THE FOOD STYLING TOOLS
In this post we will be talking about my most important food styling tools.
One of the most important things when shooting food is that the food looks fresh. But fresh herbs for example are very sensitive and could look dead within seconds of picking, warm food could look cold after a minute – so it is very important too work quickly. Then your styling tools need to be close to you pre-prepared when the chef puts the food on the table.
I would say that my most important food styling tools are my hands. One rule that I work with (when applying for example herbs, salt and oil) is “don’t think to much” let the hands improvise for you. I promise you that the result will be perfect – or PERFECTLY IMPERFECT as I like to call it.
But sometimes your hands are too big to work with and then tweezers and cotton buds will be invaluable. When you are working with glass and cutlery a polishing cloth and gloves will be priceless as well.
I always bring a styling kit with me for photo shoots consisting of: a polishing cloth, tweezers, cotton buds, brushes (to paint on oil or water), salt and pepper, a spraybottle with water, a small gas blowtorch, a dishcloth, kitchenroll and gloves.
In an earlier post we where talking about the importance of creating HIGHLIGHTS. As soon as the food gets a bit cold you need a burner (a small gas blowtorch) or some oil to make the food look warmer and to create those shiny highlighted parts in the food.
Vegetables and herbs almost always needs a little water to look fresh. The best way to get a fresh looking result is to use a spray bottle with water.
Salt also creates “that little extra” highlight effect.
Pepper also creates an effect of “that little extra” – or a PERFECTLY IMPERFECT plated dish.
Conclusion:
– Bring a food styling tool kit and keep your styling tools close to you, herbs for example could look dead after a few seconds.
– Try to create a food photo that gives “that little extra”
I’m looking forward to seeing your photos at Instagram #foodphotoassignment
Best of luck!
See the program at YouTube – THE FOOD STYLING TOOLS
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