Prop Styling Workshops Online via Zoom

Sign up on my mailing list below to stay in the loop. Classes are on hold until further notice.

Are you looking for ways to up your styling game, create better images for Instagram or create a professional styling portfolio?

If you have taken the intro class, STYLING BEYOND INSTAGRAM you’ll want to continue to experience the prop stylist life learning with Robin Zachary and like-minded creatives in an intimate salon style setting via Zoom from her NYC studio.

These workshops are perfect for aspiring stylists, photographers, foodies, designers, event planners, makers, bloggers, content creators and creatives of all types looking to improve their styling skills. No professional photography experience is necessary. While we will cover working with light and staging your shoots, camera skills and photo editing will not be covered.

Topics will have an emphasis on tabletop styling and prop styling for food photography, with a special nod to vintage styling and styling of handmade goods. We'll touch upon composition, choosing the perfect color palette, sourcing and making backdrops and surfaces while we work together in our own spaces.

While you can jump in anytime, going through the whole beginner series in order will enable you to build upon all the material in sequence. All classes include a presentation on one specialized styling topic with examples, live demonstration and Q&A. My goal is to help you explore your creativity and shorten the learning curve as you move towards your styling goals.

If you took some of these last year but missed a couple, it’s a great chance to catch up!

add on a one-hour
private consultation
and/or A portfolio review to
any class
for an additional fee.

“Thank you for sparking my creativity! I loved hearing how you think about your photos, styling, backgrounds and lighting. Your examples helped me in training my eye in what makes a photo “good”. Thank you for sharing your expertise and gearing this class for vintage sellers.” —Lisa L, vintage shop owner, NC

“Robin is lots of fun and a fantastic teacher. Taking Robin’s classes during quarantine was a lifeline to creativity. I highly recommend you take her classes! “
—Amy Hilton, Florida

“Since the beginning of the quarantine, I’ve taken 6 online prop styling classes with Robin. It is painful for me to look back at the images I took prior to the courses because I see a million ways they could be made better. The angle. The lighting. The framing. The composition. All of it. The fact that I’m already putting into practice what I’ve learned and feeling a difference in my images is testimony of the value of Robin’s classes. Her classes provide valuable insights about what you need to create and capture the most evocative moments.”
—Melissa Parks, Vintage Dealer, Chicago

"As an artist and Etsy shop owner, I wanted to improve my skills in presenting my products in a way that told a story to engage on social media. By the end of the class, I created beautiful images to post on my site and across social platforms. I truly loved this class and would highly recommend it to all Etsy shop owners and entrepreneurs!" —Min, Mintybasil Design, NYC

class schedule:

Date tbd
1 PM - 2 pm Eastern
get on the waitlist below!

styling beyond instagram - FREE class!

Join me for this SPECIAL ONE YEAR CELEBRATION!! A FREE intro workshop discussing the wonderful prop styling business and the joys of shopping for a living! This class is perfect for those interested in styling food, home decor, tabletop, product and more and is a great introduction to the rest of my classes. And you’ll get a look inside my book that was inspired by this class, STYLING BEYOND INSTAGRAM.

Class covers:

• The different career options under the vast umbrella of Prop Styling

• How does one become a stylist?

• How to assess the skills and talents you already have and apply them to styling

• The difference between what a Pro Stylist, a Content Creator and an Influencer need to know about styling

• What does a “maker” need to know about styling?

• A look inside my book!

• Note: If you are an educator or publish styling tips on social media, please contact me before registering.

Date: POSTPONED
12 NOON - 1:30 pm Est
sign up ON WAITING LIST BELOW:

Prop Styling & photography
for Vintage Sellers

Are you ready to level up your vintage product photography? Some simple changes to the styling of your wares will elevate the shopping experience and attract more customers. Whether you sell online or have a physical shop, this class will get you thinking about branding your online presence so you can differentiate yourself in the crowded vintage marketplace and charge more! This is a one and one half hour zoom class plus plenty of time to ask questions on your specific situation afterwards. We will cover:

• What does a vintage seller need to know about styling?

