50 Food Styling Tips from Experts for Mouthwatering Dishes

Silvain • April 30, 2023 • 7 min read

Step right up and prepare to be dazzled by the magical world of Food Styling! But wait, what is food styling, and why is it important? In essence, food styling is the art and science of presenting food in a visually appealing manner, making it irresistible to the eyes and tantalizing to the taste buds.

With its roots deep in the fertile soil of culinary arts, food styling transforms ordinary meals into extraordinary visual feasts. So, grab your aprons, and let’s embark on a gastronomic adventure that will leave your plates as tempting as a siren’s song.

Content

Basic Principles of Food Styling

A. Plate Composition

As the saying goes, “you eat with your eyes first,” and the Importance of Plate Composition cannot be overstated. A well-composed plate is like a symphony where every element harmoniously works together, creating a visual crescendo.

Before you can arrange your culinary masterpiece, you must first learn How to Choose the Right Plate. Think of the plate as the canvas for your edible art, where size, shape, and color will either enhance or detract from your creation. White or lightly colored plates provide a neutral background, allowing your food to take center stage.

Once you have your canvas, it’s time to learn How to Arrange Food on a Plate. Start by considering the balance of elements, layering textures, and ensuring that each component is easily accessible. Remember, simplicity is the ultimate sophistication, so don’t overcrowd the plate. Let your dish breathe and give it room to shine.

B. Colors and Textures

Food styling is not just about arranging food on a plate; it’s also about creating a visual smorgasbord of Colors and Textures. A feast for the eyes, a well-styled dish should have a variety of hues and textures that make the dish come alive.

Learning How to Choose the Right Colors and Textures is essential in creating an unforgettable dish. Consider complementary and contrasting colors, like a vibrant green salad against a juicy red steak. Don’t be afraid to play with textures, juxtaposing creamy sauces with crunchy vegetables or tender meats with crispy garnishes.

Now that you have your colors and textures sorted, it’s time to Combine Colors and Textures. Be mindful of the balance between elements, and ensure that your dish is both visually and texturally harmonious. Remember, you’re painting a picture with food, so let your creativity run wild!

C. Props and Accessories

Imagine a stage without a backdrop, a play without props. Just as theatrical productions rely on scenery to set the mood, food styling benefits from Props and Accessories that enhance the overall presentation.

Discovering How to Choose the Right Props and Accessories is like opening a treasure chest of possibilities. Consider items that complement the theme or style of your dish, such as rustic wood cutting boards for hearty farm-to-table fare or elegant silverware for a luxurious dining experience.

Turn Food Photos into Masterpieces. A must-have for all Foodies!

Have a Look

Once you’ve gathered your props, it’s time to learn How to Use Props and Accessories effectively. Remember that less is more, and use props sparingly to accentuate your dish without overpowering it. Props should add context, depth, and visual interest to your culinary creation, creating a harmonious balance between the food and its surroundings.

Food Styling Techniques

A. Sauces and Garnishes

As the proverbial cherry on top, Sauces and Garnishes play a crucial role in adding that extra oomph to your culinary masterpiece. They can elevate a dish from ordinary to extraordinary, and learning to use them effectively is an essential skill for any budding food stylist.

There’s a cornucopia of Types of Sauces and Garnishes to choose from, each with its unique flavor profile and visual appeal. From velvety béchamel to zesty chimichurri, and from delicate microgreens to vibrant edible flowers, the possibilities are endless.

Now, it’s time to get saucy! Learn How to Apply Sauces and Garnishes by considering the visual impact they’ll have on your dish. For sauces, try drizzling, spooning, or even using squeeze bottles for precision. For garnishes, consider their placement and purpose, ensuring they complement the dish rather than distract from it.

B. Lighting and Photography

A picture may be worth a thousand words, but in food styling, it’s worth a thousand bites. The Importance of Lighting and Photography cannot be overstated, as a well-lit and expertly photographed dish can make mouths water and stomachs rumble with anticipation.

Understanding the Types of Lighting and Photography is key to capturing your culinary creations in their best light. Natural light is often preferred for its soft, flattering qualities, while artificial light sources can be used to create dramatic or moody effects. As for photography, experiment with angles, perspectives, and focus to find the most visually enticing shots.

