INTRODUCTION TO FOOD STYLING
● Spritz bottle. Th ese can be found at beauty supply
stores. Th e best fi ne-spray tips with a controlled area
of spray are found on push-down type spray heads
rather than trigger sprayers. I use a smaller push-
down type spritz bottle for most projects. However,
I also have a larger capacity trigger sprayer that is
handy for keeping salad greens, fl oral items, etc.,
misted during prep.● Small containers for liquids. Especially when you go to
set, it’s nice to have small containers for liquids such
as water, oil, corn syrup, and coloring agents. Empty
plastic egg cartons work very well for this task because,
when opened fl at, the egg cups hold as many as a
dozen diff erent liquids and the top tray is perfect for
brushes. Th ey can also be recycled and used for your
next styling job.● Small and large wire cutters. I use small cutters to cut
skewers, toothpicks, etc. Th e large ones are used less
often, but occasionally come in handy.● User-friendly plastic wrap. I have to admit that
STRETCHTITE plastic food wrap made by
Polyvinyl Films has been my favorite for several years.
It’s easy to work with, is strong, and the packaging
design keeps the end of the wrap very accessible.Equipment Often Used for Food Styling
Cooking equipment that comes in handy for food
styling is as follows:● Steamer. I use a hand steamer, Esteam, manufactured
by Jiff y Steamer Company (www.jiff ysteamer.com).
● Trays. Plastic trays are almost indispensable to a
food photo shoot. I have quite a few of them and
they have numerous uses. Restaurant equipment
stores often have cafeteria-type trays at a reasonable
price.
● Bowls. I have a variety of nonbreakable bowls in
my kit, especially patented Gemini Bowls, off ered
by Zak Designs (www.zak.com). Zak also makes a
large variety of other items, including colanders,
trays, and measuring spoons and cups. I also use
glass bowls, batter bowls, and measuring cups of
various sizes made by Anchor Hocking (www
.anchorhocking.com). Cardinal Glass International
makes some wonderful prep bowls and a large
assortment of glassware and serving plates (www
.cardinalglass.com).
● Mixer. Because of the wide variety of tasks it can
handle, I keep a Cuisinart Quick Prep in my
kit. When I’m working on a fake ice cream shot,