Food Styling
By Almanda Haley
the art & science behind food styling
Food styling is the art of preparing food to look its best on camera — transforming a dish into something visually compelling and camera-ready. At its core, it’s not just about aesthetics; it’s an expression of our deep love for food. It’s about understanding both the limitations and the possibilities of ingredients — and knowing how to push them creatively.
Through thoughtful techniques, food styling enhances, modifies, and even reimagines how a dish appears. It makes the seemingly impossible, possible — from keeping condensation perfectly placed on a glass, to achieving that flawless cheese pull, or crafting a soft serve that never melts under set lights.
Beyond the art form, food styling is rooted in science and technical understanding. It’s more than beautiful plating — it’s knowing which substitutes to use, how ingredients behave, and how to manipulate them to perform exactly as the camera demands.
Realism in Substitutes
In food styling, we believe in striking the perfect balance between realism and the use of substitutes. For us, a substitute has done its job only when it’s indistinguishable from the real thing. This commitment to authenticity, combined with our drive to intrigue, pushes us to constantly elevate both food and set styling.
A food stylist plays a crucial role throughout the production process — from pre-production planning to shoot day. They help define food requirements, ingredient quantities, and kitchen prep needs, while also advising on angles and compositions that best showcase each dish on camera.
Food styling & set building
Almanda Haley is an international food stylist based in Singapore - known for her precise food styling, bold use of texture, and meticulous attention to detail. Beyond styling food, her expertise extends to creative set design — from sourcing props to hands-on set building — bringing visual depth and cohesion to every frame. She has collaborated closely with photographers, production teams, and top agencies on a wide range of global food campaigns.
TVC Food Styling Works
Video produced by: Bert Pictures
Video produced by: Milkmoney Films
Video produced by: Milkmoney Films
Video produced by: Milkmoney Films
Video produced by: Societal
Video produced by: Societal
Video produced by: Societal
Frequently Asked Questions
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A food stylist meticulously prepares and arranges food for photography and film, ensuring it looks fresh, appealing, and captures the essence of the dish. They work closely with the clients and food photographers to achieve the desired aesthetic and functional results.
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Professional food styling can elevate a product's visual appeal, making it more enticing to customers, which is especially important in marketing and advertising. It can significantly impact customer perception and brand image, enhancing the appeal of the culinary offerings.
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Yes, food styling can be adapted to any cuisine, enhancing the natural beauty and appeal of a wide range of dishes. Our food stylist's versatility allows for creative presentations that honor the dish's origins and flavors.
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The duration varies depending on the complexity of the project, but we always work efficiently to meet your timelines without compromising quality. We plan meticulously to ensure each styling session is as time-effective as possible.
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Contact us here or give us a call (+65 9668 0288) to discuss your project and book our services. We’re here to help make your culinary creations shine on camera, and we look forward to collaborating with you on your next project.