Key 3. Choosing PROP STYLING
In this post we will talk about choosing prop styling to frame and reinforce the story you want to tell. If you saw my last post PURPOSE and TARGET GROUP you will know how important I think it is to think about these things before your photo shoot.
An organised mess, preparing for a photo shoot – Instagram shots from @biancabrandoncox
The definition of a prop stylist according to Wikipedia is: a person who styles objects for photographs, film, and television.
I would like to say that a prop stylist creates the surrounding environment, arranges the table and collaborates with the chef and food stylist to create a complete story. Prop styling could for example be: ground work (cloth, stone, wood etc), backgrounds, glass, flatware, plates, pots, pans, flowers, napkins etc.
All objects create associations in our minds so it is very important to think about “why” and “what” you show in a photo.
With this photo shoot I wanted to create some new photos for my Image Agency. I wanted tell an international audience the story about the traditional Swedish pastry “Semla” – a pastry that we eat 40 million of each year – doughy balls of sin, filled with almond and cardamom paste with lashings of vanilla-whipped cream.
I want to frame the “Semla” with historical references back to the time when the pastry became very popular in Sweden – the fifites. The light blue cloth gives Scandinavian associations in a direction that I find suitable to the porcelain and the purpose.
I’ve been visiting one of my favourite stores in the hoods called MJ Retro to see what they have. It fascinates me that Swedish porcelain and ceramics from the 30s and the 50s still appeals to so many people all over the world. For example this store delivers to South Korea, Japan, Germany and The United Kingdom.
Finally I made up my mind. I chose a classic porcelain called Mon Amie designed by Marianne Westman for Rörstrand 1952. Allthough it shows flowers in the pattern, the colours are cold and wintry, very suitable when “Semla” is traditionally eaten in february each year.
I am first doing two photos with different styling to show how to eat it – either with a spoon or by hand.
I am also backing up with another cloth and another alternative setting. For an Image Agency, varieties could be very useful. These images are also perfect when attaching text in the photo. And it is also good to deliver an unexpected move (something we will talk more about on this weblog).
Another backup – a baking sheet – a neutral photo with less associations connected to a certain time and more simply connected to baking. And again an unexpected move.
Conclusion:
– Prop styling could be: ground work (cloth, stone, wood etc), backgrounds, glass, flatware, plates, pots, pans, flowers, napkins etc.
Think about ”why” and ”what” you want to show in your photo.
– Do alternatives – it is very useful to have varieties.
– Don’t think to much, sometimes it is good to disconnect the brain and let creativity flow.
I am looking forward to seeing your photos at Instagram #foodphotoassignment
YouTube link Choosing PROP STYLING – Attached Recipe How to bake a Swedish “Semla”
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