Instagram Stories: Ginny Branch

Stylist Ginny Branch on the cobblestone streets of Lacoste, France. Photographed by Chia Chong. All other photos courtesy of @ginnybranch.

The Chilean poet Pablo Neruda once said, "I love all things, not just the grandest, but also the infinitely small." That sentiment also rings true for stylist Ginny Branch, whose serene Instagram feed of shadowy tablescapes and ethereal moments exhibits an all-inclusive take on natural beauty. While the Georgia native has made a not-so-average career of creating compelling images for the likes of Anthropologie, Gap, and Kinfolk (to name a few), its her personal snaps that have gained a cult-like following thanks to their dedication to her detail-oriented mantra at every turn. Read on to learn more about her line of work, where it has taken her, and what she hopes for the future. 

The job 

"I've been styling for the past six years after working as a shopgirl/ visual merchandiser in New York City. As a stylist, my role changes depending on the type of job. Sometimes the client has every detail planned out, and I just execute their vision; other jobs require me to help concept, produce, and create the entire story from top-to-bottom. I love the mix. I usually have conference calls and meetings to make sure the entire team is on the same page with the look and feel for the shoot. This usually includes secret Pinterest boards and physical print-outs that I'll keep in a binder to reference. But I really try hard to make sure our visual cues are just that to keep our project feeling new."

The inspiration 

"I love '90s minimalism (even though I'm a maximalist at heart) and I'm most inspired by artists, designers, and studio or home tours. I'm fascinated by the minds of creatives and their routines and habits. Currently Apiece Apart does one of my favorite series of interviews with creative women of all areas of life. I think it's a really clever way of promoting their product and introducing unique and inspiring women to the masses."

on instagram

"My favorite things to 'gram are textures, colors, architecture, type, and shadows. It helps me to always look for the beauty in everyday life. I'm hyper visual and love the social aspect—it's such a great way to keep in touch with people from all areas of my life. If you're not a photographer who understands lighting, learn how to make natural light your best friend. It can be bright and cheerful or moody and mysterious, depending on the time of day. I think the key is to just experiment with different kinds of symmetry and spatial relationships to find a pleasing combination."

on styling 

"I love cookbook styling, and I love the romance and freedom of still-life styling. I collect everything—prop stylists are hoarders who have been given a purpose. I would selfishly love to style my own books one day as a total vanity project. Otherwise, I fantasize more about who I want to work with and dream clients like photographers Gentl and Hyers, Kate Mathis, Roland Bello, Anna Williams. They are the photographers who I grew up idolizing."