What is Food Styling and Presentation: Course Duration, Admission 2025, Colleges, Salary & Scope

Food styling, plating, and color theory are just a few of the artistic approaches that are taught in a Food Styling and Presentation course to help people enhance the visual appeal of food for different media. In addition to learning how to work with photographers and produce visually appealing food, participants also get knowledge of current trends in the business.

The course prepares students for jobs as culinary artists, food stylists, or professionals in food-related media and marketing. It also places a strong emphasis on ethical and sustainable methods.

Food is served with various elements that enhance the physical, structural, textural, and aromatic aspects of the dishes. Therefore, serving, styling and presenting food with the correct elements is important to enhance the dining experience.

In the realm of cooking, food presentation and styling are crucial since they have a big impact on our dining experience. A dish's visual attractiveness goes beyond simple aesthetics; it creates excitement and expectation before it is even tasted. Professionals in the culinary arts showcase their ingenuity and attention to detail through food styling.

Well-presented food appeals to the senses and makes for a memorable dinner, which improves the whole eating experience. Visually arresting presentations are essential to the success of eateries and food enterprises in today's social media-driven culture, drawing patrons through online sharing. 

To become a food stylist a candidate need tp qualify for a Bachelor's degree or a Diploma in Hospitality Sector, and for selection to major Hospitality Management Institutes you need to clear an admission test. Moreover, many students choose hospitality management as their preferrance for higher education in India.

Food styling is majorly used by advertising campaigns where it enhances its screen presence. It is very evident that it is not just food arrangement and photography that is needed to make food brands look goof, it is also a few editing tricks that is done to make the food look mouth watering to a potential customer.

To become a food stylist in India you need to gain a Bachelor's degree or a Diploma in Hospitality Sector, and to get admission in major Hospitality Management Institutes you need to pass an admission test or entrance exams for Hospitality field like NCHMCT JEE. Many students in India choose hospitality management as their preferred higher education in India.

Yes, you can pursue a food styling and presentation course after Class 10. Diploma in Culinary Arts, Diploma in Bakery and Confectionery, Diploma in Food and Beverage Service, etc., are some popular After 10th Diploma options you can go for.

It takes effort, imagination, and attention to detail to improve food presentation abilities. This is a continuous process. Here are some useful pointers to improve your ability to offer food:

• Study Food Photography and Styling: Examine food styling and photography books, websites, and classes. Gaining knowledge about how food appears in various mediums can be rather insightful.
• Examine Skilled Cooks: To see how experienced chefs present their meals, watch cooking shows, go to culinary festivals, or eat at respectable restaurants. Make a note of their methods and draw inspiration from them.

You can get Food Certification – FSSAI by applying on their main site. Various certification and approval procedures apply to food in India. The importer must register every import with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The same process of food registration is shown in the Food Safety and Standards Regulations, 2017.

Having well-presented food is essential to a pleasant dining experience. Here are a few rules for presenting food:

• Balance and Harmony: Try to arrange the colors, textures, and forms on the plate in a way that is both harmonious and balanced. To develop a visually pleasant composition, take into account the visual weight of each element.
• Plate Dimensions: Select the appropriate plate size that accentuates the hues of the dish. The visual effect can be improved by creating contrast between the meal and the plate.
• Focal Point: Arrange the major component in a way that makes it the focal point of the plate. This draws the audience in and makes the lecture more engaging.

An example for food styling is that it is used in brand advertisements to create depth and add interest to your images. For example, you can lay a napkin and then a plate, then a small bowl with your smoothie and fruits on top. This one instance of what you do in this profession.

Several excellent books offer valuable insights into the art of food styling and presentation. Here are some highly recommended ones:

Note: The information is sourced from external sites and may vary.

Students get to learn the intricate art of making served food look good, styling tools and techniques, how to serve food of different textures, how to mix and match the flavors while plating, etc. They are taught how to make the food items social media-ready and how to improve the texture of food.

Candidates must have a good sense of taste and flavors. They must be able to pay attention to intricate details. They must have the passion and interest in cooking and serving food to customers. They must have their own sense of style and creativity to make their food appealing.

Food styling and presentation is more of a skill that professionals or candidates can learn for an additional edge in their career. Like chefs with knowledge of food styling and presentation are often given weightage at restaurants. One can become a food stylist and food blogger. 

Food Styling and Presentation colleges are very limited in number, however, top colleges like IHM Pusa, UEI Global, Lucknow Institute of Hospitality and Management, etc., offer UG Diploma and certification courses under this specialization.

IHM Pusa is the only government Food Styling & Presentation college in India. It offers Diploma in Food Production course on full-time mode with a duration of 18 months. The course fee ranges around INR 87,500.

After completing a Food Styling and Presentation course, you can go for job roles such as food presentation, food preparation, food photography, prop selection, menu development, collaboration, trends and research, food safety and hygiene, and more.

The salary package depends on the relevant experience, skillset, geographical location, employer, etc. However, the average salary of a Food Technologist in India is INR 3.8 LPA. 

Once you gain a minimum of an associate's degree in Culinary Arts, Baking Arts, Nutrition or a related field then you can start your journey to become a food stylist.

To become a great Food Stylist, possessing specific skills and acquiring the necessary knowledge and training is essential. Culinary education, attention to detail, photography and photo editing skills, food decorating and garnishing, understanding colour theme and aesthetics, imagination and creativity, etc., are some must-have skills a Food Stylist get.

There are various pathways and steps you can take to develop the necessary skills and knowledge in this field. Here is a general outline of the process:

• Take Up Culinary Studies.
• Seek opportunities to work in catering businesses, restaurants, or professional kitchens. 
• Discover the principles of lighting, composition, color theory, and prop use.
• Make a portfolio that displays your work.
• Make connections with experts in the culinary and photographic fields.
• Investigate employment openings or launch your freelance career by networking and advertising your skills.