look at these flower brooches. Are you a gypsy vagabond at heart? This floral top is perfect for you. Does color make you happy? Are you a whimsical person? Do you love nature and all that is inspired by it? When you get home at the end of the day, do you turn the lights down low and light the candles to set a more relaxed mood for yourself to enjoy?
Story and connection. It's the basis for so much that we do. It's what drives the branding I design for my clients, creating a story about their businesses that resonate with their target market. The same can be said for styling.
So the next time you have to take product shots, or photographs of a recipe you created for your blog, think about how you can tell a story and how that story will connect with your customers.
It's the place to start.
What are you thoughts on styling to create a story that people can connect to?
The sun is still shining here which makes for a much nicer day even though it is still very cold.
I hope yours is sunny too.
Ciao for now,
