Introducing Food Stylist Thuraya Mahmoud

The COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdowns that followed offered many people – fortunate enough – around the world an opportunity to stay home and stay safe. Social media feeds have been flooded with pictures of how people have been trying to stay entertained at home during lockdown. Cooking and baking has been the most popular lockdown or quarantine pastime, hundreds of thousands around the world shared their creations on their social media channels.

One of these people is 28-year-old interior designer Thuraya Mahmoud, who is currently pursuing a master’s degree in interior design in Cairo, Egypt. Thuraya, however, not only cooked and baked, but also invested her time into developing her talent in food styling and food photography. On her social media channels, one can see some of the finest food photography and as you read the captions, you’re taken aback by the fact that Thuraya not only took the amazing pictures but plates and arranges the food as well.

500 Words Magazine chats with the interior designer turned food stylist and food photographer about her new-found talents in food styling and food photography.

How did you get into food styling?

It all started when this pandemic began. During the lockdown days, like many other families, we were killing time by making food and eating it. I remember being too worried about taking photos first. It was on the first day of the Eid when I took my first photos of the morning tea and biscuits to greet everyone for Eid. Then suddenly, I said to myself, ‘Why don’t I start taking photos of all the food that we already are making?’, and that was the beginning!

Tell us about food styling and food photography? And what is the difference between the two?

The food stylist’s job is to make a good presentation of the food, knows how to put all the picture’s elements together in good composition, create a suitable set up for a particular type of food and make sure that everything looks perfect. Then comes the photographer’s part where he’s being responsible for the good lighting and the perfect angles to take mouthwatering shots. It’s totally a complementary rhythm between the two of them.

How do you think your interior design background helps you with your food styling talent and skill?

Well, you can say it was helpful in several things like decorating the plate itself, having a vision in arranging all the items together in good composition in order to have a good picture, and of course, it made it easier for me with the colour palette.

How does one become a food stylist?

Know how to decorate a plate, or at least make it look pleasing to the eye, and create a good set up. It’s preferable to own a variety of different types and shapes of serving plates, backdrops and accessories. Always look into developing your techniques and tools.

Walk us through taking a picture of food from the food to the backdrop to the final touches.

At first, I go through thinking of what is the dish that I want to make and which of the plates, backdrops and accessories that I’m going to use. Then I researches about the recipe and etc., then I go buy the ingredients, and return to start making the dish. While cooking, I prepare the set up and put everything in place because it supposed to look fresh. Once it’s done, I place the food on a plate and immediately start taking the shots, and then comes the final touches with the editing process.

So you do the cooking and baking as well?

Yes I did. I made all the dishes that I had photographed. Food photography made me want to try and learn new recipes and techniques, and to present a variety of content – although all my recipes are just for desserts and baking.

You can say that I’m a good cook, but I like to make desserts more and bake too.

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In your opinion, how important is food styling and presentation?

I think it’s so important specially nowadays. It’s necessary when it comes to marketing for a restaurant or a food brand, because when people decide to go to a restaurant, first thing they do is search up for the restaurant’s accounts on social media to make sure that they will be pleased by the food they will be having. After, they surely will post the pictures on social media. Without styling and good presentation, they will not be fascinated to try the food.

In Sudan, the concept of food styling and presentation is uncommon. What are your thoughts on how to introduce the concept in Sudan?

I think it should start from the advertising agencies to put more effort when it comes to styling, because nowadays the media has a big influence on people. When people see well-styled or presented food on every platform on a daily basis, they will start recreating it and adding their own special touches too.

Do you use a professional camera for all your photos or do you use a smart phone ?

At first I was using only my smart phone, but recently I started using a professional camera as I wanted to develop myself and be more professional.

I was passionate about photography since forever, I bought my first camera in 2009 and I used to take photos of everything around me. I was the family member who was known by my photography obsession.

What do you see yourself doing with your new-found talent in food styling and photography?

I hope it turns to a professional career one day, specially that I’m passionate about it and I enjoy doing it so much. I always look forward to develop this new-found passion.

What tips can you provide for those who are interested in food styling and photography such as food bloggers?

Always try to have your own special touches. Don’t be afraid to try new techniques that matches your ways. And be open to criticism because without it, you’ll not be able to develop.

To see more of Thuraya Mahmoud’s work, follow her on Twitter @phthmo and/or Instagram @thya.m.ph.