One of the things that I really feel holds me back as a blogger is my complete and utter lack of confidence when it comes to styling and photography. Whilst many of my favourite bloggers take all their own photographs and often style their own shoots, this is not really something I have been comfortable doing as I have never believed I have the skills needed. However, this is an area I would really like to progress into and I guess practice makes perfect right?
So when I was contacted by Next asking if I would be interested in styling some of their products in my own home I thought this would be a great opportunity to step outside my comfort zone and challenge myself. I must admit though I did have a helping hand as my brother came round to help stimulate some creativity. So we started off with the new products that Next had sent me and then, as I already have plenty of other pieces that I have bought from Next over the years, we added some of these in just to add a bit more interest along with a few other bits and bobs from my home.
These oversized wooden dominoes are really fun and I fell in love with this little ceramic house lamp as soon as I saw it. I love the whimsical feel to it and I think it would make a lovely addition to a child’s room. Both of these items were supplied by Next.
The traditional telephone and the little black distressed antique typewriter ornament (which is sadly no longer available) are pieces that I bought from Next myself this time last year. With this set-up I wanted to use pieces from my home that say something about me and about my hobbies and interests…reading and writing that is. I hope that comes across.
These are a couple of beautiful cushions that I was sent. I adore the big chunky knit cushion and particularly love the buttons and the pocket detail. I thought it looks particularly good when paired with the little appliqued Home bolster cushion. For these pictures I popped them inside a wicker trunk I already had at home. Not the most elegant composition I know!
These were without doubt the hardest photos to take. I wanted to show off the beautiful glass dome and wood table lamp whilst it was all lit up but this proved somewhat tricky. In the end I had to get my husband to step in and take the pictures for me as he is much better with the camera. But at least I tried right?
So that was my very first attempt at styling and photographing my home. Whilst I wasn’t 100% happy with the results (I’m a bit of a perfectionist you see), I can’t say I was totally disappointed either. Perhaps it’s not bad for a first attempt? If any of you have any top tips or advice with regards to styling I would love to hear them so please do leave a comment below! But be kind!!!
You were very brave to give this a go, I would be terrified. I think your images turned out great.
Thanks Jenni, that means a lot. I was really scared actually having never attempted to style anything before and certainly not in my own home. But I will definitely try it again if only to build some more confidence!
These look fab, you should keep experimenting! And be confident – you have a good eye!
Me too I have had some difficulties with styling and taking good photographs of products for my blog / art website but I always aim for the plain background so that product stands out more and as well as adjusting brightness of the image in photoshop will make it look better.
You’ve done very well! Those items are lovely and oh so matching!
x
The Young Bridget Jones
Thanks so much Katrina, that has really made my day! I think it must just take practice so I am going to endeavor to try styling shoots a bit more often so I can at least feel a bit more confident about the whole thing. I’ve just been checking out your blog and I’m so pleased I did. I’ve been looking for some quirky prints of woodland animals to put up in my nursery for when my baby arrives next month and I just discovered Zoo portraits on your blog. Brilliant!! Such a great find! Thank you!!!
Well done Stacey! very nice indeed. Particularly loving the old fashioned telephone; wouldn’t it be great if they made modern versions of these, but where the handle was remote and you could use without wires!
Thanks Michaela, I was pretty nervous about posting my first styling attempt to be honest. But I was thinking exactly the same about the telephone the other day when my brother called me and I ended up stood up chatting for a good half an hour as the cord wouldn’t stretch as far as the sofa. I’ve now set up my cordless phone in the living room as well.