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 in all kinds of places, from busy restaurants and cookbook studios to outdoor settings. It is always exciting and different, but no matter where I am, my full attention is on making the food look its best.

Workplace

Indoor / Outdoor

Job Requirements & Duties

  • Stylize food for photos and videos
  • Collaborate with food production staff to understand what recipes should be presented
  • Purchase food and ingredients needed for shoots
  • Do live demonstrations at events to show how food is styled to look its best for photos and presentations
  • Work with other cooks to develop new recipes
  • Cook food that is used for photos and videos  

Education & Training

  • There are many chances to learn on your own in this career, but having a strong interest in food, photography, and design is very helpful. Having a degree in culinary or baking arts, along with experience or training in photography, can also give you a big advantage as a food stylist.
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Job Outlook

    The outlook for food stylists is considered fair. There are expected to be about as many job openings as there are people to fill them.

Related School Subjects

Arts Education
Career Education

What words come to mind when thinking about this career?

Food Marketing Photography Advertising

Important Skills

Artistic

Food styling is basically creating art out of food, so understanding the basics of art, colour, and composition AND being able to apply them is really important when setting up a shot.

interpersonal-man-people-communication-Relation

Interpersonal

While I do have some creative freedom, I have conversations with customers and food photographers to make sure I’m setting things up with their visions in mind.

Planning

A lot of the food I style has a tiny window before it melts, deflates, or sweats. I have to plan shoots down to the second so photographers can capture food at its most beautiful time.

adaptability-transformation-adjust-change-mutation-revolotion

Adaptability

My job throws all kinds of creative challenges at me, from venues to props to the food I’m styling. I have to be able to adapt to the situation at a moment’s notice. 

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The Best Things About This Job Are…

Creative Work
Flexible Work Environment
Helps Others
Work Changes Daily