• Styling for your product pages vs. your Instagram account

• Choosing the ideal backdrops for your brand

• How to find and set up the ideal spot in your home for photography

• Some common mistakes made in shooting with your phone and tips for upgrading your photos right now.

• A “look inside” my book, STYLING BEYOND INSTAGRAM

• NOTE: This class if from a styling perspective, therefore we will not be discussing camera settings.

Friday, July 7th
12 NOON - 2:00 PM EST

New! prop styling for
food photography

This is a brand new class, in the works for a very long time! Prop Styling for food photography is the bulk of the work I do so it is really special to me. I stay up on styles both commercial and trendy by attending the markets and trade shows often. This class is for chefs, photographers, food stylists, bloggers and foodies of all types. We’ll go over pro techniques and look at lots of props and discuss “how does one choose what to use?” If you go crazy over dishes, serveware, glassware, kitchen tools & flatware, then this class is for you! I’ll cover:

• Why is prop styling sometimes a separate job?

• What are the roles of a prop stylist on a food shoot? And what can we learn from the pro prop stylists even if we are doing everything ourselves? (cooking, photography, and props)

• Choosing props by recipe, style, story, branding colors or season.

• Curating a collection of distinctive props.

• Light food styling and plating simple dishes.

• A teaser for the Linen Styling Primer.

saturday, July 15th
11 AM - 1 PM EST

STYLING FLOWERS FOR PHOTOGRAPHY hosted by
the New York Botanical gardens

This class has been beautifully hosted by The New York Botanical Gardens since 2020 to rave reviews so here is the 2023 revised version. I’ll be sharing my techniques for styling Instagram-worthy photos of your floral creations. I’ll show you how to curate a variety of still life sets with backdrops and props and find the best spots in your home for shooting. This class is great for creating shots of your finished work for your portfolio, website and social media. Registration includes a materials list. Bring a snack or drink because class running time is 2 hours through lunch time. Note: This class focused on styling and photography and not a flower arranging class.

saturday, July 29th
at the haven conference, Atlanta, GA
(For Zoom class at another time, sign up for waitlist below)

new! Prop styling for DESIGNERS:
LEVEL UP YOUR photography WITH VIGNETTES

Learn techniques to style each room of the home with finishing touches that will make all the difference. Through simple-to-incorporate steps, I’ll reveal the keys to taking designed spaces to the next level for relatable, eye- catching photography whether for submitting to magazines, your design portfolio, or your content. I’ll cover:

• Room-by-room prop ideas

• Whether to rent or buy props

• Working with the photographer on getting close-up "moments" in addition to the wide angle room shots

• An overview of some basic prop styling techniques

• Should you hire a professional stylist or do it yourself?

• You’ll receive my room-by-room prop list PDF

  NOTE: If you are interested in taking this class via Zoom at another time in the future, sign up below.

wednesday, August 2nd & 9th (2 sessions)
5 pm - 7 pm

STILL LIFE STYLING & PHOTOGRAPHY
WITH HEIRLOOM OBJECTS, EPHEMERA & FLEA MARKET FINDS
HOSTED BY THE PENUMBRA FOUNDATION

Vintage objects have stories to tell. Whether they belonged to a special family member or were found at a flea market they can be arranged into meaningful compositions that recall another time and place. We'll discuss the art of storytelling through still life photography and work on techniques for creating beautiful object portraits for use as a selling tool, gift, tribute, or art piece.
Students are welcome to create images utilizing alternative process techniques, film or digital photography. In light of the current environment and increase in online selling through Etsy and Instagram this workshop is also useful. Class will be 2 sessions and consist of a powerpoint presentation and demonstration of the home set up, backdrops to use and composition techniques. An optional assignment will be given to be submitted and critiqued during the second session.

future CLASSES:

date tbd
12 NOON - 2:00 PM EST

composition hacks for Stylists

Learn the fundamentals of composition for arranging various photo styles—flatlays, vignettes and more. This is a hands-on class (virtually speaking) that will give you an opportunity to try techniques in real time at home during the class. I’ll cover:

• 12 or more ready-to-use strategies and tips for placement and arranging props on set.

