Why is Styling Important for a Photoshoot?

Why is styling important?

What does “style” even mean? When and why is it important to style anyway? I spoke with two professional stylists, Cora Vohwinkel, an international set designer and stylist, and Anna Molvik, regional editor and stylist to help shed some light on the topic.

When and why should you style for a photoshoot?

This is easy to answer, every time! The level of styling on the other hand depends on the goal of the photoshoot and your budget. Are the photos simply going to be used in your online and print portfolio? Then perhaps you can do it yourself with the help of the photographer and your assistants.

Are the photos being submitted into a design competition? Or are the photos being captured for a publication feature? This is where you can turn things up a notch and bring in a stylist. Anna Molvik, like many other stylists, has connections to magazines, she often does editorial work for them. Using stylists like Anna and Cora will have a huge impact on your work being selected for a publication feature. Anna also said this is a great way of expanding the designer’s and architect’s network.

Designing a home and styling the home for a photoshoot are two very different things. Hiring a stylist allows you to focus on the design of the space. The stylist will take care of the rest, which takes away all the pressure for you to do both on the same day. Cora Vohwinkel says “the photographer and stylist are the creative couple behind any staged image”. Everyone on the shoot that day will chip in to help make your photoshoot successful.

Did you think about adding people into your photos? This adds humanity, life, scale, and shows how the space is used and functions. This is important if you’re trying to tell a story with your photos. This makes the space relatable and engaging to the viewer. This also gives you more flexibility when submitting to publications.