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Bonani Hazarika: Crafting Artful Food Imagery with Precision and Creativity

Bonani Hazarika

Bonani Hazarika is a distinguished food stylist and recipe creator with a background in Computer Science, now passionately dedicated to the art of food and photography. Leveraging experience with renowned brands and agencies, Hazarika specializes in enhancing the visual appeal of food for restaurants, pubs, startups, and F&B companies. Emphasizing meticulous planning and transparency, each project is approached with a clear strategy to ensure seamless execution and client satisfaction.

 The picture has been shared by Bonani Hazarika
Picture Credit: Bonani Hazarika

The focus is on creating visually enticing food images that captivate and engage, supported by collaborations with advertising agencies, food photographers, and production houses. Committed to excellence, Bonani Hazarika  guarantees high-quality results and maintains strong client relationships through consistent communication and adherence to project guidelines.

Bonani Hazarika Embarks on Her Journey as a Food Stylist

I started my journey as a food stylist in 2017. I am a Computer Science Graduate from IIT Ropar and I worked as a Software Developer and Business Analyst before the got into food styling.
How does your background in computer science influence your approach to food styling and recipe creation? Are there any particular skills or methodologies from your previous career that you find particularly useful in your current work?
My background in computer science significantly shapes my approach to food styling and recipe creation. The problem-solving and analytical thinking from my tech career help me break down complex styling challenges into manageable tasks, ensuring each detail contributes to the overall visual harmony. The precision and attention to detail required in programming also translate into my work, where every element is meticulously arranged.
 The picture has been shared by Bonani Hazarika
Picture Credit: Bonani Hazarika
Additionally, the iterative process from software development parallels my method of experimenting with different compositions until I achieve the perfect balance. Lastly, my tech skills allow me to effectively use digital tools and platforms, ensuring my work is both visually compelling and well-optimized for social media.
In your experience with various brands and agencies, what strategies have you found most effective for translating a client’s vision into compelling food imagery? Can you describe a project where these strategies were especially crucial?
In my experience, the most effective strategies for translating a client’s vision into compelling food imagery start with clear communication. Understanding their goals, target audience, and brand identity is crucial. I often create detailed mood boards and visual references to align our visions before the shoot. Collaboration is key—I work closely with the client throughout the process, welcoming feedback at every stage.

Another effective strategy is to focus on storytelling. I aim to convey the essence of the brand or product through the imagery, whether it’s the warmth of comfort food or the elegance of a fine dining experience. Paying attention to the smallest details, like color palettes, textures, and props, ensures the final images resonate with the intended message. Lastly, flexibility and adaptability are essential. I’m always prepared to adjust my approach based on real-time feedback or unexpected challenges, ensuring the final outcome exceeds the client’s expectations.

Balancing Artistry and Practicality in Food Styling: Bonani Hazarika Shares Insights from a Challenging Project

Balancing artistic vision with practical constraints is a crucial aspect of food styling. My approach involves careful planning and adaptability. I begin by understanding the creative goals and then assess the logistical aspects, such as budget, time, and the physical properties of the food. This allows me to anticipate challenges and find creative solutions that align with both the vision and practical limits.

A challenging project where this balance was tested was during an MTR Badam milk shoot. The vision required a perfect, consistent look for the milk, but real milk wasn’t holding up well under the lighting conditions. To achieve the desired aesthetic, I experimented with unconventional materials like phenyl and Dettol to create fake milk that mimicked the look of the real thing. This allowed us to maintain the visual integrity of the shoot while overcoming the practical constraints of working with real milk.

Given the rapid evolution of trends in food styling and photography, how do you stay informed about emerging techniques and preferences? What methods do you use to ensure that your work remains fresh and relevant in a competitive market?
To stay informed about emerging trends in food styling and photography, I regularly engage with industry publications and follow leading stylists and photographers on social media. This helps me keep a pulse on new techniques, styles, and consumer preferences.
Bonani Hazarika
Picture Credit: Bonani Hazarika

 

I also experiment with different styles and approaches in my work, pushing creative boundaries to keep my portfolio fresh. Collaborating with other creatives and seeking feedback from clients ensures that I’m not only staying relevant but also continuously evolving.

Transparency and communication are key components of your working style. Can you discuss a situation where clear communication significantly impacted the outcome of a project? How do you address potential misunderstandings or challenges during the project lifecycle?

Transparency and communication are indeed central to my working style. A situation where clear communication significantly impacted the outcome was during a video project for Third Wave Coffee. The client had a specific vision for how they wanted the setup to be and the clear visuals from the client’s end and in-depth discussions helped clarify the creative direction and ensured we were on the same page. Throughout the shoot, I maintained open communication, regularly checking in with the client to make sure we were aligned.

When potential misunderstandings or challenges arise, I address them by encouraging open dialogue and asking for feedback at every stage. If any issues do come up, I’m proactive in finding solutions, whether that means adjusting the styling, tweaking the lighting, or even reshooting a scene if necessary. This approach ensures that the final product meets or exceeds the client’s expectations.

News Shot 24
Author: News Shot 24

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