• The basic rules of composition and why you should defy them.

• Framing your shot for a specific usage.

• Getting in the flow and allowing the composition to “happen” more expressively and intuitively.

• Upon registration you’ll get a list of things to bring.

• Includes a composition cheat sheet PDF.

DATE TBD
12 NOON - 2:00 PM EST

TABLETOP STYLING basics

For foodies and tableware lovers alike and essential for those interested in editorial and product photography, even weddings too!

• Learn the fundamentals of creating an inspired table setting for photography rather than home entertaining. It’s very different!

• Learn to mix and match different styles of dishes, glassware, flatware and linens.

• Building a place setting from the ground up.

• Basic napkin wrangling and working with all kinds of fabrics

• Accessorizing with organic matter and other surprises!

Date tbd
12 NOON - 1:30 PM EST

Setting up your home studio

Reimagine your space for creativity! Find your ideal shooting area in your home whether for food, product, vintage or home decor photography. Learn how to make the most of what you’ve got and get set up for shooting! In this overview class, I’ll cover:

• How to find and harness your best window light and position your set to use it throughout the day and year!

• How to set up for Flatlays vs. Vignettes

• Supplies you need to get started

• Backdrops & Surfaces: Resources for purchasing, what you can use that you might already have and how to rig them.

• Includes a supply list PDF with my favorite resources.

date tbd
12 noon - 1:30 PM EST

The Be-ready-for-anything
Styling Kit

Get photoshoot ready and put together a killer styling kit with tons of useful items. I’ll show you every gadget, widget and gizmo I carry around. In this class for beginners and pros, I’ll cover:

• How to organize and store your kit.

• The top 3 absolute must haves in your kit.

• How to achieve those tricks you’ve heard about.

• I’ll touch upon other types of kits for specialty areas.

• Live feedback will be given for assignment from previous session.

• Includes a styling kit guide PDF
  

date tbd
12 noon - 1:30 PM EST

CREATIVE DIRECTION- Part 1
THEMES, STYLES & NARRATIVES

We start by dissecting the creative direction in photos and discuss the benefits of establishing an identifiable theme. You’ll learn the steps for unlocking ideas for props, backdrops and the overall setting. This class is great for product, food, vintage and home decor photography. I’ll cover:

• Storytelling through styling.

• My brainstorming process for letting your imagination run wild.

• Tons of ideas for themes.

• You’ll receive a review booklet after the class.

• An optional assignment will be given which will be critiqued at next session.

DATE TBD
12 noon - 2 pm Est

NAPKIN STYLING PRIMER

Attention all napkin lovers! You will learn my techniques for elevating your food, tabletop and product photography set with fabrics. This is a hands-on class which will cover:

• Choosing the best fabrics to work with

• Styles and trends for linens in food photography to help you achieve that perfect look

• Strengthening your draping and folding skills

• Making your own napkins

• My favorite resources

• Bring a stack of your favorite fabrics to experiment with!

Date TBD
12 NOON - 2:00 PM EST

creative direction Part 2
More THEMES & Moodboards

As a follow up to part 1 we’ll continue on with more expanded, stylized themes and a special presentation of mixed media moodboards and how they can stimulate original ideas for a styling project for product, food, vintage and home decor. Also we will learn how to engage the senses to enhance the viewer experience and bring your shots to the next level. In this class I’ll cover:

• Step-by-Step how I create mixed media moodboards and how to use them in a styling project.

• Tons more expanded themes, establishing time and place.

• You’ll receive a Review Booklet after the class