Food Styling and Photography
A food stylist has the task of creating pictures and moods with foods that are on display. The display may be for an actual function, such as a buffet, or for photography.
The food stylist may be a trained chef or a person who has worked with food and has a lot of creative ability. The stylist does not usually make the food to be displayed, but decorates or arranges it so that it looks appealing.When presenting foods, food stylists employ the basic design principles of variety in colour, texture and flavour. In food advertisements, food stylists usually repeat the colours of the food package being promoted in the background to help reenforce the product.
The food stylist works with a theme in mind. For example a display for The Heart Foundation would consider a low fat approach when selecting and arranging food for such a client. The food stylist must take into account all aspects of the setting to reflect the intended theme such as:
PhotographyA food stylist often works in conjunction with a photographer in order to get a perfect shot to meet the clients brief. Food styling is time consuming but it creates and atmosphere that stimulates the appetite to encourage consumers to try the food. You see examples of food styling and photography in:
Getting the perfect shot when photographing food can be difficult. Lighting causes foods to dry out, shrink, sag and discolour, so food stylists employ some interesting techniques.
Reading:
Tricks of the Trade
Food photography in advertising commonly becomes a subject of public scrutiny. Advertisements often exaggerate attractiveness, and sometimes size, perhaps most famously in the case of fast food.
The food stylist may be a trained chef or a person who has worked with food and has a lot of creative ability. The stylist does not usually make the food to be displayed, but decorates or arranges it so that it looks appealing.When presenting foods, food stylists employ the basic design principles of variety in colour, texture and flavour. In food advertisements, food stylists usually repeat the colours of the food package being promoted in the background to help reenforce the product.
The food stylist works with a theme in mind. For example a display for The Heart Foundation would consider a low fat approach when selecting and arranging food for such a client. The food stylist must take into account all aspects of the setting to reflect the intended theme such as:
- Tablecloths
- Napkins
- Placemats
- Table decorations
- Plates, bowls, serving dishes
- Serving utensils such as spoons and tongs
- Cutlery
- Glassware
PhotographyA food stylist often works in conjunction with a photographer in order to get a perfect shot to meet the clients brief. Food styling is time consuming but it creates and atmosphere that stimulates the appetite to encourage consumers to try the food. You see examples of food styling and photography in:
- Recipe books and magazines
- newspaper articles
- advertisements for television, billboards and magazines
- brochures and leaflets
- posters and framed pictures
- webpages
- food labels and packages
- menu boards
- television shows
Getting the perfect shot when photographing food can be difficult. Lighting causes foods to dry out, shrink, sag and discolour, so food stylists employ some interesting techniques.
Reading:
Tricks of the Trade
Food photography in advertising commonly becomes a subject of public scrutiny. Advertisements often exaggerate attractiveness, and sometimes size, perhaps most famously in the case of fast food.
Task
Task 12: Food Styling and Photography
1. What is the role of a food stylist?
A food stylist does not cook/ produce food but they
2. What are some of the food stylist tricks of the trade?
Using fake food so that it looks fresh and appealing. Altering the recipe to make the photograph look more appealing to the target audience.
3. Name 3 tools which would be used by a food stylist and state what it is used for.
Tweezers to make small adjustments. Props to draw in the attention. Paint to change the colour/ add vibrance.
4. Do you think it is misleading the consumer to use photography tricks in food product advertising?
Post your opinion on the Class Blog: Discussion 5
1. What is the role of a food stylist?
A food stylist does not cook/ produce food but they
2. What are some of the food stylist tricks of the trade?
Using fake food so that it looks fresh and appealing. Altering the recipe to make the photograph look more appealing to the target audience.
3. Name 3 tools which would be used by a food stylist and state what it is used for.
Tweezers to make small adjustments. Props to draw in the attention. Paint to change the colour/ add vibrance.
4. Do you think it is misleading the consumer to use photography tricks in food product advertising?
Post your opinion on the Class Blog: Discussion 5