Now, grab your camera and learn How to Use Lighting and Photography effectively. Adjust your light source and camera settings to capture the true essence of your dish, making every element shine like the gastronomic stars they are.

C. Knife Cuts

As any sculptor will tell you, the right tools and techniques can make all the difference in the final product. In food styling, the Importance of Knife Cuts cannot be overlooked, as precise and visually appealing cuts can transform simple ingredients into works of art.

From julienne to brunoise, there are numerous Types of Knife Cuts to master. Each cut has its unique visual appeal and practical application, so it’s essential to choose the right one for your dish.

Sharpen your skills and learn How to Execute Knife Cuts with precision and finesse. Practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to slice and dice your way to food styling success!

Tips for Food Styling Success

A. Planning and Preparation

As any seasoned explorer knows, a successful adventure starts with a well-thought-out plan. The Importance of Planning and Preparation in food styling cannot be overstated, as a well-prepared food stylist is a successful one.

Learn How to Plan and Prepare for Food Styling by considering your dish’s theme, ingredients, and presentation. Make lists, sketch ideas, and gather inspiration from various sources, such as cookbooks, magazines, and online resources. Remember, the more prepared you are, the smoother your food styling journey will be.

B. Choosing the Right Ingredients

Just as an artist relies on high-quality paints, a food stylist must choose the Right Ingredients to ensure their culinary creations are visually stunning and taste delightful. The freshest, most vibrant ingredients will yield the best results.

Learn How to Choose the Right Ingredients by considering factors such as seasonality, quality, and appearance. Visit local farmers’ markets for the freshest produce, and inspect your ingredients carefully, selecting the most visually appealing specimens.

C. Working with Different Types of Food

Food styling is an ever-evolving art form, with a vast array of ingredients and dishes to explore. Mastering the art of Working with Different Types of Food, such as meat, vegetables, and desserts, will ensure you’re always prepared to create visually stunning plates.

Discover Tips for Working with Meat, Vegetables, Desserts, etc. and adapt your techniques accordingly. For example, use a blowtorch to give meats a perfectly seared finish, steam vegetables to enhance their natural colors, or use a palette knife to create swooping peaks on whipped cream.

Overcome Common Food Styling Challenges by being resourceful and adaptable. If a dish isn’t cooperating, don’t be afraid to get creative and think outside the box to achieve the desired result.

