Food Styling: More Than Just Making Food Look Pretty
Food Stylist: Diana Jeffra with Culina Creative
Photographer: Kate Grewal
If you’ve ever gazed at the tantalizing food photos in a glossy magazine, or stared a little too long at that scrumptious-looking meal in your favorite movie, then you’ve witnessed the magic of food styling. Much like the unsung heroes in the background of a film set, food stylists are the wizards behind those mouth-watering images.
When food meets artistry.
It’s easy to mistake food styling as simply making dishes look presentable. But in reality, it’s a crossroads of culinary mastery and sheer artistry. Imagine treating each dish as a canvas, where food serves as the paint, and the stylist, the artist. From the vibrant salsa on a taco ad to the steamy pasta on a magazine cover, the genius of food styling is omnipresent.
BUSTING THE MYTHS
Contrary to popular belief, it isn’t all plastic and pins. While there are times when inedible enhancements might be used, most styled foods are as real as the ones you’d whip up in your kitchen. Dive deeper into the world of faux food in our previous post. Spoiler alert: It's fascinating!
Embarking on the food styling voyage.
You’d be surprised by the number of times I’ve been pinged on TikTok with questions about venturing into this unique profession. "Is there a school for food styling?" "Do I need to be an artist?" The answer is multifold.
THE BACKBONE: PASSION FOR FOOD
The crème de la crème of food stylists often start as chefs or avid cooks. It's not necessarily about being classically trained; it's about an intrinsic love and understanding of food. An appetite to learn and explore is a must.
AN ARTIST’S PERSPECTIVE
Client: Good Ducking Burger
Food Stylist: Diana Jeffra from Culina Creative
Photographer: Kate Grewal
Prop Styling and Art Direction: Giuletta Pinna with Limonata Creative
Artistry is an integral part of food styling. A natural knack for design, colors, and aesthetics sets a stylist apart. Pair that with some knowledge of photography, and you’re golden. Read more about my personal journey to becoming a food stylist.
The role of a food stylist: more than meets the eye.
Think of food stylists as the sherpas of the culinary photography world. They're not just experts in creating delectable visuals but also in guiding clients through the challenging terrains of achieving their envisioned shots.
BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN VISION AND REALITY
Clients come with dreams, and it's the stylist’s job to bring them to fruition. They may have a straight path in mind, but the stylist, with their seasoned expertise, knows the nooks and crannies, the shortcuts, and the scenic routes. It’s not just about reaching the destination but also enjoying the journey there.
Photographer: Kate Grewall, Art Direction & Props: Limonata Creative, Food Stylist: Diana Jeffra, Photo Assistant: Emily Shultz Hair: Angenae Ward Taylor, Wardrobe: Danielle Wood, Make Up: Perryn Morris, Models: Mike and Leslie
Food styling is an art form that goes beyond the kitchen and studio. It’s a dance between passion, artistry, and skill. If this post has your culinary and creative juices flowing, perhaps it's time you gave food styling a go. Who knows, maybe the next drool-worthy shot in a magazine could be yours. Dive in, and relish the journey.