Food Stylist

Holland Code:

Create

The first step is envisioning what that final shot should look like, something that makes you think, "oh yes, I want to eat that". I like the tiny adjustments best—altering the lighting just a bit, changing the spacing in between items, swapping out one coloured linen for another—until you just know, yes, that’s it, that’s the shot.

Shel Zolkewich

In A Nutshell

I arrange food creatively and attractively so it looks great for photos or displays.

I find and select unique props to make the food photos more interesting and eye-catching.

I prepare and manage the food during shoots to keep it fresh and looking its best.

Swipe

Potential Salary Range

$40,000 - 52,000 Annually

Which provinces would this job be in?

Alberta

British Columbia

Manitoba

New Brunswick

Newfoundland & Labrador

Nova Scotia

Ontario

PEI

Prince Edward Island

Quebec

Saskwatchewan

I work everywhere from busy restaurants and cookbook studios to outdoor shoots. Every day is different, but my focus is always on making the food look amazing. I play with colors, textures, and arrangements to create photos and displays that make people excited to taste it.

Workplace

Indoor / Outdoor

Job Requirements & Duties

Arrange and style food for photos, videos, and presentations so it looks appealing
Work with chefs, cooks, and food producers to understand which recipes and ingredients to showcase
Source fresh ingredients from suppliers, farms, or markets for styling and demonstrations
Demonstrate food styling techniques at events or workshops to show how dishes can look their best
Collaborate with cooks and recipe developers to create visually appealing dishes
Prepare and cook food used in photography, videos, and presentations
Highlight seasonal, local, or sustainable ingredients to connect styling with agricultural practices

Education & Training

Many food stylists learn through hands-on experience, but a strong interest in food, photography, and design is important. Courses or a degree in culinary arts, baking, or photography, along with experience working with fresh ingredients or farms, can be helpful.

Job Outlook

Food stylists have good opportunities, especially for those who can combine culinary skills with photography and showcase local, seasonal, or sustainable ingredients. Creativity and hands-on experience open doors in advertising, media, and food businesses.

Related School Subjects

Arts Education

Career Education

What words come to mind when thinking about this career?

Food Marketing Photography Advertising

Important Skills

Artistic

I use art, colour, and composition to make food look appealing for photos, videos, advertisements, and displays, helping tell the story of the ingredients and where they come from, often fresh from farms or local producers.

Interpersonal

I collaborate with clients, chefs, and photographers to make sure the food presentation fits their vision and tells the right story.

Planning

I organize shoots carefully so each item is styled and photographed at the perfect moment before it changes shape, colour, or texture.

Adaptability

I adjust quickly to different foods, locations, and props, making sure I can style any dish even if it’s sourced directly from a field or market.

Swipe

The Best Things About This Job Are…

Creative Work

Flexible Work Environment

Helps Others

Work Changes Daily

References

AITC Canada

Disclaimer

All career information has been gathered from a variety of sources and compiled to provide a general idea as to what each career could entail. Agriculture in the Classroom Canada is committed to doing our best to ensure the information is current and reliable. However, we will not be liable for the accuracy of the information. Please contact us if you notice errors or would like to provide feedback.