40 Food Styling Bonus Tips

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ingredients are crucial in making your food look appetizing and delicious in photos. The colors are brighter and the textures are more appealing. So, choose the freshest ingredients possible for your food styling.
Choose ingredients that are in season: Seasonal ingredients are at their freshest and most flavorful, and using them in your food styling can add a touch of authenticity and nostalgia to your images. Plus, it’s a sustainable practice that supports local farmers.
Use a variety of colors and textures in your dishes: Creating a visually appealing dish is an essential aspect of food styling. Using a variety of colors and textures can make your dishes more interesting and balanced, adding depth and contrast to your photos.
Use natural light whenever possible: Natural light is the most flattering for food photography, providing soft, even light that highlights the textures and colors of the food. Try to position your dish near a window or in a bright, sunny spot whenever possible.
Use a clean and uncluttered background: A clean and uncluttered background draws the viewer’s attention to the food, making it the focus of the photo. This can help create a sense of space and depth in your images.
Use props that complement the food: Props can add interest to your photographs and tell a story about the food. When choosing props, try to choose items that complement the food in both style and color.
Use a shallow depth of field to draw attention to the food: A shallow depth of field blurs the background, which helps the food stand out and draws the viewer’s eye to it. This technique can be especially effective for close-up shots of food.
Use a tripod to keep your camera steady: A tripod helps eliminate camera shake and produces sharper images. It can also make it easier to compose your shot and make adjustments to your styling.
Use a reflector to bounce light onto the food: A reflector can help fill in shadows and provide additional light to the food. It can be especially helpful in situations where natural light is limited.
Use a diffuser to soften harsh light: A diffuser softens harsh light and creates a more even, natural-looking light. This can be especially useful when shooting outdoors or in bright, direct sunlight.
Use a spray bottle to add moisture to food: A spray bottle can be used to add moisture to food, which can make it look more appetizing. This technique is especially effective for salads, fruits, and other dishes that benefit from a fresh, moist look.
Use tweezers to arrange small items: Tweezers can be used to arrange small items, such as herbs, seeds, or garnishes, to create a more polished look. They can also be used to remove any stray hairs or fibers that may have landed on your dish.
Use a pastry brush to add shine to food: A pastry brush can be used to add a sheen or shine to food, such as glazes, sauces, or meats. This technique can help make your food look more appetizing and delicious.
Use a toothpick to remove unwanted bits from food: A toothpick can be used to remove unwanted bits from food, such as stray crumbs or seeds. This can help you achieve a more polished, clean look.
Use a steamer to add steam to food: A steamer can be used to add steam to food, giving it a fresh, hot-off-the-stove look. This can be especially effective for dishes like vegetables, dumplings, and other steamed items.
Use a blowtorch to add color and texture to food: A blowtorch can be used to add color and texture to food, such as charring meats or vegetables. This technique adds depth and visual interest to your photos.
Use a syringe to add sauces and other liquids to food: A syringe can be used to add sauces and other liquids to food, giving you more control over the placement and amount of liquid. This can help you create more dynamic and interesting shots.
Use a hot towel to make food look steamy and fresh: A hot towel can be used to create steam and make food look freshly cooked. This technique is especially effective for dishes that are meant to be served hot.
Use a variety of angles and compositions: Experiment with different angles and compositions to find the best way to showcase your dish. Try overhead shots, close-ups, and side angles to find the most interesting and visually appealing composition.
Use garnishes to add color and texture: Garnishes can be used to add color, texture, and interest to your dishes. Try using fresh herbs, edible flowers, or chopped nuts to add visual interest to your photos.
Use contrasting colors to make your food pop: Contrasting colors can make your food stand out and create a more dynamic and visually appealing image. Try using complementary colors, such as blue and orange, or contrasting colors, such as red and green.
Use negative space to create a sense of balance: Negative space can be used to create a sense of balance and draw the viewer’s eye to the food. Use empty space to create a sense of calm and simplicity in your images.
Use the rule of thirds to create a balanced composition: The rule of thirds is a compositional technique that divides the image into thirds, both horizontally and vertically. Try placing your food at one of the intersections of these lines to create a visually appealing and balanced image.
Use backlighting to create a halo effect: Backlighting can be used to create a halo effect around your food, making it look more vibrant and dynamic. This technique is especially effective when shooting colorful dishes.
Use props to create a sense of place: Props can be used to create a sense of place and tell a story about your dish. Try using props that relate to the origin or culture of your dish to add interest to your photos.
Use textures to create depth and interest: Textures can be used to create depth and interest in your images. Try using textured backgrounds or adding texture to your food with ingredients like seeds, nuts, or breadcrumbs.
Use symmetry to create a sense of harmony: Symmetry can be used to create a sense of harmony and balance in your images. Try placing your food in the center of the frame or using symmetrical props to create a visually pleasing composition.
Use color theory to create a mood: Color theory can be used to create a mood in your photos. Try using warm colors, like red and orange, to create a sense of warmth and comfort, or cool colors, like blue and green, to create a sense of calm and relaxation.
Use depth of field to create focus: Depth of field can be used to create focus in your images. Try using a shallow depth of field to focus on the main elements of your dish, or a deep depth of field to showcase the entire scene.
Use leading lines to draw the viewer’s eye: Leading lines can be used to draw the viewer’s eye to the main focus of the image. Try using lines, such as the edge of a plate or the edge of a table, to lead the viewer’s eye to your food.
Use negative shapes to create contrast: Negative shapes can be used to create contrast and add visual interest to your images. Try using negative space to create a contrasting shape around your dish, such as a plain white plate against a colorful dish.
Use motion to create a dynamic image: Motion can be used to create a dynamic and interesting image. Try capturing the movement of ingredients falling into a dish or steam rising from a hot dish to add visual interest to your photos.
Use a color palette to create consistency: Using a consistent color palette can help create a cohesive and professional look to your images. Try using a color wheel to find complementary or analogous colors to use in your food styling.
Use depth to create interest: Depth can be used to create interest and draw the viewer’s eye into the image. Try layering elements in your image to create depth and add interest to your photos.
Use a macro lens to capture small details: A macro lens can be used to capture small details, such as the texture of a leaf or the grains of salt on a dish. This can add a level of detail and interest to your images.
Use a food stylist to perfect your dish: If you’re struggling to make your dish look perfect, consider hiring a food stylist. They can help with styling, plating, and presentation to make your dish look its best.
Use editing software to enhance your images: Editing software can be used to enhance your images and make them look even better. Try adjusting the brightness, contrast, and color balance to create a polished and professional look.
Use a storyboard to plan your shot: A storyboard can be used to plan out your shot and ensure that you’re capturing everything you need to create a visually appealing image. This can help save time and make the process more efficient.
Use a clean workspace to avoid distractions: A clean workspace can help you focus on the food and avoid distractions that may take away from the image. Keep your work area clean and tidy to ensure that your photos are as professional-looking as possible.
Use your own unique style to stand out: Finally, use your own unique style to stand out and create memorable images. Experiment with different techniques and styles until you find what works best for you, and don’t be afraid to put your own personal touch on your food photography.

