Visit My Other Blog

Since this blog has been lying fallow since August I thought I'd let you know where I've gone. The Invisible Stylist at www.theinvisiblestylist.com is my newer blog and I've been pretty good about keeping it updated. It's still fun.

What I've been trying to figure out is how to take all these blog posts and transfer them there. Every time I try I am stumped. Going to try again but I wanted to let you know where I am currently blogging. Please come visit!

Blog Video Blog Video

I am having a blast blogging and creating new videos! There is this blog (Photo Styling Forum) and my new blog (The Invisible Stylist) which I suspect is too much confusion. I will likely merge them both into The Invisible Stylist soon!

And then the thrill of making videos and uploading them to YouTube, which I have recently discovered. I placed two How-To videos for stylists on YouTube recently. These are the ones produced by photographer Jim Scherzi of Syracuse, NY: Toolkit and Rolling Rack. I think they're kind of fun and funny.



And here's the newest one, a promo about our Food Styling and Photography Workshop which will be held in San Diego September 26-28. For more details or to register visit Photo Styling Workshops!

Student Success, Cindy Epstein

Cindy Epstein, of Fallbrook, CA, signed up for the San Diego Food Styling & Photography Workshop in February 2008 to help her determine if she wanted to move forward with her food styling career. Before moving to southern California she had a catering business in Philadelphia. After selling her catering company, she apprenticed with a stylist in Philly, but her career plans got postponed after moving to California. Within a few weeks of completing the workshop, she found herself in the studio. She was testing with another student, Carl Kravats, a photographer who lived nearby and styling a new cookbook with photographer Greg Bertolini!

Says Cindy, “I walked into the weekend with little confidence in my styling skills and with the hope that it would help me make a career decision about my next steps. The message was loud and clear. Go for it!! I walked away with a real sense of self-confidence.”

Here’s how Cindy describes her next project: “I've got a fabulous shoot with an ad agency on Monday. As one might expect, it wasn't finalized until Thursday afternoon at 4:45 and the agency was closed on Friday (4th of July holiday weekend). Ahhhhh! I've been shopping, prepping, and experimenting with various techniques for three days. They want to do 11 shots in one day - including ice cream - and there's no kitchen, no sink, no range, and no refrigeration. It's going to be a very busy day!” With Cindy’s skills and positive attitude, I’m sure she will have a successful day – and love every minute of it!

Afternote: “I finished prepping Sunday night at 10 pm, was up at 4 am and on the road before 5 getting ice, dry ice, and making a trip to the bakery for fresh pastries. (They didn't tell me there was no elevator in the building!) We plowed through the day without a break. I got home at 8:15 Monday night, and as I fell into a chair, exhausted, I realized I hadn't sat down all day except for when I was driving to and from the job. But Susan was right, I had a blast! I can't think of anything more fun than collaborating with a group of creative people. When the group energy starts flowing, the process of creating the image is very exciting!” And the client sent a note after shoot thanking Cindy for the wonderful job she did!

Visit Cindy's Website: www.cindyepstein.com

Cindy is now enthusiastically helping Greb Bertolini, Lisa Golden Schroeder, and me with promotions for the upcoming Food Photography and Styling Workshop in San Diego, September 2009.

Student Success Story: Daunea Foster, Atlanta

by Daunea Foster

I enrolled in the Fashion Styling 101 course under the instruction of Kim Maxwell and it was by far the best decision I could have made in my career as a stylist.

I am a freelance fashion stylist in Atlanta, Georgia and like any profession I knew that I needed to learn the ABC’s of being successful in this industry. Taking Kim’s course not only taught me the basics, it exceeded my expectations and taught me the essentials, the in’s & out’s, what I need to make it, and how to make sound decisions!

I feel so much more confident on how to pursue my dreams and that’s more than what any book could’ve taught me. Kim Maxwell has also been a mentor during and after the course ended which is to be commended. Through her mentorship and referrals, I have been booked to style a music video for 2 artists here in Atlanta. That was a success and through that music video, I gained an ongoing client!

I have also been booked to style for models in the area. One of the greatest opportunities was being hired as a head assistant stylist for STYLESbyMAXX. I had the chance to assist in styling an event titled “Memoirs of a Fashionista” in honor of Kim Maxwell, which was also a huge success! The doors continue to open, and more projects begin to come to me which I am truly grateful for. I give KUDOS to Susan Cox & Photo Styling Workshops for offering this course, and a HUGE thank you to Kim Maxwell for being such a wonderful, resourceful, and kind instructor! This course has provided me with the tools to birth my vision.

