• Home
  • Portfolio
  • clients
  • About
  • Contact
  • blog
Menu

Autumn Wood// Creative Director

props. interiors. food. still-life
  • Home
  • Portfolio
  • clients
  • About
  • Contact
  • blog
blogtitle.png
Montreal Photography and Prop Styling-5.jpg

Q&A: What is a prop-stylist and 3 ways to help you style the perfect Instagram photo:

January 30, 2018

Have you ever wondered what a prop stylist does, or how to style a scene for your Instagram, Facebook or blog? Since launching my prop styling and food styling company here in Montreal,  I frequently get asked what I do, how I compose a shot and how prop styling works. So, to answer all those questions, I created a blog post talking about just that. Here is a little background info on what I do and how to create a balanced, dynamic photo from the ground up.

Q: What exactly is a prop stylist? 

A: A prop stylist is someone who provides, styles, arranges and makes the 'goods' look beautiful in a shoot. As a prop stylist, I'm responsible for all the objects that you see in a photograph. That could be something as big as a table, or even a kayak (yes, this really happened to me once) or as small as a dessert spoon. I make sure that all the objects in a shot work together in creating the right aesthetic, story and backdrop for whatever the shoot is about. 

Q: How do you style photographs:

A: When I style photographs, whether for a magazine, advertisement or social media content, I try to follow some basic rules:

1. Select items that help you tell your story, but don't overload the shot. Sometimes that means if the shot is about, for example, cookware, I don't fill every surface with an object. You may only need a lovely linen dishtowel and a wooden spoon to tell the story...  and not the measuring cup, stacked plates and silverware.

Rule of thumb: Take a look at your shot and make sure you need all the elements and maybe remove one. Like Coco Chanel said on accessorizing, "Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take at least one thing off." The same goes for styling your photo.

2. Create some sort of common thread to draw the shot together. I'm a really colorful person, so oftentimes for me, that is the thread I use to tie it all together. Color can be a really emotive way of telling a story visually and it's relatively easy to create a photo that feels complete when all the elements are in the same color family. It could also be texture, time period, or subject matter (i.e., all kitchen related). 

3. Leave negative space around the main focus of the shot. This goes along with number one, but also hearkens back to art school or even geometry, for that matter, where you were taught all about the golden spiral or the rule of thirds. This is a simple way of composing a shot that is visually attractive because of proportions. By composing a photo in this manner, you focus all the content into a concentrated area of the photo (the corner, for example) and the negative space radiates out from it. Below is an example of using the golden spiral to compose a shot.

220px-Fibonacci_spiral_34.svg.png
Montreal Photography and Prop Styling-15.jpg

4. The last thing I do when composing a shot is what I call: building a foundation. This is where I focus on the key elements of my shot and slowly build up, adding various elements one at a time. Below is an example of how I "build" a shot:

Montreal Photography and Prop Styling-6.jpg
Montreal Photography and Prop Styling-7.jpg
Montreal Photography and Prop Styling-9.jpg
Montreal Photography and Prop Styling-10.jpg
Montreal Photography and Prop Styling-11.jpg
Montreal Photography and Prop Styling-12 - Copy.jpg

Q: What if I do all these things and my shot still doesn't turn out right or I just don't have the time to do all these steps:

A: Hire me! I recognize that creating dynamic, on-brand product photography, lifestyle content or social media posts is really hard and that's why I'm here! I love what I do, and I love working with awesome brands and individuals to help them create stunning photography that really connects people to their brand.

Have more questions? Need me to help you on your next shoot?

Drop me a line and I'd love to discuss how we can work together!

Over at Autumn Wood Stylist HQ, we are currently sipping some delicious Italian espresso and listening to Katie Perry... just don't tell anyone, Ok?

