Inspirational Lecture/KLC School of Design

This morning I had a great time lecturing to the Part Time Certificate Students at the KLC School of Design.  It was their last day after almost a year's hard graft, so hopefully discussing and learning about Styling in all its guises was light relief after the pressures of presenting their final work!   Ally Coakes, their course tutor, was very welcoming.

The Part Time Certificate students after the talk ...

Today I touched on working as an editorial stylist, how to look critically at an image when styling, approaching magazines to place a project and how to start thinking as a stylist.  So, thanks to KLC School of Design for inviting me, and to the students for listening so attentively this morning - good luck as you begin your new careers as interior designers ... or stylists, for that matter ...

'Interior Styling for Beginners'/KLC School of Design Short Course

Last week I led a one-day short course for KLC School of Design on 'Interior Styling for Beginners'. We had a full complement of 19 attendees, and over the day we covered a variety of topics: the role of the stylist, determining a brief, how to create mood, display and the low-down on great props to use.  We finished off with a whistle-top look at being on location for a shoot.  

A few fail-safe props that are always a good choice ...

What I love about teaching such courses is the generous inter-action with attendees - we had the chance to look at some of their own styling worries at home, and hopefully we collectively came up with some helpful solutions.  My own secret weapon when it comes to styling?  A great selection of black and white photos - they have myriad uses - and a vast library of vases!

And don't forget - a library of different vase shapes is essential, too

Styling Interiors for Photoshoots/BIID/May 2017

It's always a pleasure to deliver the Styling Interiors for Photoshoots workshops for the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID).  This Wednesday I did two sessions.  We started with coffee/tea and a catch-up so I could get to know the designers attending.  With the workshop divided into three parts, the initial focus was on why doing professional shots is essential, a look at the stylist/designer-photographer relationship and the practicalities of a shoot:

Image from Think Home (Ryland Peters & Small) Photography Polly Wreford

We moved swiftly on to looking at 'thinking like a stylist.' I'm always keen to get designers to tap into styling as a skill very different to interior design: we focussed on examples of what works, and what doesn't, before moving on to perfect accessorising and room-by-room tips:

Image from Casual Living (Ryland Peters & Small) Photography Polly Wreford

Then it was time for another coffee/tea break!  And only BIID would display it in such a tempting manner:

For the final part of the workshop, we discussed how to approach a magazine with a potential project, and what publications are looking for.  This week's sessions were great fun, and hopefully everyone learned some useful tips.  I particularly love to hear back from designers after they've attended.  Kate Morris, of 102 Interiors, wrote:  'Thank you for yesterday's course.  It was thought provoking and I thoroughly enjoyed the event itself.  I've been messing about with my house since I got home yesterday, moving things and squinting at vistas!'  

And after all, having a sense of fun and experimentation, is what photographic styling is all about!

Image from Think Home (Ryland Peters & Small) Photography Polly Wreford

In-house Seminar

This week I gave an in-house seminar on Styling to the talented team at Hayes Davidson.  They had invited me to talk as part of their programme of ongoing education for staff, and I was honoured to be asked! Hayes Davidson are specialists in 'the visualisation of architecture and the built environment' and collaborate with many of  'the world's top architects, designers and developers.'

My powerpoint talk all ready to go, featuring the cover of my book Think Home (Ryland Peters & Small, photography Polly Wreford).

Styling Lecture at KLC School of Design

I've given many lectures to students at the KLC School of Design, but today's was particularly enjoyable!  The Part-time Certificate students were lively and well-informed, so it was a pleasurable event.  I'll be back at KLC next week for another talk.

Styling Powerpoint presentation ready to go for the students!