Behind the Lens: The Role of Styling at WebstaurantStore

WebstaurantStore currently has ten team members in the Styling department (and is currently hiring for another set stylist!).

What exactly does a Styling team do? This department includes food stylists, set stylists, and studio assistants. These highly collaborative roles work closely with our photographers to ensure all of our product shoots meet our brand standards. Brand standards include the type of lighting, the final crop, set and food design, adherence to each product’s unique look and feel, and should clearly show what specific product we are selling.?

For a better glimpse into this team, meet Lindsay Dunlap . She’s been with the company for two years after transitioning from the fashion world. Read more about that transition and how she’s grown into her role below.

How did you get into this field? ?

I pursued a major in fashion merchandising at Philadelphia University , engaging in various internships within the fashion industry. In my junior year, I undertook a Spring Web Styling Internship with Urban Outfitters, where I found immense satisfaction in the dynamic and creative atmosphere of a photo studio. The experience solidified my passion for the industry, especially the unique blend of creativity and controlled chaos inherent in the field.?

How was the transition from fashion styling to your position with us? ?

Personally, transitioning to the web domain made me a bit nervous, considering my decade-long background in styling fashion models and off-figure shoots usually set against white backgrounds. However, I found it surprisingly easy to adapt to the web studio environment, allowing my creativity and intuition to seamlessly come into play.?

What does styling a shoot entail??

Executing a photo shoot demands extensive collaboration, a high degree of creativity, the ability to pivot swiftly and efficiently on set, a keen eye for detail, and a strict adherence to our brand standards.?

How does the team all work together and who do you all work with???

I collaborate closely with our photographers and food styling team, as well as engage in collaborative efforts with the merchandising and production teams. Collaboration stands as a cornerstone in our studio work. Our pre-production meetings delve deeply into planning, scheduling shoots, and aligning ourselves with shared inspirations and ideas. Moreover, when faced with unexpected challenges, we excel in collaborative problem-solving, swiftly generating and implementing alternative plans.??

In the realm of styling, I collaborate with the 3D team and our photographer, Erik Espinosa , to seamlessly blend photography and 3D elements into a unified shoot. Together with Erik, we construct the set in 3D, capturing the product with a model in the studio. The convergence of these two images results in a captivating and distinctive final photograph.?

What new skills have you learned???

Currently, I collaborate with our exceptional 3D team, and transitioning from traditional photography to styling 3D sets has proven to be a gratifying experience. The boundless creative possibilities in crafting 3D sets captivate me, offering a unique freedom to explore and innovate. As part of this endeavor, I've had the pleasure of acquiring proficiency in the software program SketchUp, enabling me to construct and style intricate 3D sets for the team's utilization.?

??

What are you passionate about outside of work?

I have a deep passion for fantasy photography and am actively exploring this realm outside of my professional commitments. Engaging in fantasy photography involves an entirely distinct thought process, allowing me to unleash my creativity in unconventional ways. Additionally, I enjoy conducting playful photo shoots with my three patient and photogenic feline companions, turning these moments into enjoyable and whimsical experiences.?Check out Lindsay's portfolio and a few of her favorite styled images that she's done outside of work.