In Styled Shoots, Photo styling Tips Tags prop stylist, Montreal Prop Stylist, Montreal food stylist, How to style a photo for Instagram, Instagram photography, Prop styling tips, Food styling tips
A styled shoot for a magazine feature (An inside view into a color themed photoshoot) →

@AUTUMNWOODSTYLIST

Freezing rain and dark clouds, need soft morning light and strong coffee. I love this picture, it’s like this little spot is just there waiting for you....
———————————————————————————————————————————————— Styling and creative direction: @autumnwoodstylist beautiful photography: @michellemlittle products:@cafune.co———————————————————————————————————————————————— 🌿 #wordoftheday #wordsofencouragement  #creativehappylife #beencouraged #liftyourselfup
#trapping_tones #ig_masterpiece #ig_podium  #agameoftones  #montrealcity #localcollective #montrealartist #interiordesign  #flatlayoftheday #flatlaytoday #flatlaysquad #flatlaylove #creativehappylife #fromwhereistand #interiorinspo #interiorstyle #homedesign #prettyhome #howyouhome #womenwhohustle #shecreates #setdesign #montrealpropstylist #setdesignermontreal #capture #all_shots
Freezing rain and dark clouds, need soft morning light and strong coffee. I love this picture, it’s like this little spot is just there waiting for you.... ———————————————————————————————————————————————— Styling and creative direction: @autumnwoodstylist beautiful photography: @michellemlittle products:@cafune.co———————————————————————————————————————————————— 🌿 #wordoftheday #wordsofencouragement #creativehappylife #beencouraged #liftyourselfup #trapping_tones #ig_masterpiece #ig_podium #agameoftones #montrealcity #localcollective #montrealartist #interiordesign #flatlayoftheday #flatlaytoday #flatlaysquad #flatlaylove #creativehappylife #fromwhereistand #interiorinspo #interiorstyle #homedesign #prettyhome #howyouhome #womenwhohustle #shecreates #setdesign #montrealpropstylist #setdesignermontreal #capture #all_shots
🍩🍩Need these donuts right now... The wind is whistling outside my window, my house feels like an igloo and we had an April snow storm yesterday....☃️ I’m so desperate for the summer... coping mechanism?: DONUTS 🍩Here’s  a peek of some of the work I’ve been doing with amazing Montreal company @structube . ———————————————————————#magnoliajournal #atthetable #pursuewhatislovely #sheisfree #visualcrush #photosinbetween #abmlifeisbeautiful #postitfortheaesthetic #darlingdaily #inspiremyinstagram #littlestoriesofmylife #verilymoment #feelfreefeed #aquietstyle #aquietlife #thatauthenticfeeling #nothingisordinary #darlingmovement #coffeetime #coffeegram #coffeelife #alltheprettythings #cuppajoe #ihavethisthingwithcolour #ihavethisthingwithcoffee #coffeegeek #coffeeart #coffeeculture #livethelittlethings #donuts🍩
🍩🍩Need these donuts right now... The wind is whistling outside my window, my house feels like an igloo and we had an April snow storm yesterday....☃️ I’m so desperate for the summer... coping mechanism?: DONUTS 🍩Here’s a peek of some of the work I’ve been doing with amazing Montreal company @structube . ———————————————————————#magnoliajournal #atthetable #pursuewhatislovely #sheisfree #visualcrush #photosinbetween #abmlifeisbeautiful #postitfortheaesthetic #darlingdaily #inspiremyinstagram #littlestoriesofmylife #verilymoment #feelfreefeed #aquietstyle #aquietlife #thatauthenticfeeling #nothingisordinary #darlingmovement #coffeetime #coffeegram #coffeelife #alltheprettythings #cuppajoe #ihavethisthingwithcolour #ihavethisthingwithcoffee #coffeegeek #coffeeart #coffeeculture #livethelittlethings #donuts🍩
🍋🌿Color stories are my favourite and these little pattypan squash were little jewels on this blue velvet. Its a great reminder that it’s the simplest things in life that really shine. #abmlifeiscolorful
----------------------------------------------------
———————————————————————-
Creative direction and styling @autumnwoodstylist Gorgeous photography by @michellemlittle Client: @restohopkins ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
🍋🌿Color stories are my favourite and these little pattypan squash were little jewels on this blue velvet. Its a great reminder that it’s the simplest things in life that really shine. #abmlifeiscolorful ---------------------------------------------------- ———————————————————————- Creative direction and styling @autumnwoodstylist Gorgeous photography by @michellemlittle Client: @restohopkins ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
