Food Styling for Photographers

CHAPTER THREE

To protect the part of the glass that is not going to be
treated, run a strip of matte tape, masking tape, or painter’s
tape around the top edge of the glass so that the bottom of
the tape is at the approximated fi ll line. Assuming the glass
will be standing upright on your set, be cautious to keep the
tape in a horizontal line parallel to the top of the glass. If
needed, use a level to make sure the tape is horizontal. Once
the tape is in position, fi rmly press it to the glass surface.

towel to cover the foot of the glass and tape it in place.

Once this is completed, you’re ready for dulling spray.

To maneuver the glass during the prep process, push a

clean, dry paper towel inside the glass, creating an open

pocket that you can put your hand, or at least a few

fi ngers, into. By spreading your fi ngers out so they contact

the glass through the paper towel, you can maneuver the

glass. Depending on the shape of the glass, you may actu-

TRICKS OF THE TRADE Leave a 2-inch length of tape sticking ally be able to pick up the glass. Th is method will help

out at the end of the tape after you wrap it around the glass. Fold the

2-inch tape back onto itself to create a 1-inch tab. This tab will allow

for easy removal after all treatments on the glass are completed.

If any of the glass is exposed between the top of the glass
and the tape you just positioned, you will need to cover
that exposed part with tape also so that, when you’re done
taping, none of the glass above the fi ll line is exposed.

When using a glass that has a stem or foot, you’ll want to
protect those areas also because those areas don’t normally
frost. To do that, run a piece of tape around the top of the
stem just under the bottom of the glass, leaving a tab on
the tape for easy removal. Wrap the stem of the glass with
a paper towel and secure the paper towel to the band of
tape with a small piece of tape. Th e paper towel doesn’t
need to be tight because its only purpose is to keep any
spray from hitting the stem. Use another piece of paper