Nowadays, anyone can snap a photo of their food, but not everyone can capture the essence of a dish – bringing you into the shot like you’re right there in the kitchen, adding those perfect little touches and arranging props to the point where you see it and immediately think OMG I want that.
We caught up with Chef Erica Karbelnik – influencer, chef, and winner of The Food Network’s Top Chef Canada and Chopped Canada – on her food styling tips, tools, and how she got started.
Here’s what she had to say…
How long have you been interested in food styling?
I have loved food styling since I started working in a professional kitchen. When I started my apprenticeship at ONE Restaurant in Toronto, the food always looked so beautiful.
Besides tasting amazing, I loved the art of it. It was probably about four years ago that I started photographing my own food and I found I loved playing around with backdrops, textures and colours.
How did you learn how to style food?
A lot of it is trial and error, and many hours scrolling on Instagram and seeing different styles – trying to find one I loved that fit my personality. Watching different videos on techniques that I could use and playing around with different elements and backdrops. You know the saying never play with your food? Pfft, that’s all I do!
How would you describe your style?
My style is rustic. I live in the city. My dream is to live on a farm, or a cottagey place with green grass for as far as the eye can see and a beautiful body of water. Just peaceful and calm. When I photograph or make a video, I transport myself there, in my rustic kitchen, staring out my window. Smelling the fresh breeze. So I shoot how I feel. In the winter it’s warm and darker tones, and cozy sweater feels, in the summer whites and rustic vibrancy.
What do you use to capture your photos?
I’m a simple girl. I use my iPhone 12. I would love a full setup with the camera that attaches to a computer and all that fancy gear, but I would be so lost so I stick to the basics.
What does your food styling setup look like?
My setup is simple. A backdrop, an iPhone stand, sometimes a ring light, and my big front window for all the natural light. I have gotten a lot of questions of “how many tables do you have in your house?”… well here is your answer. Backdrops.
Do you have any food styling tips you can share with us?
Try to find a style that fits your personality. I love using wood backdrops – dark brown or white. I find my style to be super rustic so I add in the lace curtain, some lavender and/or flowers. I sometimes use a grainy filter to capture that super rustic barn look.
Do what you feel is comfortable for you so you can tell your story. If something doesn’t look right in the picture, maybe turn it clockwise or counterclockwise, hide the fork a bit more or add a page of a book. It’s all about imagination. How you envision your artwork. If it’s not working, keep playing around until it feels right.
Do you have a favourite type of dish to style/photograph?
Anything baked. Baked goods are just so easy to make pretty.
Do you use any apps for capturing or editing your content?
I use Lightroom and Photo Editor.
What advice would you give to someone just getting started in food styling/photography?
Just study a lot. Look at other food stylists. Learn how to twist that noodle the right way to create a good angle. It takes time and practice. Don’t be too hard on yourself. You’ll get there.
Then...
Here is one of my first photos starting out.. basic, not a lot of texture, not super eye-catching. But great for the moment.
Now...
Here is one of my more recent images. Playing around with the lighting, the filter, adding layers and textures to the photo. It makes a world of difference!
Lastly, what do you prefer – photos or videos?
I was the one who did not love Instagram Reels or TikTok so much when I started. Mainly because I had no idea what I was doing. I’m getting better. But I love photography. One story. One photo. A million possibilities.
See more of Chef Erica’s food styling and mouth-watering recipes on her Instagram @chefericak!
