When people see mouth-watering images of food in cookbooks, ads, or on Instagram, they often wonder: Is it really edible? How does it look that good? That’s where I come in—as a food stylist, I make dishes camera-ready through a creative, hands-on process that involves art, science, and a little culinary magic.
Step 1: The Client Brief & Creative Concept
Once a booking is confirmed, I review the client brief. This outlines the dish, the audience, and the goals of the shoot. Then, I connect with Sharon, the food photographer, to align on style, lighting, and props. We talk about whether the look is minimalist, rustic or natural—every element must serve the story.
Step 2: Sourcing the Perfect Ingredients & Props
I head out to source high-quality produce and props. From glossy red apples and fresh herbs to the perfect ceramic plates and colourful napkins, everything is chosen with intention. Imperfections show up on camera, so I look for food that’s fresh, shapely, and vibrant.
Step 3: Shoot Day – Cooking, Styling & Lighting
This is when it all comes to life. I prepare and cook each dish to be camera-ready. I often build the food piece by piece so it looks fresh, even if it’s been sitting for hours.
We spend up to 60 minutes adjusting lighting and tweaking food placement to get it just right. Sharon and I work together to ensure every element pops on screen.
Secrets of the Trade (and Why You Shouldn’t Eat It)
To make food look hot when it’s not, I use tricks like:
- Steaming cotton balls for fake steam
- Brushing meats with oil to mimic just-cooked glisten
- Using hidden structures to support ingredients
And yes—never eat the prop food! It might look delicious, but it’s likely been pinned, painted, or varnished for the camera.
Creating Crave-Worthy Visuals
Food styling is not just about delicious food—it’s about storytelling. Each image needs to stir emotions, evoke memories, and inspire cravings. It’s a delicate dance between art direction, technical skill, and culinary instinct—and I absolutely love it.
