What is a Food Stylist? :

If you own a diet book, it probably contains some beautiful pictures to go with all those "mouthwatering recipes".

Ads, cookbook covers, and fast food menus also display lovingly crafted food creations.

They are the work of a food stylist.

A Food Stylist uses a number of techniques including:

• creating steam with cool air nebulizers or a combination of chemicals that give off smoke that gives the appearance of steam;
• spraying food with water or mixtures of water, corn syrup, or other liquids to keep food looking fresh;
• making a mixture of solid shortening, corn syrup, and powdered sugar (essentially a very stiff frosting) that can be scooped to simulate real ice cream;
• using a variety of browning agents (usually mixtures used to brown gravies or sometimes heat activated liquids used in commercial bakeries) to enhance the color/browness of cooked meats and poultry;

If you think I'm kidding, go check out the portfolios of these food stylists. NOTE: It's probably best to do so if you've already eaten. They make food look seriously appetizing.

• Adele Hagan
• Lisa Homa
• Karen Temple
• Bryan Preston-Campbell
• Marianne Wren

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