| In the past, food photographers emphasized a very refined, formal approach to design. Stylists dressed tables with multiple layers of fabric, linens, and ornate decorations that suggested luxury and elegance. In recent years, however, photographers and stylists have moved away from this look. Today's magazines, advertisements, and cookbooks emphasize simplicity, natural beauty, and an organic feeling. Photographers shoot at close range, zeroing in on a specific ingredient or element of a dish. As a result, the prop stylist must be able to determine which props work best with very small elements of food, as well as larger scenes. The following examples illustrate differences in approaches to prop styling. Poached Pears Photographed nearly 20 years ago, this shot portrays the old-fashioned style of dressing a table using a hand-painted canvas as the surface and backdrop. The antique dishes and flatware underscored the muted tones and regal setting. Although this approach was typical of the time in which it was done, looking at the image today we can understand that the pears are lost in the photograph, and not the main focus of the shot. This more-recent shot shows only a single serving, with minimal propping and contrasting color to set off the pear. The modern dishware and horizontal lines in the linen lend texture to the photograph. The cinnamon sticks add a balance of natural ingredients, the perfect touch to create this contemporary feeling. 
 Fresh Fruit Tarts A variety of fresh fruit tarts, whole fruit, wicker baskets, a champagne bottle, and terra cotta tile create ambience in this photograph, which was shot more than 15 years ago. The tarts and props are arranged on and among the baskets, giving the picture a casual, rustic feeling. This photograph exhibits a much more modern approach. No props were used in this image. It was shot at a much lower angle which helped to give it a cleaner and more dynamic look. 
 Tuscan Bread To create a warm, rustic feel for the breads in this photograph, the stylist used "old Italian" linens and an inlaid wooden table, filling the background with dishware and glasses. The photograph was shot with soft, yellow lighting to intensify the warm mood. In this image, the client wanted a single, hearty roll to be shot in a modern fashion that emphasized the organic elements of the bread. A simple blue and whitepatterned napkin was used, with contrasting small red grapes to add a splash of color and appetite appeal. Selective focus was used to intensify the texture of the roll. 
 Creamy Cheddar Soup In this single-serving shot of a creamy cheddar soup, the client wanted minimal propping and a simple color palate. An off-white terra cotta bowl and plate with a textured rim was selected first. After several attempts, the photographer, client, and stylists agreed that the muted colors of the props were too similar to the soup, causing the broccoli to be the image's primary focus. Because the first shot was too monochromatic, the prop stylist used a backup idea for the soup. The blue-on-blue bowl and plate, with the textured light blue linen surface, coordinated perfectly with the soup, allowing it to be the true feature of the shot. 
 Fresh Lemonade These pictures were taken for a magazine article on summer beverages. The original concept was to take the shot in my studio using minimal props. The client and I agreed that this approach did not capture the vision we wanted to achieve. We took the lemonade and props to a nearby park in New York City (we brought some extra lemonade because it was a hot day) and shot outside on a patch of grass. Natural sunlight and a reflector were used to reinforce the refreshing and bright appearance of the subject. 
 Kid's Birthday Party To feature a cupcake recipe for a children's party, the client wanted to shoot a full-room scene using color-coordinated plastic plates, cups, utensils, and paper napkins. This set did not work because it dwarfed the cupcakes. The stylist changed the entire setting, departing from the previous formal setting to a more fun, lively, and casual buffet. The cupcakes were brought to the center of the photograph, making them the main featurebut they are still overwhelmed by the props. It is not unusual for a set to be changed several times before the perfect shot is achieved. In this case, the clients chose to omit the set and focus exclusively on the cupcakes. 
