Why Doesn’t Food Look the Same on TV as in Real Life?

Have you ever noticed that food in TV commercials or advertisements looks incredibly appetizing? Doesn't the burger you saw on the screen seem almost too perfect? It turns out, there's a lot of fine-tuning that goes into making food appear irresistible on camera.

The Role of Food Stylists

The primary reason for the striking difference lies in the hands of professional food stylists. Their job is to transform bland, everyday food into visually stunning masterpieces. This process is not only about aesthetics but also about enhancing the appeal of the product. Once the final product is ready, it is often inedible due to the extensive modifications required to achieve the desired look.

Is the Food in Commercials Edible?

It is a common misconception that the food in commercials is inedible. However, it is not entirely true. The food in commercials is often the best version of the product that has been meticulously prepared by professionals. The goal is to present the product in the best possible light without compromising its actual quality. This means that the commercial may not always feature the product exactly as it is sold in stores, but it is generally safe to assume that it is still edible, if not perfect.

Common Tricks Used in Commercial Photography

So, how do food stylists and photographers achieve the dramatic transformation? They use a variety of techniques and props to make the food look better than it would in real life.

Baked Brown Kiwi Shoe Polish: When you see a perfectly roasted turkey in a commercial, it is likely a real one that has been boiled for about ten minutes. Then, a brown shoe polish, often derived from kiwi, is used to enhance the golden-brown color. This technique ensures that the turkey maintains its appearance without the risks associated with actual cooking.

Glue and Elmer's White Glue: Using plain glue instead of milk is a common practice in commercial photography. Milk can make cereals look soggy, which is undesirable for still photography. Instead, professional photographers use Elmer's white glue because it holds its form and doesn't change texture or color over time. This ensures that the cereal looks crisp and appealing on camera.

Shellac and Wax: For that glowing, golden hue of a holiday turkey in a commercial, shellac is often used. This natural resin not only provides the right color but also helps preserve the appearance of the meat. Similarly, wax is used for sauces to maintain the right texture and consistency during the shooting process. Wax also helps in achieving the perfect shine and color on the sauce.

Shaving Cream for Whipped Cream: Commercials often feature sparkling whipped cream on beverages. However, real whipped cream would melt quickly under the intense lighting used in commercial photography. Therefore, photographers use shaving cream, which has a similar texture and appearance to whipped cream. This ensures that the beverage looks as delicious as possible during the shoot.

Magical Angles and Presentation Techniques

The angle and the way the food is presented also play a crucial role in the final look of the commercial. The food is often presented to appear larger or to highlight specific ingredients. The perspective and lighting used in the commercial are carefully chosen to enhance the appeal of the product.

Additionally, the food used in commercials is often a model or a specially prepared version of the real product. This ensures that the final shot looks visually appealing and appetizing. The best ingredients are used, and the food is staged to look perfect.

Conclusion

The dramatic difference in the appearance of food between commercials and real life is primarily due to the extensive use of food stylists, specialized techniques, and props. While the food in commercials is often the best version possible, it is presented to sell the product, not necessarily to reflect its real-life appearance. So, the next time you see food on TV, remember that it has likely gone through some magical transformations to make it look as delicious as possible.

Keywords: Food stylist, commercial photography, food trick