About

“Every dish has it’s own story to tell. Let’s look at it from a new perspective. Let’s make it shine.”
 
Portrait of Mary Valentin holding a blowtorch

As a food stylist, artist and culinary creative with over 20 years experience, Mary offers a well seasoned, holistic view on food and food imagery. Though she is classically trained, Mary believes that food is most beautiful in its simplest form. Food incites a reaction. It connects us to our senses, emotions and memories. It’s there: that crusty edge, the steam, that drip. Can we imagine the scent?  Can we see flavor? A great food shot will bring us to that place.

Mary’s team is outfitted to expand, with talent and resources to fit your needs, from table-top, print and social media to full broadcast production.

Let’s cook something together!

773-793-9858
mary@maryvalentin.com

 
 
 

Testimonials

“Every food photographer should want Mary on their team. Her culinary execution is equal parts artistic and technical. She’s level-headed and an absolute joy to work with. Most importantly, I trust her implicitly— to problem solve, get the job done and make any project we work on a success. ”
— Huge Galdones
“Mary is the definition of professional. She’s thought out potential pitfalls prior to the creative call and always has options on set. Working with Mary is an absolute joy! Her wealth of experience is evident while fielding virtually any client request and her can-do attitude makes it feel like anything is possible.”
— Jason Little

Select Clients

  • BFA, School of the Art Institute, Chicago

    BPC, Kendall College, Chicago

    IACP WINNER People's Choice in Food Photography/Styling

    Adjunct Instructor, Kendall College, Chicago

    Speaker, Food Photo Festival Denmark

    Artist Residence, Ragdale Foundation

  • IACP, NY
    Panel host with Victoria Granoff and Charlotte Omnes: "The Changing Role of the Food Stylist"

    Upshot Marketing
    Food Styling Trends

    Leo Burnett, Chicago:
    Trends in Food Photography

    Food Photo Festival, Denmark:
    How a Photography Trend Lives and Dies in America
    Food Styling in a Restaurant Setting
    The Changing Role of the Food Stylist
    Styling Flour, Dough and Bread

    IACP, San Francisco:
    How the Eye Reads an Image, Examples of Food in Art History

  • US Foods

    Queue Marketing

    Leo Burnett, Chicago

    Pre Brands