Nowadays, models are part of the photoshoot sessions. But not always. So what can you do to make the image look livelier? Well, as this is from my personal experience I will share what I usually do when it comes to still lifestyle.

Should the subject is an interior, I like to carry some props. Some brands have a list of recommendations and more or less they are applicable to any shoot.

• Flowers emphasise our connection with nature and living thing, they just open up the space. Positioned in lobbies, public areas, rooms, bathrooms and even restaurants and cafes. Normally flowers and vases are in brighter tones and vase type would depend on the flower / bouquet. Whatever it is, flowers should not be distracting but complementing and not too many. Typically, I would place not more than 2 in a room. Large plants are also great additions to lobby, balcony and restaurants. If palm trees are nearby the beach or pool area, include them in the frame.

• Bathrobes and bath slippers are usually part of the amenities, therefore make use of them. Bathrobes can be placed on the bed, bed bench, sofa, and chair depending on the room’s furniture. Bath slippers look great on the floor by the bed or next to the bathtub. You can untie the bathrobe and place on bed, or otherwise just let it be visibly hung in the bathroom. If slippers look smashed from the packaging and need a bit of fixing, place tissue inside and just make sure is not visible.

• Shampoos and amenities are also part of the usual amenities, just arrange them so they look good and avoid single-use containers. Normally, I would ask for additional pieces and a tray or similar to place them in depending on what is available in the room or other locations within the hotel. Do not place amenities that do not belong to the property.

• Magazines, newspapers and books are a great addition, sometimes you can pick them up from the lobby or lounges. Placed on the bed, sofa, coffee table, shelves, next to or under the TV, on the balcony table or subbed by the pool. A good read is entertaining and adds a human presence. One tip: headings and brands printed on the magazine cover and inserts should not be readable. I suggest using books on generic thematic like cooking, travel, spa and wellness. We do not want to advertise other brands.

• Bags, shoes, scarfs, clothing, hats, sunglasses, eyeglasses, makeup and perfumes are additional accessories which sometimes bring the human element too. I would add candles and scented sticks but for safety reasons some brands might not want to include these.

• Decorative elements, like small statues, vases, glasses, small plates, cushions make the place look cozy. They need to be styled and arranged. 

• The same counts for breakfast and dinner set up, or just small bites and drinks. These aren’t that often as normally set up in large suites, apartments and villas where a dining room, living room, kitchen, balconies and swimming pool(s) are featured.

• Tip: let some air and water flow. Open doors and let the wind in (when there is a balcony). Let the tub open in the bathtub or kitchen sink. Why not add bubbles in the tub too. And for special occasions some rose petals would make the interior very romantic – in the bathtub and bed. Towel art is out of fashion and usually will only include if required for special set up.

Use whatever would look good, but do not overcrowd the area. It should not look messy. Keep in mind where the main focus is. Normally botanicals and books / magazines would be sufficient. Again, do not add things that do not belong there or does not fit the interior and the brand.

As for the food, I think the best way to add life into the shot is introducing a motion. When we talk about food, we should consider its classification – fine dining, semi-casual and casual. Each category would dictate how creative we can go when styling the food. You can do a lot with a “hand model”. 

Besides the person holding a glass, spoon, fork, knife or chopsticks, more popular options include poring, seeding, seasoning, shredding, squeezing, stirring, shaking, scooping or throwing in the air… be creative. If hands are visible, they should be presentable, especially nails. Sometimes the presentation is what makes the food interesting.

If hand model is not an option, steam, smoke, food being cut or torn apart, sliced, bites (use spoon not to leave teeth marks), droplets, or broken pieces of food around the main dish. Splashes and flying food are even more creative. Food photography is a large topic on its own that opens up for different discussions like props, styling and the creative side of it, therefore, will save this discussion for another time.

Until then, stay inspired.

Ioanna