STYLING

I style food and lifestyle imagery – from stills to TVCs, digital campaigns to cookbooks – working both in studio and on location.

Whether it’s food styling for a cookbook, set dressing in the art department on commercials, or working with a talented production team on international brand campaigns, I’m stoked to be part of projects that are both creative and collaborative.

My recipe development and food styling work has appeared in Kia Ora magazine, The New Zealand Herald, Viva, New Zealand Woman’s Weekly, The Australian Women’s Weekly, and in campaigns for 5+ A Day, Lee Kum Kee Australia, and Fresh Media. Scroll below for a taster.


Photographer & Stylist: Sophie Merkens. ‘Plant-Based Goodness’ cookbook

Photographer & Stylist: Sophie Merkens. ‘Plant-Based Goodness’ cookbook

Photographer & Stylist: Sophie Merkens. ‘Plant-Based Goodness’ cookbook

Photographer & Stylist: Sophie Merkens. ‘Plant-Based Goodness’ cookbook


Photographer & Stylist: Sophie Merkens. ‘Plant-Based Goodness’ cookbook

Photographer & Stylist: Sophie Merkens. ‘Plant-Based Goodness’ cookbook

Photographer & Stylist: Sophie Merkens. ‘Plant-Based Goodness’ cookbook

Photographer & Stylist: Sophie Merkens. ‘Plant-Based Goodness’ cookbook


Art Director: Sophie Merkens. Client: Video Buzz/ Comvita / Bocuse d’Or NZ


Chef/ Stylist: Sophie Merkens. Videographer/ Photographer: Shaun Maxton. Agency: Fresh

Chef/ Stylist: Sophie Merkens. Videographer/ Photographer: Shaun Maxton. Agency: Fresh

Chef/ Stylist: Sophie Merkens. Videographer/ Photographer: Shaun Maxton. Agency: Fresh

Chef/ Stylist: Sophie Merkens. Videographer/ Photographer: Shaun Maxton. Agency: Fresh

Chef/ Stylist: Sophie Merkens. Videographer/ Photographer: Shaun Maxton. Agency: Fresh

Chef/ Stylist: Sophie Merkens. Videographer/ Photographer: Shaun Maxton. Agency: Fresh

Chef/ Stylist: Sophie Merkens. Videographer/ Photographer: Shaun Maxton. Agency: Fresh

Recipe Developer/ Chef/ Stylist: Sophie Merkens. Photographer: Shaun Maxton. Agency: Fresh. Print media: The Australian Women’s Weekly.

Recipe Developer/ Chef/ Stylist: Sophie Merkens. Videographer: Shaun Maxton. Agency: Fresh.

Recipe Developer/ Chef/ Stylist: Sophie Merkens. Videographer/ Photographer: Shaun Maxton. Agency: Fresh

Recipe Developer/ Chef/ Stylist: Sophie Merkens. Videographer: Shaun Maxton. Agency: Fresh.

Recipe Developer/ Chef/ Stylist: Sophie Merkens. Videographer/ Photographer: Shaun Maxton. Agency: Fresh

Recipe Developer/ Chef/ Stylist: Sophie Merkens. Videographer/ Photographer: Shaun Maxton. Agency: Fresh

Stylist: Sophie Merkens. Director: Jay Wanakore. Camera Operator: Shaun Maxton. Client: Fresh

Recipe Developer/ Chef/ Stylist: Sophie Merkens. Videographer/ Photographer: Shaun Maxton. Agency: Fresh


Stylist: Sophie Merkens. Photographer: Shaun Maxton. Agency: Fresh. Client: Pams

Stylist: Sophie Merkens. Videographer: Shaun Maxton. Agency: Fresh. Client: New Zealand Venison. Collaboration: Naomi Toilalo

Recipe Developer/ Chef/ Stylist: Sophie Merkens. Videographer/ Photographer: Shaun Maxton. Agency: Fresh


Recipe Developer/ Photographer/ Stylist: Sophie Merkens. Client: Studio Butter/ Anchor

Recipe Developer/ Photographer/ Stylist: Sophie Merkens. Client: Studio Butter/ Anchor


Art Department/ Set Decorator: Sophie Merkens. Client: The Red Film Co Ltd.


Recipe Development/ Styling/ Photography: Sophie Merkens for MCD

Recipe Development/ Food Styling/ Photography: Sophie Merkens. Client: Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations.