Commercial food photography at The Westin, Abu Dhabi by Gerry O’Leary
I’ve been photographing the world’s top restaurants for more than 15 years. This gives me a special insight to the ‘secret sauce’ that makes an image of gourmet food not just provide an accurate visual representation, but really make the viewer salivate.
From the glisten of a freshly glazed pastry to the vibrant hues of farm-fresh produce, styling and capturing food through a lens requires a keen eye for detail.
It was the great Greek philosopher Aristotle who first said, “the whole is more than the sum of its parts.” Like the dishes on display, great food photography is not simply a matter of having a juicy steak on a plate and a camera. There are additional ingredients that elevate a photo and entice the viewer to experience it.
One of these ingredients or elements is using a food stylist. Over the years I have collaborated with a number of talented food stylists, and I have learnt a great deal about this science and its value when photographing desserts, drinks and every dish you might imagine.
How Food Styling Helps a Professional Photographer
It’s true that the world’s top chefs know all about flavour and texture. Many of them are adept at presentation too, however they may falter when knowing how it looks through a lens. This is where an expert food stylist enters the picture.
At the heart of professional food photography lies the art of storytelling. Food stylists assist in our pivotal role in translating culinary concepts into visual narratives that resonate with the audience. Whether I’d like to evoke a sense of sumptuous grandeur or convey the sophistication of haute cuisine, collaborating with a food stylist who understands makes my job easier.
Together, we can select props, complement each other’s work with styling elements and lighting techniques to create an image that oozes personality.
The food stylist can transform even a simple dish, such as pizza, into a stunning piece of art ready for the camera’s attention. Where the budget allows, I have called on food stylists such as the wonderful Mary Kei to work her magic on dishes and make them as visually alluring as possible. There is no doubt that her contributions have extended beyond mere aesthetics.
An Example of Food Styling
Thai green curry and rice is a dish that’s delectable in the mouth but can be quite messy to shoot! First, we need to ensure that the curry and rice are served in separate dishes for a clean image. The main ingredient – chicken – is highlighted to add narrative to the photo. The sauce can’t be cold and coagulate before the photo is taken, so it must be poured at the very last moment before clicking the shutter. This is another time when it helps to have a stylist on hand, as the chefs might be cooking for other customers.
Then, we added a bright garnish. The vibrant red chilli enhances the visual appeal of the image as it contrasts with the green sauce.
Food stylists excel in the art of precision, ensuring that each ingredient is painstakingly placed to please the viewer. Whether it’s adjusting the angle of a garnish or enhancing the texture of a dish, their meticulous approach simply lifts it to another level.
Food Photographer and Stylist
Sadly, in food and restaurant photography, budget limitations sometimes compel me to take on the additional responsibility of styling the food. While I have no problem applying my expert eye and skill to the role, it is faster and more efficient when I have an experienced food stylist by my side.
I offer commercial food photography in India, Seychelles and across the Middle East. If you’d like to learn more about booking a project, please get in touch.