🌞My body is craving the sun and maybe a summer cocktail to go with this steak! 🍹We’re half way there Montreal! It’s  cold but the sun is shining and I’m feeling ready for the weekend... just two more days to go and we’ll be there. 🌞 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------—————————- 🥄Here’s a beautiful dish I styled with @arieltarr  and @mariefleurstpierre for her lovely cookbook ´La cuisine Espagnole’ ———————————————————————-
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #flashesofdelight  #livethelittlethings  #seekthesimplicity #mtlmoments  #slowliving_gather  #postitfortheaesthetic #visualsoflife #createcommune  #liveauthentic #stillswithstories #propstyling  #nothingisordinary  #autumnwoodstylist  #thequietwinter #flatlayforever @tv_stilllife  #flatlayfeatures  @flatlaytoday  #steaktime #createdtocreate #girlbosslife  #foodstylistmontreal #atthetable #featuremepf #lifealive #featurepalette #foodstyle #f52grams #foodjournal #foodigers #instafood #foodphotography
🌞My body is craving the sun and maybe a summer cocktail to go with this steak! 🍹We’re half way there Montreal! It’s cold but the sun is shining and I’m feeling ready for the weekend... just two more days to go and we’ll be there. 🌞 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------—————————- 🥄Here’s a beautiful dish I styled with @arieltarr and @mariefleurstpierre for her lovely cookbook ´La cuisine Espagnole’ ———————————————————————- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #flashesofdelight #livethelittlethings #seekthesimplicity #mtlmoments #slowliving_gather #postitfortheaesthetic #visualsoflife #createcommune #liveauthentic #stillswithstories #propstyling #nothingisordinary #autumnwoodstylist #thequietwinter #flatlayforever @tv_stilllife #flatlayfeatures @flatlaytoday #steaktime #createdtocreate #girlbosslife #foodstylistmontreal #atthetable #featuremepf #lifealive #featurepalette #foodstyle #f52grams #foodjournal #foodigers #instafood #foodphotography
🦋#Tuesday and my current mood... longing for summer and trying to make winter go away with some bright colours 🍋 ————————————————————————@kipandco for the beautiful inspiration and refreshing colour palette.
——————————————————————— #shelfie #interiordesign #deco #interiores #interior  #interior123 #creativehappylife #hometours #fromwhereistand #fwis #interiorinspo #interiorstyle #homedesign #prettyhome
🦋#Tuesday and my current mood... longing for summer and trying to make winter go away with some bright colours 🍋 ————————————————————————@kipandco for the beautiful inspiration and refreshing colour palette. ——————————————————————— #shelfie #interiordesign #deco #interiores #interior #interior123 #creativehappylife #hometours #fromwhereistand #fwis #interiorinspo #interiorstyle #homedesign #prettyhome
🥄It’s Friday and I’m so glad to be alive. This day is the only one like it. So, enjoy it while you can and have peace about what’s already finished this week! 🥄Here’s a beautiful dish I styled with @arieltarr  and @mariefleurstpierre for her lovely cookbook ´La cuisine Espagnole’ ———————————————————————-
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#pursueprettythings  #flashesofdelight  #livethelittlethings  #seekthesimplicity #mtlmoments  #slowliving_gather  #postitfortheaesthetic #visualsoflife #createcommune  #liveauthentic #stillswithstories #propstyling  #nothingisordinary  #autumnwoodstylist  #thequietwinter #flatlayforever #myeverydaymagic @tv_stilllife  #flatlayfeatures  @flatlaytoday  #collectandstyle #createdtocreate #girlbosslife  #foodstylistmontreal #atthetable #featuremepf #lifealive #featurepalette #searchwandercollect #f52grams #foodjournal #foodigers
🥄It’s Friday and I’m so glad to be alive. This day is the only one like it. So, enjoy it while you can and have peace about what’s already finished this week! 🥄Here’s a beautiful dish I styled with @arieltarr and @mariefleurstpierre for her lovely cookbook ´La cuisine Espagnole’ ———————————————————————- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #pursueprettythings #flashesofdelight #livethelittlethings #seekthesimplicity #mtlmoments #slowliving_gather #postitfortheaesthetic #visualsoflife #createcommune #liveauthentic #stillswithstories #propstyling #nothingisordinary #autumnwoodstylist #thequietwinter #flatlayforever #myeverydaymagic @tv_stilllife #flatlayfeatures @flatlaytoday #collectandstyle #createdtocreate #girlbosslife #foodstylistmontreal #atthetable #featuremepf #lifealive #featurepalette #searchwandercollect #f52grams #foodjournal #foodigers
