A picture is worth a thousand words.
For vendors, artisans and makers alike, an aesthetically pleasing image of your product plays a crucial role in the success of your business. A great image can be used to market your product range on social media or to showcase your wares when applying to markets such as, the Arts Whistler Holiday Market, Refresh Market or Make It.
This Saturday – October 13, from 10am-4pm – you too can learn how to capture the authenticity of your brand and the techniques of styling products at the Photos and Styling for Artisans workshop! Participants will be inspired to see their products with new eyes as they design their photo shoot with personal products.
We caught up with Anastasia to find out all about what this game-changing event has to offer, get to know a bit more about Anastasia herself, and pick her brain on her advice for creatives looking to turn their passion into a business.
Photography Credit: Anastasia Chomlack
Can you give us the 60-second elevator pitch on Anastasia Chomlack, the photographer and stylist?
I have worn may hats as a photographer in the Sea to Sky corridor – first photographing babies and families, and I’m probably most well known for wedding photography. However, my passion is helping women entrepreneurs by creating strategic content based on their values to better market themselves. This means really talking through the WHY for creatives, and figuring out how to best style and curate images that tell a story.
What was the impetus for bringing the Photos and Styling Workshop together? What do you hope people take away from it?
I hope that the students in the workshop will take away a deeper understanding on who they are, what they are selling and the best way to share that with the world. It doesn’t make sense for artisans to hire a photographer every time they create something new – logistically or financially. I think most artisans can hire a professional photographer once a year and the rest of the time they can pepper in images that they take themselves. Each student will learn tips and tricks for taking better and more intentional photos of themselves and their products.
You’re well known in the Whistler and Sea to Sky community, and as so much more than just a photographer: your creativity, energetic warmth and leadership are a source of inspiration for many. Would you say being a role model for others is something you intentionally strive for? Or is it more of a positive side effect of chasing your own passion?
Oh wow. That is really kind to say. I think its a little of both. Seeing the potential in others and trying to foster that is what leadership is… And that is my favourite thing to do – I can accept that I am a leader with that definition.
I want our life within our community to be honest and I want it to be full. This is a community of like-minded people, so I think we all end up being very inspired by each other!
As we well know here at Arts Whistler, the Sea to Sky is brimming with talented artisans. Do you have any tips for those who are looking to turn their artistic passion into a living?
Yes… to go for it. There is nothing to lose. A full life, not a perfect one. This means following your passions…. and if you can do it anywhere you can do it here. There is so much support within this community. It is just a re-shuffling of priorities sometimes.
In today’s busy world of social media what would you say is the most important thing for creative business owners to do to stand out from the crowd?
To tell your unique story. To humanize your brand. To be unafraid in sharing the story behind what you do.
What is it about photography that called you to carve out a career in the field?
Creating memories. Telling stories. Remembering.
What is your favourite subject to photograph?
Women laughing. Genuine laughter.
Could you tell us something interesting and unusual about yourself?
I am obsessed with dance movies… like cheesy dance movies about teenagers competing in hip hop. I have seen all of the Step Up movies and LOVE them as much as a 12 year-old girl.
Could you recommend some other artists’ Instagram feeds for people to check out?
There’s still time to get tickets to this weekend’s Photos and Styling for Artisans workshop!
Saturday October 13 | 10:00am – 4:00pm | Maury Young Arts Centre, Whistler
Are you a vendor at this year’s Arts Whistler Holiday Market? Check your email for a special promo code to use at checkout!