  Italian Aromatic Herb Dinner This is the prop stylist's table prior to the shoot, laid out with all the plates, napkins, and decorative pieces that might be used. Post-Its identify the plates that will be used for specific dishes. This keeps the shoot organized and efficient. This shot combines a full table setting with a modest background. Fresh herbs in clay pottery, along with greenery and flowers, help create a bright, spring-like mood. A table runner was used in place of a tablecloth to create a more modern look. Each place setting features white square dishes and straight lined flatware, which are complemented by the square candle votives and clear glassware. The earthy orange tone of the napkin is echoed in the wood of the table, in the clay pottery, and in the candle. The clean lines and casual, lively mood of the props enhance the lightness and appetite appeal of the dish. Garnishing the food with a sprig of fresh Italian parsley helps tie in all the elements to achieve the client's vision of a unique and imaginative dining experience.
  Wine Dinner This shot shows a single setting with layers of fresh natural tones and muted yellows. The stylist chose to match the linen napkin and placemat. The candles give a warm glow to the glass balls, while the rounded edge of the plate offsets the circular shapes in the photograph. A wild flower provides color contrast, creating depth and a more interesting focal point. The fluted magenta-colored glasses harmonize with the wine bottle and decanter. The table linens, placemats, and decanter contrast with each other. A tall vase filled with stained glass balls creates a magical mood, and reflects pinpoints of light from the candles and from the photographer's lights. Stalks of rhubarb are submerged in the tall vase centerpiece, and colored pillar candles help balance it visually. The different heights of the candles, smaller vases, and glassware add dimension to the photograph.
  Cannellini Beans with Sage The client's vision was to create a romantic holiday mood using minimal props and a modern look. The stylist used a dark table surface and rich red linens to create a feeling of soft elegance. The first shot did not work for the client because it was too Spartan, so the stylist pulled all the props closer. The camera angle was changed and focused tighter on the dish. This still did not meet the client's vision. The prop stylist rearranged the candles, flowers, and other table dressings to add to the romantic mood, and the camera angle was lowered to showcase these new props. The prop stylist added a gift box to the left of the dish. The gift and bow balance the table dressing in the background, and complete the client's vision of a romantic holiday dinner.
 Almond Cookies In this shot, the stylist used a limited number of props and the shot was taken at a close angle, cropping out most of the environment. It did not work because the height of the pedestal was not apparent, and the shades of brown competed too much with one another. In this shot, more of the background was shown, including a wood paneled buffet lit from below. Adding raspberries to the pedestal and opening the linen napkin created contrast and a better sense of proportion. Shooting from a farther distance and lowering the camera angle created a romantic feeling by showing off the elegance of the pedestal and the earthenware in the background. The glasses were moved to the right of the almond cookies for symmetry and balance. 
  Chestnut Dinner This first photograph shows a formal table setting with a full background environment including a piano, fireplace, and buffet table. The stylist combined rich, red linens with white china to emphasize the elegance of the setting. Candles, roses, and mirrored mosaic votives create a warm, romantic mood. A partial table setting is seen in this photograph, which narrows the view to two guest chairs. The camera angle is lowered and focused on the setting itself. This shot of a single place setting shows the clean lines and complementary shapes of the glassware, dishes, and napkin ring. The small brocade pattern on the linens gives the set a contemporary touch. This close-up food photograph was shot on the same set with a telephoto lens at a wide f-stop to achieve a soft-focus effect. The hint of a lit candle in the background adds that romantic touch.
  Roasted Chestnuts with Mulled Wine The prop stylist used a stack of woven, dark wooden boxes as a backdrop for this shot. However, the geometric shapes proved to be too distracting from the dish and the color was too monochromatic. The stylist added a deep cherry red pillow to create more visual interest. Although it definitely added more color, the large pillow also proved to be distracting. In this photograph, a portion of the pillow was covered with a patterned scarf, which helped break up the background red hues. However, it still took away from the dish itself. The stylist moved the scarf to the right of the dish, so that it appeared to be more of an accent in the shadow. This placement complements the warm ambience of the dish and set. It is more subdued than in the previous images, while still maintaining color and texture. The food stylist added a touch of cinnamon powder to the dollop of fresh whipped cream, which intertwined all the colors. I added a mirror to give a reflection of light to the side of the coffee mug and make it stand out more from the background.
 |