☕️Grey days can still be beautiful. Snuggle up with a book, pour a cup of coffee and remind yourself that today is the best day, because you're alive and full of joy. ———————————————————————————————————————————————— Styling and creative direction: @autumnwoodstylist beautiful photography: @michellemlittle products:@cafune ———————————————————————————————————————————————— 🌿 #wordoftheday #wordsofencouragement  #creativehappylife #beencouraged #liftyourselfup
#trapping_tones #ig_masterpiece #ig_podium  #agameoftones  #localcollective #montrealartist #interiordesign  #flatlayoftheday #flatlaytoday #flatlaylove #creativehappylife #fromwhereistand #interiorstyle #homedesign #prettyhome #howyouhome #womenwhohustle #shecreates #setdesign #montrealpropstylist #setdesignermontreal 
#gameoftones #coffeelife #createdtocreate #quietthechaos #lookslikefilm
☕️Grey days can still be beautiful. Snuggle up with a book, pour a cup of coffee and remind yourself that today is the best day, because you're alive and full of joy. ———————————————————————————————————————————————— Styling and creative direction: @autumnwoodstylist beautiful photography: @michellemlittle products:@cafune ———————————————————————————————————————————————— 🌿 #wordoftheday #wordsofencouragement #creativehappylife #beencouraged #liftyourselfup #trapping_tones #ig_masterpiece #ig_podium #agameoftones #localcollective #montrealartist #interiordesign #flatlayoftheday #flatlaytoday #flatlaylove #creativehappylife #fromwhereistand #interiorstyle #homedesign #prettyhome #howyouhome #womenwhohustle #shecreates #setdesign #montrealpropstylist #setdesignermontreal #gameoftones #coffeelife #createdtocreate #quietthechaos #lookslikefilm
❄️Here’s a snapshot of my street this morning in MTL... No more snow please... I can’t take anymore and they are saying there is still more to come! Trying to remember why I live here again...❄️
————————————————————————————————————————————————
#pursuewhatislovely #sheisfree #visualcrush #photosinbetween #abmlifeisbeautiful #postitfortheaesthetic #darlingdaily #inspiremyinstagram #visualsoflife #littlestoriesofmylife #verilymoment #feelfreefeed #aquietstyle #aquietlife #thatauthenticfeeling #thequietwinter #nothingisordinary #darlingmovement #mtlmoments #winterwhite #mytinyatlas #huffpostgram #montreal #winterwonderland #montreality
❄️Here’s a snapshot of my street this morning in MTL... No more snow please... I can’t take anymore and they are saying there is still more to come! Trying to remember why I live here again...❄️ ———————————————————————————————————————————————— #pursuewhatislovely #sheisfree #visualcrush #photosinbetween #abmlifeisbeautiful #postitfortheaesthetic #darlingdaily #inspiremyinstagram #visualsoflife #littlestoriesofmylife #verilymoment #feelfreefeed #aquietstyle #aquietlife #thatauthenticfeeling #thequietwinter #nothingisordinary #darlingmovement #mtlmoments #winterwhite #mytinyatlas #huffpostgram #montreal #winterwonderland #montreality
Freezing rain and dark clouds, need soft morning light and strong coffee. I love this picture, it’s like this little spot is just there waiting for you....
———————————————————————————————————————————————— Styling and creative direction: @autumnwoodstylist beautiful photography: @michellemlittle products:@cafune.co———————————————————————————————————————————————— 🌿 #wordoftheday #wordsofencouragement  #creativehappylife #beencouraged #liftyourselfup
#trapping_tones #ig_masterpiece #ig_podium  #agameoftones  #montrealcity #localcollective #montrealartist #interiordesign  #flatlayoftheday #flatlaytoday #flatlaysquad #flatlaylove #creativehappylife #fromwhereistand #interiorinspo #interiorstyle #homedesign #prettyhome #howyouhome #womenwhohustle #shecreates #setdesign #montrealpropstylist #setdesignermontreal #capture #all_shots 🍩🍩Need these donuts right now... The wind is whistling outside my window, my house feels like an igloo and we had an April snow storm yesterday....☃️ I’m so desperate for the summer... coping mechanism?: DONUTS 🍩Here’s  a peek of some of the work I’ve been doing with amazing Montreal company @structube . ———————————————————————#magnoliajournal #atthetable #pursuewhatislovely #sheisfree #visualcrush #photosinbetween #abmlifeisbeautiful #postitfortheaesthetic #darlingdaily #inspiremyinstagram #littlestoriesofmylife #verilymoment #feelfreefeed #aquietstyle #aquietlife #thatauthenticfeeling #nothingisordinary #darlingmovement #coffeetime #coffeegram #coffeelife #alltheprettythings #cuppajoe #ihavethisthingwithcolour #ihavethisthingwithcoffee #coffeegeek #coffeeart #coffeeculture #livethelittlethings #donuts🍩 🍋🌿Color stories are my favourite and these little pattypan squash were little jewels on this blue velvet. Its a great reminder that it’s the simplest things in life that really shine. #abmlifeiscolorful
