food and drink stylist
Johannesburg based commercial stylist specialising in food and packs styling for still photography and tv commercials.
International award-winning food stylist Bianca Delides has been a commercial stylist for still photography and TV productions for over a decade.
Bianca specialises in the art of styling food, drink and products for advertising across digital, social, TV and print for both local and international clients.
Styling Life’s services include tabletop styling, professional food photography and videos, recipe development, prop sourcing, background surface hire and curating social media content for food brands and restaurants.
“Bianca is an amazing artist and her attention to detail is impeccable. She works according to client’s brief and specifications and is flexible in her approach.
I highly recommend working with her!”
What is a food stylist?
Food stylists prepare food in a practical manner and display it beautifully to ultimately be presented for both still photography and video.
There are many common misconceptions around the art of food styling. It’s not all fancy tricks and fake food, your product is great and a food stylist’s job is to help showcase it in the best possible way.
These food captures are used to advertise products across digital, television and print marketing communications.
Examples include, menus, packaging, billboards, in-store promotions, vehicle branding, websites, apps, e-stores, online delivery platforms, social content, magazine advertisements, recipe books, tv commercials, recipe videos, etc.
Why do I need a food stylist?
The expression "We eat with our eyes first" couldn't be more true. That said, the way in which food is plated has been proven to have an impact on people’s flavour perception, food choices and their consumption behaviour.
Hiring a food stylist and a professional photographer could be the difference between a brand succeeding or failing, even more so now that businesses are depending on e-commerce sales and rely on images to sell their products.
How does the process work?
A brief is put together by a client outlining their vision and requirements for the project. Understanding the shoot concept by touching on important points such as target market and brand identity is key to creating successful content.
A photographer is recommended for the shoot based on their specialty, experience and style and once briefed this creative team assists the client with finalising the conceptual process by offering technical advice on photography, lighting and food behaviour in order to create realistic yet compelling artwork.
A food stylist then sources suitable props to create the desired mood and the freshest ingredients to make the food look its best.
Recipes can be developed or supplied and where necessary, some of the meals are prepared in advance in order to save time on set. When collaborating with restaurants and franchises, the team works alongside the chefs or operations managers to recreate each dish to spec.
Studios with fully equipped kitchens can be arranged for shoot days, alternatively where space allows, shoots can be done in-store. Mobile kitchens can also be setup for shoots done on location.
Follow @b_stylinglife on Instagram for behind the scenes snaps, delicious recipes and new work
