How to shoot stationery photography from a graphic designers point of view

I was tasked this week to find the best way to art direct an upcoming photo shoot for a client’s stationery business. While many websites highlight stationery that is elegantly composed, it doesn’t show off the product. Beautiful blurs, saturated color and crisp detail of the letterpress impressions are fantastic, but what about the size, shape and realistic color? I keep thinking to myself, “if I were to buy this product, what am I going to get?”

After a few hours of research and many downloaded shots later, I landed on this beautifully style directed website. chewing the cud weddings is a concept-driven design studio specializing in personalized wedding and special occasion stationery. Their photography shows off the product’s shape and scale and adds appropriate props that help the viewer understand the concept of the design. Beautiful work!

There are two essential features to any successful photo shoot: design direction and photo styling. I use the term “design direction” instead of “art direction” because of a quote I read recently by Peter Phillips in Creating the Perfect Design Brief which said, “Too often non-designers in a business setting think about design as a decorative art service: “Here is my creative idea, make it look good.” Designers who are perceived as artists are not considered strategic, business-savvy partners but rather as clever people who draw well.” I have never considered myself an artist, I am a designer at heart and truly believe that good design must be concept driven. That said, with a concept in place the design director then lovingly holds hands with the photo stylist. More often than not these days I find myself playing both roles. (which is more fun anyways:)

Any stationery, invitation or paper photo styling critique cannot go without a nod towards the queen of elegant photo styling, Rebecca Thuss. Rebecca was the Style Director of Martha Stewart Weddings magazine before leaving in 2006 to start her own company with her husband. She has played an influential role in my photo styling development and I am sure you can see why. Her work is delicate with a whimsical flair. Love her.

More beautiful shots to comes as I find them.