By Steve Seepersaud
While directing photo shoots for Bridal Guide magazine, Robin Zachary ’82 had access to sites in New York that were off limits to the average person. She was excited to have a shoot inside the empty TWA terminal before it became a hotel, and she fondly recalls renting the Presidential Suite at the Plaza Hotel, which she describes as being so huge that she and her colleagues couldn't find each other.
The sensations of playfulness and unleashing creativity are what Zachary wants to bring out in others, and inspired her to write Styling Beyond Instagram: Take Your Prop Styling Skills from the Square to the Street (Schiffer Craft, 2022). In the book, Zachary ― a stylist and creative director ― shows readers how to level up their styling skills to turn their love for props into a promising career.
"Most people don't really know about what styling entails, but there has been a heightened
interest because of social media," Zachary said. "I wanted to spread the word about
styling as a career choice or hobby and reach as many people as possible. There really
is something for everyone in this book because visuals are so important for any type
of business now.
“I wanted to share tips for planning a shoot effectively, how to brainstorm ideas, where to find props and business protocol for those looking to really make it a career. There hasn't been a book like this before."
Zachary said working with Pipe Dream developed her skills and passion for publishing. Having learned layout and how team members interact to put the newspaper together, she wanted to pursue graphic design in a collaborative environment. So, after graduating from Binghamton University with her bachelor’s degree in art, she worked in design and layout for various magazines, eventually becoming creative director for Bridal Guide, styling and directing shoots for covers, fashion, beauty and reception stories.
In 2007, she decided to pursue freelance fashion and prop styling and to work for other brands and magazines while maintaining a contributing editor role at Bridal Guide. She has also taught styling at the Fashion Institute of Technology. In the book and her classes, Zachary makes clear that styling is fun but it’s definitely work.
"A common mistake is that people think it is easy," Zachary said. "I shop for days before any job to make sure that I have every piece needed. I rent from prop houses, pull from my own collection, borrow from showrooms or buy new items. I might have a shopping list that's five pages long for a food shoot or product shoot. My book describes the timeline in detail, and how to organize the prop gathering. I am pretty type A when it comes to planning and that certainly comes through!
"Now that I’ve put fashion behind me and I’m doing solely prop and food styling, we’re mostly in studios or houses. I love the daily changes of scenery. It's a dream come true to have this book with my name on it. I love speaking to art students about photography and styling because I lacked mentors in my early days. I’m hearing from people around the world who’ve been inspired by my book for their own unique paths in styling and photography, so I’m thrilled to have accomplished what I set out to do."
