Food Stylist

eko•Bentonville, AR

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Food Stylist leads the preparation, styling, and visual presentation of food for photography and video shoots, ensuring all dishes and props meet the highest creative, technical, and brand standards. This role requires someone who can independently own the styling process, experiment to achieve highly specific visual outcomes, and creatively problem-solve under production constraints. The ideal candidate has a deep understanding of how food behaves on camera, can design custom food effects (e.g., simulated liquids, steam, textures), and thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative studio environment.

Requirements

3–5 years of professional food styling experience for photography and/or video (culinary-only backgrounds without styling experience will not meet the needs of this role).
Proven ability to innovate and create visual effects using food-safe materials such as replicating textures, liquids, or environmental details for camera realism.
Strong creative and technical understanding of how food photographs under light, temperature, and time constraints.
Demonstrated ownership of the styling process from concept to final frame.
Excellent problem solving instincts with a balance of artistry and precision.
Ability to adapt quickly under pressure while maintaining a high visual standard.
Exceptional eye for color, texture, and composition, with an understanding of visual storytelling.
Strong communication skills and confidence working directly with clients and cross-functional partners.
Deep knowledge of food safety and sanitation in a studio kitchen environment.
Ability to stand for long periods in a kitchen and studio environment.
Ability to lift up to 30 lbs of equipment or ingredients.
Fine motor control for detailed food styling.

Responsibilities

Lead the styling of hero food items and supporting dishes for photography and video shoots.
Translate creative direction into food visuals that tell a story and photograph beautifully under varying lighting and camera conditions.
Experiment with materials, textures, and techniques to achieve realistic and camera-safe results (e.g., creating substitute materials that mimic the appearance of sauces, melting, or other natural effects).
Execute the full styling workflow from sourcing, prepping, and plating through final on-set presentation.
Partner closely with the Food Leader, Props Manager, Creative Associates, and Production teams to deliver visually arresting, production-ready food setups.
Manage the styling area and prop inventory, ensuring efficiency, organization, and compliance with food safety standards.
Stay informed on emerging food styling trends, visual storytelling techniques, and materials innovations relevant to camera-based production.
Anticipate challenges and develop creative solutions to maintain visual integrity during long shoot days.
Communicate confidently with clients and internal partners, offering expertise that elevates the final creative product.