Adventures of Kevin the Carrot: Christmas meal inspiration

Pulling crackers, reading bad jokes and most importantly, eating: The Christmas traditions that will never get old. Styled by BOSS Creative Nick Walsh, in the next instalment from Aldi, Kevin the Carrot explores the table at Christmas lunch.

Let's Get Diwali Started! Olivia Gartley for ASDA

BOSS food stylist Olivia Gartley worked on this spicy ad for ASDA to celebrate the festival of Diwali. We love the close ups of crushed Cardamom seeds and colourful, crunchy chillies.

See all of our Manchester-based food stylists' profiles on our website.

Modelling scams - don’t get caught out!

After the recent reports on BBC Watchdog’s Rogue Traders feature about photographic company Kube Studios in Manchester charging people hundreds of pounds for portfolio shots, we would like to issue a word of warning.

On the programme, which aired last night, the BBC claim that Kube Studios use images they have taken of children to pressure parents into a sale with the promise of a modelling career. The company are also known as Luxe Models and The Model Factory, advertising recruitment of adult models. On the programme, the BBC show that Kube Studios charged one woman £2000 for a full set of model cards, a website and professional photos.

Our Senior Booker Lauren Mellor said, ‘There is absolutely no need to have professional portfolio photographs taken before joining a model agency. You do not need to go to a photo studio to be taken on by a modelling agency. Like any credible modelling agency, we meet models before we take them on and arrange to have pictures taken by a photographer that we recommend. We will only do this once we have agreed to sign a model to our books.’

Please be aware of modelling scams and companies such as Kube Studios. If you are ever unsure about whether a modelling agency is credible, you can check with the Association of Model Agents (AMA), their website is http://www.associationofmodelagents.org/

Boss Model Management have a junior and adults division with the opportunity to apply online at www.bossmodelmanagement.co.uk

'Last Days of Disco' Styled by Sarah Hills-Smtih

We can finally start planning for party season! These looks from Glamorous were styled by our BOSS Creative Sarah Hills-Smith and we are seriously in love with them. Sequins, crop-tops and crushed velvet: What more could you ask for in a disco collection? See all the looks here.

BOSS Creatives for Oak Furniture Land

The signs are everywhere - Christmas is coming! Although we're dreading Christmas shopping, who can argue with the anticipation of a Christmas dinner? Our BOSS Creatives Lucy Hallard and Rebecca Cawthra worked on the styling and hair and make-up for Oak Furniture Land's festive ad 'Extended Family,' themed around the inevitable unexpected guests around Christmas time!

#BritishSausageWeek - Sausage Roll Goals from Kate Phillips

With mash, in a roll, slathered in brown sauce: It's time to celebrate the Great British sausage! Our talented Manchester-based Food Stylist Kate Phillips styled some delicious sausage rolls with a festive theme. We're drooling over her Cranberry and Stilton Luxury Rolls, Mulled Spice Rolls and Pork, Chutney and West Country Cheddar Garland!

See Kate's full profile and contact details on our website and have a look at our Pinterest board for some sausage-spiration.

'Witches Bitches' and 'Scream Queens' Styled by Sarah Hills-Smith

BOSS Creative Sarah Hills-Smith has used her fashion styling skills to create chic and glamorous witches in these mystic editorials. Look no further for your Halloween outfit inspiration!

See Sarah's full profile on our website.

Festive Food Inspiration from Kate Phillips

We hate to say it, but Christmas is quickly approaching. While September only seemed like yesterday, somehow, next week will bring us into November.

For those organised people out there, we have put together some festive food photos, expertly styled by BOSS Creative Kate Phillips. Whether you're starting to make Christmas lists or just need a little foospiration for this year's dinner, these ideas are a good place to start. 

Behind the scenes with team BOSS

It may not yet be snowing in Manchester but last week our BOSS team hit the slopes for Aldi Skiwear.

BOSS stylist Donnette teamed up with hair and make-up artist Jemma to create rosy cheeks and pull together ice cool outfits.

To make it a full house, the shoot featured BOSS model Matt, who brought brought along his dog Barney!

So you want to be a food stylist? Q&A with Paul Dickson

After starting as a chef many years ago, BOSS Creative Paul Dickson moved into the world of food styling. In this post, he tells us his top tips for aspiring food stylists and reveals the highlight of his career so far.   

Did you always want to work with food?

I started as a chef many years ago and now my career has evolved into a nice mix of food styling, cooking and teaching.

How did you start out in food styling?

I have always naturally been drawn to great food images and I have a HUGE collection of cook books. My first food styling break was with Country Range.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a food stylist?

Start by snapping your own food and post it on Instagram, read cookbooks and if you can get the chance, shadow an experienced food stylist. Go for it!

What do you think would surprise people about food styling?

You never stop learning new techniques and the job is very varied. Things aren’t always as they seem in the final image!

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I like working with like minded creative people and the problem solving aspect of the job.

It’s national chocolate week! What is your favourite kind of chocolate and how do you like to eat it?

I love chocolate - particularly dark 85%. Luckily for me I’m the only one who likes chocolate in my house so I can eat just a few squares per night without the worry of people stealing the rest out of the fridge!

Are there any projects that have been a highlight of your career so far?

I loved working with Country Range on frozen fruit. We worked on a ‘5 Ways With Fruit’ shoot and I was given total freedom on both recipe development and images. I was really pleased with the summer pudding shot with a jug of cream that came out from the shoot – it’s so simple and the lighting works really well.

See more of Paul's work on our website