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Food Styling FAQs
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Why a food photographer and not a "regular" photographer?
A Food stylists job is to make food look attractive in photographs and videos for advertisements. The difference between chef may present food and what a stylist does is the time and effort a stylist takes to carefully and artfully arrange the food. Along with, is the visual know how, and ability to translate the perception of taste, aroma and appeal that one gets from an actual dish, to a two dimensional photograph.
Food Photographer –The majority of food stylists in the industry are freelancers. That is to say they don't work for one specific organization or publishing house. Food stylists work in many areas - editorial publications, like magazines and newspapers, for cookbooks, for advertising (where they work on packaging too) and TV commercials.
Food Stylist – What does it need to be a food stylist: It is essential that the food stylist have an appreciation and passion for food. Food stylists are primarily cooks. A formal education in food science & technology helps to understand the food you are styling. Above all it is important to realize that food styling is not different than any other form of art. Some knowledge of photography will help to understand how the 'camera sees food'. What can look good to the eye, doesn't necessarily translate to film.
Besides choosing, preparing and composing plated food, food stylists sometimes use special techniques like:
- Spraying food with water or mixtures of water, corn syrup, or other liquids to keep food looking fresh
- Using a variety of browning agents (usually mixtures used to brown gravies or sometimes heat activated liquids used in commercial bakeries) to enhance the color/browness of cooked meats and poultry;
- Using artificial ice cubes made of acrylic in beverages, so they won't melt or float.
The stylist's role is to make food look as good as can be, from preparing it to setting up shots. Besides key qualifications an even temperament is a must. Handling people on set- clients, , photographers, assistant— stylists are diplomats and creatives.
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