Community Makers: Dena Winter on Visual Storytelling, Nature, and Finding the Right Canvas

From Theatre to Set Design

Dena’s route into production work started on stage and in studios well before she started experimenting with props. Her first on-set role was as the production designer for a small indie film in Minneapolis.

“I’ve been a prop stylist and set designer for about 8 years, but I’ve been an artist for much longer. I grew up in theater and studied painting and video art in school. My first job on set was as the production designer for a small indie film shot in my hometown of Minneapolis. I just love visual storytelling in any medium, and I like that the work I do now requires knowledge of many different art forms.”

In 2019, she made the move to New York City. The timing, as she puts it, was unfortunate. Covid hit almost immediately but she stayed, determined to build her career in the city’s film and photo industries.

“I was very determined to be part of the film and photo industries here. I feel so grateful to the New Yorkers who welcomed me and got me in the door.”

Dena Winter on set at Casa Caeli during the January 2026 haircare shoot. Dena is a prop stylist and set designer based in New York City.

Nature as Moodboard

Ask Dena what inspires her and the answer is the natural world, which influences her choice of shapes, colours, movement and textures. She’s constantly looking for ways to spend more time outside and to bring the natural world influence back into the studio.

“I’m most energized and inspired by nature. I’m constantly looking for ways to be outside, and to bring that influence into the studio. The shapes, colors, movement and textures of the natural world are better than any moodboard.”

Dena’s intuition with the natural world showed up clearly in the Casa Caeli shoot, which called for vignettes that evoked the homes of women who use the brand’s products. Dena brought in ceramic vases filled with hellebores and ranunculus, soft linens, stoneware bathroom accessories, and small vanity items. Every detail was chosen to create a feeling of ease and beauty. The challenge, as always in commercial work, was time:

“The most challenging part of my work is delivering truly thoughtful and beautiful work on incredibly short timelines. Commercial shoots move fast and it’s a skill to do delicate work quickly.”

Behind the scenes at Casa Caeli during the premium haircare shoot. Dena styled warm, minimal vignettes using ceramic vessels, fresh flowers, and soft linens to create the brand’s signature lived-in look.

The Shoot at Casa Caeli

The team chose Casa Caeli to fulfill the creative direction, which is a 3,000 sq ft penthouse loft in Greenpoint that sits across two floors with an open layout, natural light, and high-quality finishes. For Dena, the space’s extensive use of wood was the standout feature.

“My favorite thing about the space was the use of wood in the interior architecture. It’s grand and cozy at the same time. From a prop stylist’s perspective, the space was the perfect setting for this shoot concept. The interior architecture is so beautiful and modern, the space was naturally clean and basically camera-ready, and the natural light pouring in the windows made everything glow. It was a lovely canvas on which to paint these vignettes.”

On the day, the team worked through several setups across the space. Dena singled out the teamwork as a highlight:

“I was really proud of the teamwork and hustle I saw from everyone that day. We climbed many flights of stairs with heavy equipment, and we did it all safely.”

Working with Cocoon

This was Dena’s first time booking through Cocoon, and she worked with Casa Manager Roger Dong on the day. On-site support is included with every Cocoon booking, with the Casa Manager handling logistics, deliveries, and coordination so the production team can focus on the work.

“I found Roger from Cocoon’s team to be very kind and helpful!”

For productions that need additional planning, Cocoon’s SuperConcierge service can coordinate catering, equipment rentals, prop sourcing, and more.

What’s Next

Beyond commercial work, Dena has ambitions that loop back to her beginnings in the industry. Before prop styling became her career, she was making video art, exploring ASMR and digital performance. She wants to bring more of that experimental spirit into her working life.

“I’m actually really proud of the video art I made before this was my career. My explorations in ASMR and digital performance were ahead of their time. My dream is to be able to incorporate more experimental and personal art into my life as a working prop stylist. I also want to make more custom props for films!”

You can see more of Dena’s work on her website and follow her on Instagram.

The team reviewing footage between setups at Casa Caeli. The penthouse’s open layout allowed the crew to move between scenes without crowding the talent spaces.

Book Your Next Production

If you’re scouting photoshoot locations or production venues in NYC, Cocoon’s collection of unconventional venues includes residential properties and commercial spaces across Manhattan and Brooklyn. Every booking comes with a dedicated Casa Manager, and the team can arrange walkthroughs so you can see the space before committing.

Send us an inquiry and we’ll help you find the right space for your next project.

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