10 Places To Find Photo and Prop Styling Work

There are many sources and places to find work as a Photo and Prop Stylist.  Here is a list of resources and ideas to help you find and book styling jobs.  A common question I get from new (as well as stylists who have been styling awhile) is “where do I find work?”  Over the years, stylists I have worked with have put almost all their effort into social media posts and get discouraged when bookings don’t come fast. (or at all through social media)  My method has always been to go directly “to the source”. So, I wanted to share those sources!  These can be places to find work, but also could be places you can go to build your portfolio. (Personal projects with other creative professionals with the purpose to build their portfolio are done all the time.  I even wrote a Guide on how to do it, Photo Stylists Guide to Styled Collaborative Photo Shoots. (Introduction/Pitch Letter included.)

SOURCES FOR YOU TO FIND WORK:

1.  Commercial Video & Production Companies

They produce TV Commercials and all types of videos for clients. THIS is an opportunity to be exposed to many, many clients by working (styling) for the Video company. You can also ”pitch” to be a creative consultant to their clients. While not every client has a budget to have a stylist, I have attended production meetings as a style consultant to video companies to give guidance and charge consulting fee.

2.  New Business Announcements

Check Legal Notices / New DBA’s / New Business Ventures  and Chamber of Commerce Announcements to see what new places are opening. Great for any styling niche ~ home, products, clothing and food. No other opportunity is as great as when a store/business is just opening.  They need images to promote, are excited and have a promotion budget! 

3.  Restaurants

Check New Restaurant Openings / Restaurant Groups OR Charity and “Taste of” Food Events.  Large events need Stylists to help with event styling & displays.  It will give you introductions to MANY area restaurants at one time. Lend your style expertise to the Planning Committee.  It will get you introductions to Restaurants in a less formal, conversational manner. (without the stress of the pitch talk.)  Best for Food, Product and Home Stylists.

4.  Advertising Agencies

Ad Agencies Develop Ads / Campaigns for Clients. They need Stylists of all niches.

5.  Public Relations Firms

PR Firms Work with Clients who Need Styled Images. (Ex. Content Creation)  While content creators often do their own styling, every situation is different ~ they may want a Pro Stylist to compliment the content. 

6.  Creative Industry Events & Industry Meet Ups

Check sites like Eventbrite.com for industry events to meet industry contacts. Go as a Particpant OR  “pitch” to be the Speaker at the event.

7.  TV Stations

Some TV Stations have Production and Creative Team Developing Commercials for Clients. Also, many of them have “talk shows”. Works for any niche: food, wardrobe, interior and product stylists.  (Also the “talent” of both commercials as well as “on-air” news commentators both need wardrobe stylists.) 

8.  Industry Trade Shows

There is a trade show for every niche! ~ beauty, lifestyle, children styling, home/interior, food, tabletop, wardrobe. You can meet potential clients to style for as well as meet designers/brands that can “lend” you items for other photo shoots you may have. nynow.com type of event is a great one that covers all of these! Look for Lifestyle type of events to cover all styling niches. 

9.  Testing with Photographers

Contact Photographers with a Similar Niche to Yours. Ask them for work OR to do a “personal project” with them.  As always, do not just select any photographer.  Select one that matches your styling style.  Is your style light, bright and airy?  Then don’t select a Photographer who shoots primarily in dark and moody.  Match your style with their style.  Your chances of work will be higher if they see in you (your styling) what they do.  Want some tips on how to work with photographers (& make them love you! ;) ) See our Post on 15 Tips for Photo Stylists Working With Photographers.

10. Photographer Trade Shows & Events

Photographer Expos, Photographer Training, Seminar, Workshops. Go where the photographers go to meet them! OR Send a “pitch” to be a Speaker at any type of photographer event. They love the inside scoop and styling tips and techniques you can offer.  I always say . . .  “go to where the photographers (& those who hire stylists) go”.  Surround yourself with other creative professionals and those who do the hiring.

ALSO

Check out online sites like Creatively.life (Job Platform  to place your portfolio on.) This source not only has creatives portfolios ~ but some education and inspiration as well.

Bonnie ~

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