Photo above: Hip-Hop Artist Young Que

Confessions of a Catalog Whore

It’s like this. My aunt Susan, besides being one of my favorite people on earth, is a photo stylist. And she has ruined me. Well, not ruined, exactly, that is not quite the right word – altered maybe. She’s taken one of my long secret passions and twisted it, tweaked it into an equally compelling, but completely lopsided passion. In both cases, the passion involves catalogs… But I’m getting ahead of my own story. Let me start at the beginning.

Long ago, before the internet, before one click-online-anything-goes-shopping, I used to hoard catalogs – and I mean hoard. Not just Sears, or the J.C. Penney Christmas book, but just about anything I could have sent to my mailbox for free. Seeds, tools, farm equipment, hand-dyed fabrics and my very favorite book of items to buy – greeting cards.

I loved the photographs of all that stuff – but mostly I loved the convenience. The idea that someday, pending money, I would be able to anonymously order anything from a John Deere tractor to a seashell-lined photo frame and have it sent to my home. Voila. No need to change my pajamas – just like that.

Needless to say, the advent of the internet made pajama shopping an ordinary event, (so much for my special secret of shopping in the dark.) But at about the same time that the internet pushed its way into my bedroom, my auntie began her career as a photo stylist, and because I have always been an avid admirer of her art (which was and is extremely avant garde and anything but “catalogish”) I began to question her about what I perceived as a muting of her creative instinct, asking how she could go from the canvas to the retail market without losing something.

As my aunt began to patiently describe her craft, the genius behind each catalog page, a new vision began to develop before me. Susan talked about the real art of the catalog, about her unique style of setting up a page, about how it excited her to fold dress shirts just right, so that they became three-dimensional with inanimate arms almost reaching for the potential buyer. And then it happened. I began to realize that there was a SOMEONE, an ARTIST, behind every page of every catalog I had ever lusted over. So BANG – I was ruined, or rather, altered.

I truthfully can no longer look at any retail ad – internet, catalog, newspaper or magazine without thinking about the person behind the page. And the result?? Everything is just that much more beautiful. And not from the point of view of “I need to buy that.” No, it is not that at all. It is a pure form of art. Ecstasy art. I no longer just look at the items in a catalog, I look at the pages, and not just look, I linger over them. Yes, I hoard them.

I have seen advertised one art exhibit displaying catalog pages from the 1940’s and 50’s. I am certain there are or will be many more art exhibits showcasing many more decades. The retail ad has become one of my favorite genres, thanks to my auntie – and I will always wonder about those anonymous artists behind each page.

So there you have it - catalog whore becomes art collector. Who knew?

by Janice Katz, M.D.

Image above from Janice's NEW favorite catalog Cambria Cove

Truly International Classes

They always say that the best thing about the World Wide Web is that you can reach people around the world as easily as around the corner. That was certainly true in the March 24 session of Everyday Food Styling. The students were from:

• Nova Scotia, Canada


• Almaty, Kazakhstan


• Shanghai, China


• Kobe-shi, Hyogo-ku, Japan


• Erwinna, PA


• New York, NY

What's more, I was working on my laptop in Indonesia and then Hong Kong, processing their registrations!

Everyday Food Styling is our 4-week food styling techniques class enhanced with videos on Vimeo. These are accessible only to current students and demonstrate the special techniques that food stylists use "everyday" on the job. The instructor Lisa Golden Schroeder emails the students a written PDF lesson each work and access to the videos so that they can learn at their pace. There is a Class Gallery where the students can upload their assignments and receive feedback from Lisa on their work. They also benefit from viewing the work and comments of other students in the class.

One intersting aspect of this class especially was the search for products stylists use, like Kitchen Bouquet, for darkening sauces and meat. Lisa helped by encouraging the search for comparable products available at the local marketplace. Generally we offer a telephone conference call near the end of our courses for asking questions and sharing information but this class couldn't find a convenient time for all of them!

Other international students who have participated our styling classes have hailed from Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Venezuela, Nigeria, Finland, Phillipines, and Spain. The coursework is only provided in English but we have been considering a translation into Spanish. If this interests you - or if you are a Spanish-speaking styist who could help with student comments please let us know!
(Photo above, Green Salad from Anthony Francis Antao)

Grocery Shopping in the Future

This story is not really about photo styling – but it is bound to have an effect on styling in the future.

