The list author says: "This list focuses on useful texts surrounding the art and business of food photography - covering preparation, presentation, lighting and photography of food in the photography studio, as well as marketing both these services and the resulting images.
This list is meant as a reference library for those interested in food styling for photography and, as such, it covers both the styling and photography techniques that combine to capture enticing food images that sell. It is not targeted specifically at stylists or photographers, but rather has a selection of content that may appeal to both.
Important Note:
Food styling requires a good understanding of food preparation and presentation techniques. A selection of good culinary books (recipe, baking, garnishes and plating books), is essential reference material for anyone preparing food for the camera. Also included on this list is a selection of culinary books that can provide additional knowledge and inspiration when preparing and plating attractive food dishes. When combined with a solid understanding of food styling tricks and techniques used by working stylists, this provides an body of knowledge to refer to when styling food for photography in the studio."
"This book, as its title suggests, is a comprehensive text on the art of preparing food for the camera (photography, television and film). It presents a wide array of styling tips, food preparation and presentation techniques, useful checklists and more to aid anyone styling food for the camera, including experienced stylists."
"Another fairly comprehensive text on food styling, the focus of this book is on building a successful business as a food stylist, from the tools of the trade to preparing food on the set to marketing one's business as a stylist specializing in food."
"An incredibly useful pastry cook book by pastry chef Elisabeth Prueitt & baker Chad Robertson (named Best Pastry Chefs in America in 2008), the owners of Tartine, a renowned San Francisco bakery. They bring their pastry knowledge together in this wonderful, affordable book on pastry preparation and presentation."
"The name here really says it all. This book focuses on creating food stacks as works of art. This is an incredibly handy reference for food styling, as vertical foods are often a sought after in food styling for advertising and other commercial purposes."
"This text is often referred to as the "definitive guide to working with chocolate," as it covers not only a bevy of wonderful recipes and presentation ideas, but it provides a proper understanding on the intricacies of working with different types of chocolate to achieve a variety of enticing results."
"This book focuses on food styling techniques for photographers who must style their own food, but it provides useful tips and techniques for those stylists working with food on a semi-regular basis. It may even offer a few new ideas to seasoned food stylists, since we all work somewhat differently."
"This is probably the most referenced text dedicated to digital food photography. It focuses on digital photography and post processing techniques used to create appetizing food images."
"This book is, unfortunately, out of print. But, it is an excellent lighting reference for anyone photographing food, with a variety of detailed diagrams for different situations."
"This book is not specific to food photography, but is probably the most comprehensive book available on understanding lighting for photography in the studio. It's application to food photography is obvious."
"This is an excellent reference on lighting and photographing transparent and translucent surfaces, including glass and water - frequent subjects in food photography. It is a valuable lighting reference for those photographing food in the studio."
"This is an A-to-Z Guide encompassing the "pastry, baking, and confectionary arts," with thousands of relevant terms and definitions, as well as useful, practical information to improve your baking and pastry making skills."
