STYLING KITS FOR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS
A wedding photography styling kit is a collection of items that are used to enhance and elevate the imagery of unique wedding day details. These items can include decorative, beautiful and practical objects that photographers use to make the wedding day images more visually appealing.
Styling kits are usually used during the early morning of the wedding day when the bride and groom are getting ready, but they can be used at any time when photographing objects such as tablescapes during the reception.
Photographs of styled details are special because they showcase the objects, keepsakes and items that are meaningful to the bride and groom. These detail shots also help to tell the unique story of the wedding day. They are perfect for use on blogs, social media, wedding albums and are essential when submitting a wedding for publication.
1. Styling mat
One of the most essential items in a wedding photography styling kit is a styling mat. A styling mat is a linen, velvet, or suede material that serves as a backdrop for flat lay photographs of wedding day details. Flat lay photography, also known as photos taken from above, was popularized by bloggers and Instagrammers and it is a great way to minimize 3-dimensional objects into 2-dimensional vignettes that can become works of art.
One of the main reasons why you need a styling mat is that when you arrive at the bride's getting ready location, there are often no clean and neutral surfaces for taking detail shots. Photographers often end up taking pictures on dirty kitchen countertops or any surface they can find, which can waste precious time and not look great in the end.
Styling mats provide a clean and easy-to-transport background for photographing details without distractions. They also match the colors and themes of the wedding day, providing consistency across your galleries. They make everything look more editorial and immediately more beautiful. Additionally, you can bring them directly to your best source of natural light.
2. Ring boxes
Velvet ring boxes are a favorite item in our wedding photography styling kit. They are often used by brides as a special gift for themselves and can be monogrammed for an extra touch of elegance. They make for beautiful photos of the rings. However, not all brides think about this detail, but that doesn't mean you can't be prepared.
The appeal of velvet ring boxes is undeniable. They add a touch of luxury and elegance to the photo and make the rings stand out. As a photographer, having one of these in your styling kit can be a great addition to your collection of props and make for a more visually appealing image.
Vintage ring boxes also make for a stunning addition to a flat lay photograph. They bring a unique and timeless aesthetic to the image and can add a sense of nostalgia and sentimentality to the photo. The intricate details and patina of vintage ring boxes can make them stand out in a flat lay and add depth and character to the image. They can also complement the vintage or antique elements of the wedding and add a sense of history and tradition to the photo. As a photographer, having a vintage ring box in your styling kit can add an interesting element to your collection of props and make for a more visually striking image.
3. Ribbons
Ribbons are an essential item in any wedding photography styling kit. They add texture, depth, and visual interest to flat lay images, making them more captivating and visually striking. Hand-dyed silk ribbons are particularly beautiful and versatile as they come in a variety of colors and patterns, and they are perfect for creating visual interest when styling wedding day details. They are great for layering and tying details together, which makes the image look more cohesive and polished. They also help to guide the viewer's eye and create visual interest, making the detail images stand out. They are perfect for adding color, texture, and movement to the images. They are also lightweight and easy to carry, which makes them a great addition to any styling kit. Overall, ribbons are a great way to add an extra touch of elegance and creativity to your wedding photography.
4. Flatlay riser blocks
Flat lay riser blocks are an essential item for wedding photographers who want to add dimension and shadow to their images. These blocks are used to raise individual pieces of the invitation suite slightly, creating a more dynamic and visually interesting image. The blocks come in different sizes and shapes and can be used to create different levels of height and depth. This allows you to create a more dynamic image that showcases different layers of the invitation suite and adds depth and shadow to the image. By raising individual pieces of the invitation suite, you can create a more interesting and visually appealing image that highlights the intricate details of the suite. Additionally, by using different sizes and shapes of blocks, you can create different levels of depth, which can add a sense of movement and flow to the image. These blocks are easy to transport, lightweight, and can be used in a variety of settings, making them a great addition to any styling kit.
5. Trinket dishes
Accent dishes serve as a great way to add visual interest and variety to your composition. Since the majority of paper goods, such as plates and napkins, have a rectangular shape, incorporating circular dishes into your styling can break up the monotony of straight lines and add a dynamic element to your flatlay. These accent dishes can be used to hold small items, such as jewelry or trinkets, or to display food in an interesting and appetizing way. Additionally, using different sizes and textures of accent dishes can further enhance the overall aesthetic of your flatlay.
6. Reflector
When styling your flatlay details, it's important to find the best lighting source. This is often near a window or a spot where light is coming in from a specific direction. To create even lighting for your detail shots, you can use a reflector like a white reflector or even a pillowcase. By holding the reflector on the side of your board or surface that is in shadow, you can create a more balanced and even lighting for your flatlay.
7. Other items
Stamps and trays - When styling flatlay, I often find unique stamps and trays at local antique shops. I enjoy going out and searching for these special items.
Command hooks and tape - Additionally, I use tap to keep details in place, especially when it's windy or when paper won't lay flat. It's also a good idea to have command hooks in your kit in case you need to hang clothing or want to use a specific wall or location. However, be cautious when removing the hooks from walls or doors.
When selecting items for my styling kit, I always aim to complement the style that my clients have already chosen for their wedding day. It's important to understand your clients' preferences and to blend the new additions with their existing style. To do this successfully, I usually stick to a neutral palette of ribbons, fabrics, and styling surfaces. My clients often prefer a more high-end look, so I find that items like vintage metallic trays, delicate fabrics, and ceramic trays work well with their style. I avoid using items that might clash with my clients' chosen color schemes and styles, for example, I wouldn't use hot pink ribbons or dark black trays as they are more of a statement piece rather than a neutral accent.
By incorporating a few simple items into my styling kit, I find that it inspires my clients to be more creative with their own additional elements. Many of my brides have started bringing their own unique ribbon, trays, or fabric for me to use when styling their details.
I hope this post was helpful. Let me know if you use a styling kit and what your favorite piece or tool is. I'd love to hear your thoughts!
