Smartphone Still Life Brand Photography

Learn to style and capture still life and product images that communicate your authentic brand story.

I see you over there struggling to nail the flat lay all those blog posts promised you would be so easy. I mean, where is that crazy shadow coming from anyway? Or maybe you are attempting to capture the right vibe for your online shop, but are not really sure how to go about it – but you also don't have the budget to higher a professional photography just yet. Maybe your thinking you will just throw in some painted fruit or multicolored backgrounds like you see all over Pinterest because that is trendy, right? If any of this sounds familiar, this course will help stop the confusion and provide the tools you need to start taking action.

We live in a visual world, and with the growing popularity of platforms such as Instagram and Pinterest, there is no denying the importance of the images you are sharing with your followers, or publishing to your online store. In this course, you will not only learn how to capture quality still life images with your smartphone, but also how to develop a unique visual style for your custom images that aligns with your authentic brand story. We will cover the basics such as lighting, composition, and editing along with processes and tips for gathering props and styling them to create scroll stopping images that are on brand and all yours. If you are struggling to capture images that feel authentic and communicate your brand, this course if for you.

Upon course completion:
You will be able to create a series of on-brand images to share with your followers, and pull from while you develop online content. The knowledge you gain during the course will also assist you in crafting better quality images while you are on the go.

This course will teach you:

  • The basics of shooting with a smartphone camera
  • Basics of lighting and how to troubleshoot common challenges such as harsh shadows and blurry images
  • How to both capture an existing composition as well as build your own still life to photograph
  • Standard image editing settings
  • Basics of art direction, and how to create a unique photography style for your brand
  • Processes and tips for styling your photographs, and sourcing inexpensive props and backgrounds

And you will get access to the following tools:

  • Brand Overview Worksheet
  • Mood Board Template
  • Styling Toolbox Worksheet
  • Demonstration of my favorite free image editing app
  • Tips and demos for styling flat lay and eye level compositions
  • BONUS: Shot List Template
  • BONUS: Image styling tips and tricks
  • BONUS: Image editing apps list and reviews


This course was created by Chelsea Studenski, a Visual and Experience Designer from the CYLL Network. Chelsea holds a BFA in graphic design, and loves crafting digital and physical experiences, building brands, and styling lovely images. She has art directed photoshoots and video productions, designed website, and countless other tactics while working at advertising agencies, and also has several years of experience working at a photography studio and art gallery. Chelsea recently launched Chelsea Rose Creative where she shares her love of experience design, creative exploration, and travel.

Course Curriculum


  Introduction
Available in days
days after you enroll
  Lesson 1: Getting to Know Your Camera
Available in days
days after you enroll

This course is closed for enrollment.