What Exactly Is a Still Life Stylist?

What do we do?

A Still Life Stylist is someone who styles all of the merchandise, in all categories, for a brand, that is not showcased on a model. The styled product is then captured by the photographer and the finished product lands online, on a particular brand’s website, and are the images viewed when shopping for clothing, shoes, accessories, and the like. They also style group or creative shots that are shown on billboards for Advertising, in magazines, catalogs, and used as social media content and more.

Most of the Still Life Stylists I’ve come across are freelance and others work full-time for a brand. In my career, I’ve done both for extended periods of time and they both have their advantages and disadvantages. One of the best parts when freelancing is that breakfast and lunch are usually included, whether it catering or it’s delivered. One of my favorite advantages of working full-time is the clothing discount!

Depending on where you are working and the crew you are working with, the environment can be pretty chill and fun. Your office for the day is a photo studio, usually with some music playing in the background, a prep area, and the merchandise that needs to be styled. What makes up a crew is the Stylist and the Stylist’s Assistant, the Stills Photographer, and a Digital Tech. Sometimes the crew is limited only to the Stylist and the Photographer.

Overall, a career as a Still Life Stylist can be very rewarding, there are always new things to learn, people to meet, and great products to check out. As the saying goes, if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life!