Food Styling for Culinary Photography: The Secrets Behind Appetizing Photos.
When you open a culinary magazine or scroll through Instagram and instantly feel hungry looking at the images, it’s not just the work of the photographer, but also the food stylist, who in many cases, might actually be the same person. Food styling is the art of arranging food to look as appealing as possible in photographs. But what are the secrets behind this art?
The foundation of successful food styling, and subsequently a successful photograph, is the quality and freshness of the ingredients. Vibrant colors and the unchanged texture of the foods can make a significant difference in the photograph.
Unlike a chef, a food stylist must think three-dimensionally. It’s essential to create height and add standout elements.
From tweezers for arranging small details to special sprays to add shine, food styling requires a range of specific tools and techniques.
While the photographer will handle most aspects related to lighting, the food styler must know how different foods reflect light and how they can best be highlighted. Sometimes, food products might need a little help to look perfect. For example, artificial ice or gel might be used to simulate condensation droplets on a cold glass.
Food styling for culinary photography isn’t just about the food but also about the contrast between the food and its background. Using uniquely designed cutlery or plates with interesting textures can add value to the image.
Food doesn’t maintain its appetizing appearance for long, so a food stylist needs to be quick and efficient.
When done right, food styling not only transforms food into a photogenic subject but also awakens our senses. An image can convey the aroma, taste, and even texture of a dish. This is why, in culinary photography, the food stylist and the photographer are an indispensable tandem, working together to capture the essence of gastronomy in a single frame.
