Wendy of The Kwendy Home partnered with Herbal Essences to launch their new Aloe line of haircare products. This campaign needed lifestyle photos of Wendy in her plant-filled home along with the Herbal Essences products.
Many photoshoots have been postponed in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, but product photography, which includes food, can be done safely indoors so I thought it’d be helpful to give you a look into my thought process when I styled and shot this set.
The inspiration behind this shoot was the longer, sunny days and to show a summer picnic on a blanket with a charcuterie board, refreshing drinks and a light lunch. While most people are at home during the day, it doesn’t meant that they can’t have a picnic in their backyard, on their balcony or even indoors.
The colour palette was focused on oranges, reds and neutral tones with a hint of green for freshness. Using food with warm and bright colours, the light brings out the richness of each ingredient.
Secondary props were kept neutral so they wouldn’t take the attention away from the main subject: the food.
When it comes to styling, some common questions are: “How do I style props? When is it too much/little?”
It’s easy to go overboard with styling by adding an overwhelming amount of props, but it’s not always necessary. If a prop enhances the message, it can be added. If it distracts and takes away from the main subject (eg. product), remove it.
Context matters and adding anything extra (eg. props, photo filters) just to fill space or keep up with a trend can easily dilute the focus and date the photo.
I hope this helped! If posts like these interest you, let me know and maybe I’ll make a series out of it. As always, feel free to ask questions!
With many people working from home now, I thought I’d share how I created a more ergonomic workspace. When I first became a full-time photographer, I sat on a folding chair at a small IKEA desk. It was very uncomfortable and not ergonomic at all. If you have back pain or neck pain from your desk, you know what I mean.
So what was the best workspace solution that worked for me?
Steelcase Leap v2 chair in White Alpine Fabric and platinum base with a headrest: After years of working on an uncomfortable chair (a folding chair, to be exact), I finally invested in a Steelcase Leap v2 chair where I could fine-tune the ergonomic features to someone of my height and needs (adjustable armrests were very important for me).
I added the headrest, but note that even though it’s adjustable, the lowest setting wouldn’t be at the right height for someone shorter than 165cm/5”5.
This desk chair was an investment, but it’s where I spend many hours working so it was needed and I’ll probably be keeping this chair for a long time.
THYGE desk: When I worked in a corporate office, the standard cubicle desks weren’t adjustable at all. They seemed to be made for people taller than 165cm/5’5” and the only solution was to give you a height-adjustable chair and footrest. Those options didn’t help me.
The THYGE desk from IKEA works well for me because it can be lowered to suit someone my height. While standing desks have gotten a lot of attention the past few years, it’s just as important to find a desk that lowers to the right height, specifically for people who are shorter.
I first measured how low I needed a desk to be and researched different options that would lower to that height. It has made a HUGE difference. While this desk can’t be adjusted while using it (you’d have to take everything off of if first), I prefer to be seated when I’m working and just take breaks regularly.
Two things to keep in mind:
If you’re working from home, you’re unlikely going to have your shoes on, so the desk will need to be a bit lower than you think when you try it out at the store.
You’ll also need to account for an extra bit of height from the keyboard/laptop so again, the desk will need to be a few centimetres lower than you think.
IKEA’s ALEX drawer (White): I needed a simple drawer unit that could hold stationery, papers, cables and other small office accessories and IKEA’s ALEX drawer did the job. It has 2 drawers for small items and 3 larger drawers which helps to keep my desk clear of clutter.
It doesn’t come with caster wheels so I created my own IKEA hack by adding a set of 2-inch swivel caster wheels with brakes that I bought on Amazon. Both the brakes and swivel features were important so that it can be moved around easily and anchored in place. The screws that it came with were too long for the drawer so I found shorter ones from the hardware store.
Hastings Collective thermal carafe: I boil a kettle of water in the morning and fill my Hastings Collective thermal carafe to keep water hot for the day. It can also be used to keep your water, coffee or tea cold. I prefer to do this rather than to keep a kettle/water boiler plugged in all day to save on energy.
Kinto Nonslip Slim Tray (left): There are a few things I use every day so I keep it on my desk. A catch-all tray is great for keeping those items together. The tray I have is discontinued at IKEA Canada but there are other options out there like EQ3’s Fika Tray. You don’t even have to use a tray. It could be a nice plate or a small box, whichever works for you.
I hope this helps! Feel free to share your ergonomic recommendations or leave a comment if you have questions!
Wendy of The Kwendy Home puts a lot of love into her home and it shows. Each room has its own personality and they all represent bits and pieces of Wendy. Her home was recently featured on Omysa’s Home Tours, where she answers some frequently asked questions about her home.
Head over to Omysa to take the tour and see the full interview.
Esther of This Wild Heart designed her toddler’s room by taking inspiration from Palm Springs and mixing in cute elements like rainbows, palm trees and llamas. The room decor and colours are intentionally gender-neutral, which works out perfectly as they are expecting a baby girl.
Take a room tour if you’re looking for some inspiration and head over to Esther’s blog post to find out where she got everything.
3-in-1 Convertible Crib: Babyletto Crib
Removable wallpaper: Chasing Paper’s Palm Springs in brown
Vase: EQ3’s Alfred Vessel
Lamp: IKEA’s KNIXHULT Table Lamp
Frame: Opposite Wall’s Solid Olak Frame
Rainbow print: Lulu and Georgia’s Rylee + Cru Rainbow Print
Wooden camera: Little Rose and Co’s Wooden Toy Camera
Are you thinking of renovating your kitchen and want to add colour for the first time? You may feel overwhelmed by the colour options out there and that’s common.
