INTRODUCTION TO FOOD STYLING
During my years as a food stylist, I developed pro-
fessional relationships and solid friendships with
numerous other stylists, photographers, and assistants.
Occasionally, photographers or assistants would ask me
for advice about projects on which they were working.
Th ese projects invariably involved food they wanted to
style and photograph when no funds were available for
a food stylist. I off ered time and assistance when possi-
ble, but due to my busy food styling schedule, advice
was often my only contribution. As the years went by,
I noticed that these requests for advice were becoming
more frequent. I eventually recognized that the ques-
tions had increased for two reasons: Either the photog-
rapher’s food client had no funds for a food stylist or
the photographer was pursuing a food client and needed
a new portfolio shot of a specifi c food. It is no wonder
that with current budget reductions for advertising,
especially for smaller projects, photographers are often
being asked to provide food photography without the
aid of a food stylist. As for the second reason, it can be
diffi cult to fi nd a stylist who has the time or interest to
contribute to portfolio shots.My advice to photographers is this: Always use a food
stylist when your client can pay for one. In most cases,
to accomplish commercial food photography, there abso-
lutely needs to be a food stylist on the production team.In reality, however, whether it’s being done for fun, for a
portfolio shot, or for a small project, there are times when
a photographer or non–food stylist will venture into the
world of food styling. For this reason, when you want to
play with—and photograph—your food, this book will
help you be successful with the food styling part of the
project.Th e techniques and styling methods given in this book
are general guidelines for food styling. Th e topic of food
styling is vast and at times can be very specifi c and com-
plicated. It is impossible to cover everything within the
confi nes of one book. My goal with this book is to provide
photographers with a general reference source and to
relieve some of the intimidation you might have about
food styling. I’m going to share some knowledge that I’ve
accumulated over the years and help you build confi dence
when working with food for photography. Even if you
don’t intend to tackle food styling yourself, the fact that
you are taking time to read this book will better prepare
you for shooting food. You will become familiar with the
techniques used by food stylists. You will have a better
feel for the pace of food styling and will not be surprised
at the time it takes to prep or achieve some food styling
techniques. You will also be better equipped to anticipate
requests from stylists for equipment and tables in your
studio.