----------------------------------------------------
———————————————————————-
Creative direction and styling @autumnwoodstylist Gorgeous photography by @michellemlittle Client: @restohopkins ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🌞My body is craving the sun and maybe a summer cocktail to go with this steak! 🍹We’re half way there Montreal! It’s  cold but the sun is shining and I’m feeling ready for the weekend... just two more days to go and we’ll be there. 🌞 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------—————————- 🥄Here’s a beautiful dish I styled with @arieltarr  and @mariefleurstpierre for her lovely cookbook ´La cuisine Espagnole’ ———————————————————————-
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #flashesofdelight  #livethelittlethings  #seekthesimplicity #mtlmoments  #slowliving_gather  #postitfortheaesthetic #visualsoflife #createcommune  #liveauthentic #stillswithstories #propstyling  #nothingisordinary  #autumnwoodstylist  #thequietwinter #flatlayforever @tv_stilllife  #flatlayfeatures  @flatlaytoday  #steaktime #createdtocreate #girlbosslife  #foodstylistmontreal #atthetable #featuremepf #lifealive #featurepalette #foodstyle #f52grams #foodjournal #foodigers #instafood #foodphotography 🦋#Tuesday and my current mood... longing for summer and trying to make winter go away with some bright colours 🍋 ————————————————————————@kipandco for the beautiful inspiration and refreshing colour palette.
——————————————————————— #shelfie #interiordesign #deco #interiores #interior  #interior123 #creativehappylife #hometours #fromwhereistand #fwis #interiorinspo #interiorstyle #homedesign #prettyhome 🥄It’s Friday and I’m so glad to be alive. This day is the only one like it. So, enjoy it while you can and have peace about what’s already finished this week! 🥄Here’s a beautiful dish I styled with @arieltarr  and @mariefleurstpierre for her lovely cookbook ´La cuisine Espagnole’ ———————————————————————-
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#pursueprettythings  #flashesofdelight  #livethelittlethings  #seekthesimplicity #mtlmoments  #slowliving_gather  #postitfortheaesthetic #visualsoflife #createcommune  #liveauthentic #stillswithstories #propstyling  #nothingisordinary  #autumnwoodstylist  #thequietwinter #flatlayforever #myeverydaymagic @tv_stilllife  #flatlayfeatures  @flatlaytoday  #collectandstyle #createdtocreate #girlbosslife  #foodstylistmontreal #atthetable #featuremepf #lifealive #featurepalette #searchwandercollect #f52grams #foodjournal #foodigers ☕️Grey days can still be beautiful. Snuggle up with a book, pour a cup of coffee and remind yourself that today is the best day, because you're alive and full of joy. ———————————————————————————————————————————————— Styling and creative direction: @autumnwoodstylist beautiful photography: @michellemlittle products:@cafune ———————————————————————————————————————————————— 🌿 #wordoftheday #wordsofencouragement  #creativehappylife #beencouraged #liftyourselfup
#trapping_tones #ig_masterpiece #ig_podium  #agameoftones  #localcollective #montrealartist #interiordesign  #flatlayoftheday #flatlaytoday #flatlaylove #creativehappylife #fromwhereistand #interiorstyle #homedesign #prettyhome #howyouhome #womenwhohustle #shecreates #setdesign #montrealpropstylist #setdesignermontreal 
#gameoftones #coffeelife #createdtocreate #quietthechaos #lookslikefilm ❄️Here’s a snapshot of my street this morning in MTL... No more snow please... I can’t take anymore and they are saying there is still more to come! Trying to remember why I live here again...❄️
————————————————————————————————————————————————
#pursuewhatislovely #sheisfree #visualcrush #photosinbetween #abmlifeisbeautiful #postitfortheaesthetic #darlingdaily #inspiremyinstagram #visualsoflife #littlestoriesofmylife #verilymoment #feelfreefeed #aquietstyle #aquietlife #thatauthenticfeeling #thequietwinter #nothingisordinary #darlingmovement #mtlmoments #winterwhite #mytinyatlas #huffpostgram #montreal #winterwonderland #montreality

