The food stylist’s job is to enhance the food’s appearance in the final image. Because a stylist presents food differently than a home cook or chef might, it takes more time and effort for the stylist to meticulously and artistically arrange the food.
A requirement for this job is the ability to transform the flavor, scent, and attraction that one experiences from an actual food to a two-dimensional image. Food stylists have a background in home economics or culinary arts, and some have professional chef training.
Food stylists need to be savvy shoppers in addition to having a solid understanding of nutrition and cooking methods. As creative experts, they picture the final portrait in their heads and decorate the food accordingly.