Food Styling for Photographers

xix

Preface

Th e Big client you have been waiting to work with has
just called with a project. Th ere’s only one catch. Th e
client needs you to photograph a “simple” food shot and
he doesn’t want to spend any money on a food stylist.
Bad move on his part and a major headache for you.
Here are your choices: (1) Say “No” to Mr. Big because
you know that a food shoot without a food stylist can
be a nightmare, but by saying no you ensure that this
client will not call you about future projects. (2) You can
personally foot the bill for a food stylist and hope that
future business from this client will make up for the
expense. Th is decision directly impacts your wallet and
off ers no insurance for winning the client’s future busi-
ness. (3) Do it yourself—a gutsy choice, and an all-too-
common decision.

Over the years, many photographers, stylists, and pho-
tography students have contacted me with panic in their
voices. Th ere were two basic reasons: Either a client did
not provide funds to hire a food stylist, or a test shot of
a specifi c food was needed. To say the least, this is not a
comfortable position for the photographer or for the
person designated to work with the food. It is especially

uncomfortable if the photographer is also the self-

appointed food stylist.

I have been a freelance food stylist in the commercial

market for nearly 30 years. My bachelor’s degree in edu-

cation and home economics as well as many years spent

in restaurant and commercial kitchens led me to a career

in food styling. In the world of food styling, I have done

it all—several times.

Th is book does not take work away from food stylists,

but rather aids photographers and others who struggle

with food styling tasks when no food stylist is available.

In each chapter you will fi nd step-by-step instructions

accompanied by numerous photographs illustrating tech-

niques for preparing food for photography. Also, a fi nal

photograph depicting the fi nished product accompanies

each chapter or chapter section. Th is fi nished shot will be

an invaluable reference tool as you acquaint yourself with

the styling procedures for each shot.

Preparing food for photography is nothing like cooking

for consumption. Th e information in these chapters will

help you gain knowledge of techniques as well as off er