Food Stylist

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
Food Stylist

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.

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Potential Salary Range

$40,000 - 52,000 Annually

Which provinces would this job be in?

Alberta AB
Alberta
British Columbia BC
British Columbia
Manitoba MB
Manitoba
New Brunswick NB
New Brunswick
Newfoundland & Labrador NL
Newfoundland & Labrador
Nova Scotia NS
Nova Scotia
Ontario ON
Ontario
Prince Edward Island PEI
Prince Edward Island
Quebec QC
Quebec
Saskwatchewan SK
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.
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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-man-people-communication-Relation

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.

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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.

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The Best Things About This Job Are…

Creative Work
Flexible Work Environment
Helps Others
Work Changes Daily