Process The Podcast Mastering Still Life: @Stephanie_Somebody, The Eye Behind the World's Most Beautiful Brands
Dec 3, 2025
In this conversation, art director and still-life photographer Stephanie Somebody shares her journey from interior design to stunning brand visuals for Goop and Aesop. She discusses the evolution of her unique style, balancing shooting and directing, and the thrill of collaboration on set. Stephanie emphasizes the importance of a trusted creative team and how travel fuels her artistic vision. Additionally, she dives into the nuances of storytelling through props, her perfectionist approach, and strategies for attracting clients on Instagram.
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Reverse-Brief And Hold Creative Control
- Reverse-brief clients: show them your interpretation before you execute.
- Keep art directing control unless the job already has strong art direction.
Every Image Needs A Message
- Big-brand shoots require messaging consistency across many images.
- Every photo must communicate who it's for and what it says at a glance.
Props Hoard Powers Authentic Details
- Stephanie hoards props across two lockers and her house for sourcing.
- She saves small authentic items like crumpled napkins and sugar packets for storytelling shots.