  • Cocktails 2
  • Dinner Party How-to 9
  • Dinner Party Inspiration 8
  • Every day Inspiration 5
  • Food & Wine Pairings 2
  • Holiday Table Inspiration 2
  • Inspiration Boards 3
  • Photo styling Tips 1
  • Real Dinner Parties 2
  • Recipes 6
  • Seller Spotlight 1
  • Slow living 6
  • Styled Shoots 6
  • Wine Reviews 2
  • Wish-List Wednesday 2

Subscribe

Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates.

We respect your privacy.

Thank you!

Breakfast for Two Styled-Shoot
breakfastfortwo0018.jpg
about 2 years ago
Tag Cloud Block
This is an example. Double-click here and select a page to create a cloud of its tags or categories. Learn more
  • Day Trip
  • Pic of the Day
  • Playlist
  • Pro Tip
  • Yummy

bookings & specialities!

Autumn Wood Stylist is a prop-stylist, food stylist and set designer serving Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec City, Toronto and internationally. We also specialize in cookbooks, social media content creation, branding & boutique events.


Whether you are trying to do a photoshoot for a lifestyle magazine, need product photography for your brand or need a prop stylist for the day, we'd love to be a part of your next photoshoot or video-shoot!

Our work has been featured in The New York Times magazine, National Geographic, Etsy, Style Me Pretty and Mingle magazine as well as some new up & coming Lifestyle mags!

**contact us for day rates and services