I recently had a grocery shopping experience that made me feel that I was living in the future – an ideal future. I followed my daughter’s advice and visited Fresh and Easy Neighborhood Market for a weekly shopping trip. I was amazed from the moment I pulled into the parking lot and saw:
1. wide parking spaces
2. three spots set aside for families with children, and
3. parking spaces reserved for hybrid vehicles

Inside the store I found a bulletin board stating the philosophy of the store, why they package the produce, and community outreach activities. And then the best food at the most reasonable prices. And it was so orderly. Not the usual grocery shelves stacked with competing brands and all their clashing labels, but sometimes one of each item, the Fresh and Easy store brand. That might seem like a boring, regulated way to shop yet I found it kind of reassuring and simple. Especially when each item cost about half of what it would be in another store. That includes lots of organic, healthy food like you might find at a gourmet grocery store. (Though there are also some odd items, like Cheez-Whiz and Diet Coke.)

The store has clean new concrete floors, wider aisles, free coffee. But no cashiers! It is all self-checkout and I guess that’s why the cost is low. Not so good for hiring checkers. And I don’t know yet if there are other ways the chain is negatively affecting people and if there are any unfair practices. But it seems like time to adjust to new conditions, when the traditional U.S. stores are becoming prohibitively expensive, like $4 for a loaf of bread or a gallon of milk. It’s nice to find a green, affordable, healthy option for food shopping!

Footnote: I found out my friend Jade, who is a college student, works part-time at Fresh and Easy and says it is a wonderful place to work! She loves the opportunity to work in different roles in the store and the management is great.

Ethnic Fashion of Indonesia

As I write this I am visiting dear friends in Bali, an island in the middle of Indonesia! Alan and Deborah have been inviting us to visit, since they moved here a year ago, and my husband Gary and I are here at last.

Before the trip I took a fashion class at Mesa College where I teach, because I got the urge to be a student (that will be another blog entry) and see what college is like these days from the other side of the classroom. I decided to take a course in the Fashion Department, Ethnic Costume, History and Design. I loved it! I was not the best student when I went to Kent State but that’s another story…

My project for this course was an essay. I researched the background of Indonesian fashion so that I would know more about this string of islands before the trip. The textiles, such as batik, tie-dye, and other woven fabric techniques go back many centuries and are as important as the items that are worn here. If you would like to read it please click here. (Stay tuned.)

Kristin Slaby, Prop Stylist

This week we are featuring a professional prop stylist, Kristin Slaby, who works in New York. Here is how she describes her career:

"I have been working as a prop stylist for the past ten years or so. Mainly focusing on food because I enjoy being around food and can relate to food. I have learned over the years even though there are so many wonderful props with color, texture, patterns and shapes that what I need to be aware of is: it's not about the props. It is about the food or the product and this is what I focus on.

"The props cannot upstage the food or the product. They should compliment, and highlight, the food/product, at the same time creating an environment or a story/theme that the client has expressed. The food/product should 'pop' and resonate with the viewer with the help of the props. I hope this little bit of information is helpful to upcoming prop stylists. Please feel free to view my website for examples: http://www.kristinslaby.com/."

Earth Friendly Fabrics

Last fall I taught a class at Mesa College in San Diego on Photoshop for Fashion Design. I was filling in for Susan Lazear who was taking a sabbatical semester to travel the world and research ethnic fashions. It's pretty different teaching a software class after the more social and interactive classes and workshops in Photo Styling that I usually teach. But the students were wonderful and dedicated and worked hard to develop their skills in the challenging but exciting program of Adobe Photoshop.

The final project was my choice - they needed to create professional-quality presentation boards. I decided upon "earth-friendly fabrics."

The challenge was to provide information on a fabric (or fiber), research its production and dyes, etc., and develop it into a fashion design. The presentation boards include a photo montage about the fabric, Pantone colors, flats, and fashion drawings. I was thrilled with the results of their research and happy to see them exploring the issues of sustainable fashion fabrics.

Some of the materials used were: felted recycled yarn (seen here), bamboo, soy, organic cotton, recycled plastic bottles, and peace silk. You can view small samples of the class project at our Class Gallery.