Resources for Food Styling

A. Food Styling Books, Blogs, and Websites

Embarking on the food styling journey can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. Thankfully, there’s a wealth of Food Styling Books, Blogs (see below), and Websites to help guide and inspire you along the way.

Seek out Food Styling Books, Blogs, and Websites to expand your knowledge, learn new techniques, and gather inspiration for your culinary creations. From the pages of glossy cookbooks to the pixels of online tutorials, there’s a veritable feast of information at your fingertips.

B. Food Styling Tools and Equipment

Every artist needs their tools, and food stylists are no exception. Equipping yourself with the Must-have Food Styling Tools and Equipment will ensure you’re prepared to tackle any culinary challenge that comes your way.

From tweezers and squeeze bottles to paintbrushes and blowtorches, the right tools can make all the difference in creating visually stunning dishes. Invest in quality equipment that will stand the test of time and elevate your food styling game.

C. Food Styling Courses and Workshops

Practice may make perfect, but sometimes a little guidance from the experts can go a long way. Enrolling in Food Styling Courses and Workshops can help refine your skills and broaden your culinary horizons.

Whether you prefer hands-on workshops or online courses, there’s a wealth of educational opportunities available to suit every budding food stylist’s needs. Seek out reputable instructors and programs, and prepare to learn, grow, and flourish in the world of food styling.

Conclusion

In the enchanting realm of food styling, there are endless possibilities for creativity, experimentation, and, of course, deliciousness. As you venture forth into this gastronomic wonderland, remember to keep in mind the techniques and tips shared in this article, from mastering plate composition and knife cuts to harnessing the power of lighting and photography.

With practice, patience, and a dash of humor, you’ll soon develop your unique food styling flair and create dishes that are not only visually stunning but also truly delectable. So, don your apron, sharpen your knives, and embark on this culinary adventure with confidence and enthusiasm. The world of food styling awaits!

Further readings, with some popular food blogs:

Smitten Kitchen – https://smittenkitchen.com/
Food52 – https://food52.com/
Serious Eats – https://www.seriouseats.com/
The Kitchn – https://www.thekitchn.com/
Bon Appétit – https://www.bonappetit.com/
Simply Recipes – https://www.simplyrecipes.com/
Pinch of Yum – https://pinchofyum.com/
Half Baked Harvest – https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/
Minimalist Baker – https://minimalistbaker.com/
Love and Lemons – https://www.loveandlemons.com/

Discover our collection of Food photography recipes:

What are your Food Styling Tips? – Let us know in the comments.

By Furoore team member Silvain

Silvain is a French/German national and has been with the Furoore Team since the beginning. He likes to write about various photography themes, especially food photography. If you leave a comment, he will come back to you to answer any questions you may have.