If you’re planning a shoot for your product or campaign and wondering how food styling fits in, you’re not alone.
In this first post of my Food Styling for Brands series, we answer the most common questions brands ask (plus a few they didn’t know they needed to ask!).
Professional food styling isn’t just about making dishes look pretty; it’s about creating compelling visuals that engage your audience, build brand trust, and drive conversions.
Think of this guide as your ultimate resource for making your food look irresistible across social media, websites, and marketing campaigns.
Let’s start by defining what food styling is. I find it helps to understand the nuances first before diving into the details. So...
What Exactly is Food Styling?
Food styling is the art of making food look irresistible for the camera (whether that’s for photos or videos). But it’s not just about arranging a dish nicely on a plate.
II like to think of food styling as getting food camera-ready so it looks as good as it tastes. It’s about using texture, colour, shape, lighting, and carefully chosen props to showcase every element: ingredients, flavours, and the feeling behind your brand.
Thoughtful styling ensures your food translates beautifully on camera and consistently across platforms, from campaign shoots and social content to your website. It’s not just about neat placement; it’s about understanding how light, texture, and styling choices quietly support your brand story.
Pro Tip: Every styling choice (props, lighting, plating) tells your brand story. Thoughtful food styling makes your visuals irresistible and helps your products connect with the people who matter most.
Can't we Just Use Real Food the Way it's Made?
Sometimes, yes! But even the most delicious dishes need a little extra help to look great on camera. Food styling helps your dish look its best, making textures visible and details pop, all before editing even begins.
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Sometimes, yes! But even the most delicious dishes need a little extra help to look great on camera (think of food styling like makeup for your dish — it enhances natural features without changing it).
Styling ensures your food communicates its full story, whether it’s a rich, drippy sauce, delicate garnish, or layered ingredients. This attention to detail matters across all mediums: social content, websites, or large-scale marketing campaigns like billboards, where every element is magnified.
Without styling, even high-quality food can look flat or unappetising, no matter how tasty it actually is.
Do you Ever Use Fake Food?
Rarely. In my work, I mostly use the product itself or other ingredients, keeping everything authentic and visually appealing for photos and videos. Sometimes I’ll make small adjustments to how the food is presented, so it looks as appetising on camera as it does in real life, with your product always at the centre.
What's the Difference Between a Food Stylist and a Food Photographer?
A food stylist focuses on making the food look its best, and a photographer captures it beautifully. I love collaborating with photographers on big campaigns to make the styling translate perfectly on camera. I can also handle both styling and photography myself when needed, so your visuals stay consistent and appetising.
Related: Link
What About Props or Backdrops?
I select props and backgrounds to complement your product, brand, audience, and the mood you want to convey. Every choice is intentional, props are more than decoration, they help tell your brand story.
On smaller shoots, I carefully choose plates, utensils, napkins, and backgrounds to create a cohesive, engaging visual where the food remains the hero.
On larger campaigns, I collaborate with photographers, art directors, or prop stylists to ensure the styling fits the overall set design and creative direction.
Related: Link
How Much Direction Do You Need From Us?
As much or as little as you’d like. Some brands come with a detailed creative brief; others simply share the product and the overall vibe. I’m happy to meet you where you’re at and guide the process from there.
That said, the more context I have around your brand, audience, and goals, the stronger and more intentional the final visuals will be.
Pro Tip:The more you share about your brand and audience, the better your styled food will connect with the people you want to reach.
How Long Does a Styling Session Take?
It depends on the project, complexity, number of products or dishes, type of product, and format (photo or video).
Some setups take just a few minutes, while more complex campaigns can require hours or even days of preparation. The key is planning: knowing your shots, ingredients, and props ahead of time makes the process efficient and stress-free.
I always allow enough time to ensure every element looks perfect on camera, without rushing the process.
Can You Work With Dietary or Specialty Products?
Absolutely. I’m experienced in styling a wide range of food products, from pantry staples to plated dishes, and can accommodate dietary preferences, branding requirements, and ingredient limitations.
Pro Tip: I also style beverages! Drinks have their own tricks (from perfect pours to managing condensation) and styled beverages alongside food help create a cohesive brand story across your visuals.
What Should I Provide For The Shoot?
We’ll discuss your needs beforehand and work out the plan together, whether that’s sourcing ingredients, props, or any special items.
The goal is to be fully prepared so the shoot runs smoothly and your product looks its best on camera.
Do you style food differently for photos vs. videos?
Yes, videos often require extra attention to movement, melting, dripping, or lighting that changes across frames.
Photos allow for more precise positioning, but the focus is always the same: to make your food look irresistible.
Ready to Style Your Food?
Food styling might seem like a small detail, but it can make a huge difference in how your brand is perceived across all visuals.
Curious to see how professional food styling services can elevate your content? Check out my portfolios: client collaborations and fully styled-and-shot-by-me projects.
Stay tuned for the next post in this Food Styling for Brands series, where I’ll break down exactly how I plan each shoot for maximum impact, or get in touch to start planning your next shoot today!
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Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links. If you decide to purchase through these links I will earn a commission, at no additional charge to you. Please note that I have linked to these products as I recommend them and they are from companies I trust.
