The Food Stylist's Handbook: Hundreds of Media Styling Tips, Tricks, and Secrets for Chefs, Artists, Bloggers, and Food Lovers

Solid book to help a beginner/novice with basic skills learn some impressive plate presentation ideas and extra tidbits of the what and why and how to do things.. and look classy!! With a daughter graduating college and beginning her first step into career life- she's been hired as a corporate flight attendant.. Only, what's proven most difficult for her in this very specific field, is needing to serve her passengers, a five star meal out of a galley kitchen and make it look the part!! Being something I can't pull off in a gourmet kitchen in my own home after x30yrs. experience.. I was useless as a resource!So, I turned to reviews and samples from several books.. and found this one to not overthink, or make things too complex.. especially if you must pull off plating magic with very limited items in the smallest of space. I appreciate some of these simple ideas or quick fixes don't require extra items.. not everything has to be a lot or done over the top. If something is missing on a plate or a plate it's too large.- these ideas can help remedy the situations. TBH, to give practice, when not in the field.. it's a solid option to put ideas into play with everything made in the kitchen when cooking for self at home!Suggestions like this come in handy and help improve skills but also confidence.Love, the photographs included as some things are very self-explanatory that just a visual can help one acquire the skill. When In-flight.. she's taken photos of a few safety plating visuals.. and makes certain to have just x1-2 Staples on hand that fits in the galley.. when in doubt: a lettuce leaf, parsley patch.. even a fresh cut flower can dress it up! Solid ideas that will help elevate the level of service and presentation.. which her job lives and dies by!I'd suggest for someone starting in the food serving business with a desire to improve plating.. ideas are not just for professional use.. as these could be helpful hosting a dinner party or holiday gathering in your home. I'm certain this is just the tip of the iceberg for efforts that can be applied.. and is best suited for one who fits that criteria. Hoping info can help others- stay safe everyone.

My first comment to Denise when I read this book at her workshop in July was, "this book would have changed the course of my career in food styling"...and it is absolutely true.5 years ago when I started, I looked for and used a variety of resources, but still I felt like I was sifting through snippets of information from old books and the web to determine what was truly a resource and what was no longer relevant in the age of the digital camera. And as far as the business side of things, I just winged it. It also felt like stylists were loath to reveal the secret "tricks of the trade" in print.Not only are the tricks revealed in this book they are ILLUSTRATED!This book has it ALL. Whether you are just starting and have questions about how to actually style food, build a kit and find clients, or you are trying to figure out how to take it to the next level, this book will help. Absolutely invaluable...buy this book and earn the money back in spades by not wasting your precious time, money and resources figuring it out yourself.While I'm at it, take a workshop with Cindie and Denise. Cindie is a master at the craft and Denise is hilarious, warm-hearted and truly holds the value of elevating individual stylists and the industry as a whole by sharing her vast experience, knowledge and resources. My investment was returned a month later when she referred me a job in my area.

I was disappointed in this book only because I was looking for food styling tips of which there is minimal direction. This is an excellent book for someone who would like to become a food stylist as it gives ample instruction and advice as to how to set up a stylist company, how to break into the business, etc. However, I was looking for a book more directed toward styling the food, rather than the business end of it. I did pick up a few helpful tips, but based on the title, thought there would be much more. This book should be entitled, How to Start A Food Stylist Business.

just received my copy, and denise vivaldo owes me some tylenol pm. could not put it down last night--so much great info, not only on how to get the glossy, "bon app" cover look for your photos, but how to get started, how to run a business and so much more. all delivered in an ultra-approachable, funny and real style, which is exactly denise's personality. (full disclosure--i took a food styling and photography workshop with the divine ms d and company earlier this year. if you have a chance, do this!)another reviewer mentioned the delores custer book, which i also own, and i think that is a great one, too. thank goodness there are more volumes on this subject now. but the food stylist's handbook is the one i will refer to over and over. so much practical, real-world advice, in such an approachable writing style. i only wish it had been available a few months earlier, when i was styling the food for my second cookbook. oh well, i guess i'll have to write another one so i can put these great tricks to use!i recommend approaching this book like you approach a high end brunch buffet. browse through for a quick overview, zero in on the goodies that appeal to you most and start with those, then return again and again until you are completely satisfied. it's a delicious book for anyone with an interest in food styling, and it's the one i will carry in my kit!