Student Success Profile: Lisa Kuzman

Professors and instructors always like to hear about the successes of former students. These are the joyous moments of teaching! I recently recieved this message from stylist Lisa Kuzman, based in in Long Island, NY, who kicked off her career in the very first session of Photo Styling 101:

Susan, I just wanted to wish you a great 2009 and let you know that I have been getting a few styling jobs! I was very excited this past Nov/Dec because my styling was on the cover of HOUSE Magazine (a high end design mag for the New York tri-state area). It was neat to see my work on the cover every time I was checking out at the supermarket. It was a fabulous $15 million dollar home in the Hamptons. I only styled the kitchen, which was not supposed to get the cover.

I also did a 3-page spread in their August issue for a kitchen designer. Next week I'll be doing another kitchen for the same photographer and magazine for their March/April issue. The photographer is great at promoting styling, but many people are crying poverty. I'm happy styling even if it 's only sparingly. I'd love to increase my business in that aspect. Are you running any up-coming courses on that topic? Lisa

In answer to Lisa's question about business courses, we are currently offering "Business and Marketing for Fashion Stylists" with Kim Maxwell and a general "Business for Photo Stylists" course is in the works!

San Diego Food Styling and Photography Workshop

Sun, Surf & Food Style was so successful last year that we are offering it again in San Diego on February 20 - 22! The workshop features hands-on Food Styling, Prop Selection, and Food Photography in an exciting interactive venue from leaders in the food styling and photography field. Taught by veteran photo stylist Susan Linnet Cox, food stylist Lisa Golden Schroeder, and food photographer Gregory Bertolini, students will have access to some of the industry’s best. Each of the instructors has over 25 years of industry experience. Food styling students will be working closely with Lisa and Susan actually styling food for editorial and advertising shots. They will also work under the camera with Gregory and leave the class with several portfolio photos.

Susan Linnet Cox has produced, directed, and styled photo shoots throughout the US and internationally. Her book "Photo Styling, How to Build Your Career and Succeed" covers the field of photo styling in detail. Online courses in photo styling are offered on Susan’s popular site photostylingworkshops.com. Susan is also producing this workshop.

Lisa Golden Schroeder is the author of foodesigns.com, an online resource for food photography professionals and one of the producers of the International Conference on Food Styling & Photography at Boston University. A sought after food stylist, published cookbook author, culinary consultant, and teacher, Lisa holds a degree in Nutrition and Food Science/Journalism from the University of Arizona and an advanced culinary diploma from La Varenne Ecole de Cuisine in France.

Gregory Bertolini received his BFA in Photography from Rochester Institute of Technology. In addition to his formal education, Gregory has had the unique experience of studying fine art photography with Ansel Adams and fashion photography with Horst P. Horst. His work was recently recognized by Food and Wine magazine in one of the top 10 cookbooks of the year. It is Isabel's Cantina by Isabel Cruz, a California chef and restaurateur. Greg's photography site is http://www.gregorybertolini.com/.

This a fabulous opportunity to learn more about food styling and food photography with a team of industry professionals. You can view more class details in our Gallery. Plus see behind-the-scenes and final images from last year's workshop.

As an added bonus, there is a 30% discount for those of you who have participated in other classes through Photo Styling Workshops and a 50% discount for last years' attendees. I hope you can join us.

Warm regards,
Cindy Epstein, Food Stylist
workshops@photostylingworkshops.com

Everyday Food Styling is Here!

The much-anticipated techniques course for Food Stylists is here at last! Complete with video demonstrations, you'll learn the techniques used by professional food stylists every day.

Once you understand the role of a food stylist as part of a commercial photography team, there are basic techniques and knowledge you must know to organize and execute common food photography jobs.

This 4-week Photo Styling Workshops course takes you one step farther on the road to becoming an accomplished food stylist. Through in-depth written lessons, video tutorials, and an interactive student gallery, learn the essentials of what you must know each day you step into the studio.

Under the expert guidance of veteran food stylist Lisa Golden Schroeder, learn how to:
• Keep greens and herbs fresh and lively, along with other fresh produce
• Build a beautiful salad
• Create thirst-quenching beverages in a pinch
• Make a juicy, perfectly grilled chicken breast
• Cook a sizzling steak or pork chop
• Build a better burger or sandwich
• Roast a golden crisp bird, from game hens to the iconic Thanksgiving turkey
• Play with side dishes: rice, pasta, potatoes
• Thicken and thin both sweet and savory sauces; keeping them glossy
• Keep foods fresh under camera

Course sessions are scheduled for January 27 and March 24. Register now!