The Love of Food

Trace Hayes: Visual Fare Food Photography & Food Styling

Trace's food images have splashed, simmered and dazzled in national advertising, cookbooks, magazines, billboards, television and film for over 20 years.

He has been controlling, designing and presenting food for nearly 4 decades and the deep understanding of how food "behaves" reflects his original training as a seasoned chef.

One of only a handful of professionals that provides BOTH food photography and food styling, Trace offers a comprehensive and cost effective solution to his clients.

Providing a one-stop shopping alternative, our clients save time, money and travel without sacrificing quality. Visual Fare uses state of the art cameras and lights and employs innovative and sophisticated food styling techniques.

As a result of our streamlined approach, we are able to pass substantial savings on to our customers without sacrificing the integrity of our images. Additionally, with over 25 years experience in food styling and food photography, our work flow is seamless and virtually problem-free for our clients. We get beautiful images every time.

We provide both location and studio photography and have perfected the art of virtual real-time photo shoots. Based in Dallas, Texas, Visual Fare currently provides affordable custom food and drink images for both national and international markets.

Mama Said..Don't Play With Your Food, but I didn't listen...Good Thing!

The History Behind the Images

Trace's passion for food began early on while working at the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park Colorado. He later opened the Inn of the Mountain Gods in Ruidoso, New Mexico, where famed Chef John Frye, intensively trained him to become Executive Chef for the Resort. He remained there until relocating to Tamarron Resort in Durango Colorado as Executive Garde Manger. He was Chef Owner of his own restaurant Trace's Steakhouse, and years later opened The Mirage in Las Vegas as the Executive banquet Chef. While working there, he met a photographer that commented "You should be a Food Stylist" and as they say, the rest is history.

The Epicurean award-winning food stylist’s attention to detail, calm demeanor, and extensive food knowledge have attracted a strong client base for print and video including: Canyon Ranch Spa Cookbook, and Top Chef University. The food empires of Wolfgang Puck, Charlie Palmer, Michael Mina, and Emeril Lagasse have all contracted with him for their specialty food projects.

As a Food Stylist on the film front, he has produced food for Tyson, Lay’s, Everybody Loves Raymond, Sonic Drive-In, Las Vegas Vacation, and The Food Channel, to name a few.

Trace has combined his training and experience as an Executive Chef, Food Stylist, and Food Photographer extraordinaire, into what is now Visual Fare Food Photography and Food Styling. Simply Said: We do it ALL.

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