I love food photography almost just as much as I enjoy eating. *Insane statement I know*
Between begging hosts for window seats that were perfectly sun-kissed and posting Instagram photos mid-meal, I discovered I had a slight addiction.
I’ve gotten used to a cold meal in exchange for an amazing shot. You will, too.
The way food photography makes people feel is what I enjoy most. Anyone can connect with my food-centric Instagram feed. Perhaps it reminds them of dipping warm chocolate chip cookies in milk when they were a child. Or when they spend a lot of money on a Michelin Star Restaurant in New York City.
Food can bring us together at family meals, parties, events, and even social media. This brings me to you, my fellow foodie.
You probably want your photos to be perfect if you are new to blogging. Perfection is a goal that some people claim to be impossible, but I find it boring. The photos with the most personality are the best. ADD YOUR UNIQUE TOUCH. These photos are different, centred off-centre and stand out among the millions of pictures shared online.
Food photography tips will help you set the tone of your blog!!
1. Take advantage of Natural Light
The yin of every food photographer is daylight, your new bestie. Natural light is my number one tool for highlighting texture, vibrancy, and colour. First, direct sunlight produces two types of photos. Softer natural light creates a different kind. Direct sunlight can produce harsh shadows and glares, but I also love the dramatic look it gives. For beginners, the diffused light coming from a restaurant’s window is a great place to begin. This is the easiest light to use and the most forgiving when editing. Pro tip: try lighting food on the side for soft shadows.
2. Choose a Neutral Environment
What is your biggest pet peeve? Chefs are taking pictures of their beautiful creations in an EXPO window. Food photographed on metal surfaces can feel unfinished unless you are capturing behind-the-scenes moments or a dish that is being plated. Use your favourite restaurant table or bar as a backdrop for a photo. When I shoot for clients, the textures and materials I see around me help me tell their story. Wood and darker surfaces give off a rustic feel, while brighter white granite and softer surfaces convey a modern vibe. The setting you choose to shoot in will give a good impression of the restaurant that you are blogging about.
3. Style the entire shot, not just the food
Props are the answer ( pun not intended). Style an entire photograph using the same method as plating one dish. To make each photo feel more real and inviting, I use fresh ingredients and charming utensils. I also like to add cocktails and napkins. This tip can be used by making sure that each element tells the story of your dish. Remember, our eyes are drawn to symmetry and patterns. Your audience will be able to tell where they should look by the way you set up your shot.
4. Finding the Right Angle
Angles can make or break a photograph. In food photography, there are three main angles: straight on, overhead and at 45 degrees. Straight-on is the best angle to use when you are trying to capture movement and height, such as a stack or sugar dusting. Overhead shots work best with patterns, geometric shapes and communal-style items like cheese and charcuterie. To find the best perspective, you can also experiment with depth of focus. This brings us to that infamous 45-degree view. This is my favourite angle, and I use it most often when I’m trying to highlight a particular item. I always find myself focusing on Cacio e Pepe, who is beautifully twirled about a fork.
5. Add a Human Element to Make a Huge Impact
I am always literally hands-on when I shoot for social media, the web, or email marketing campaigns. From monitoring social media channels for clients, I discovered that adding hands to food photography increases engagement (by almost 30 %!).). When you think about it, this makes a lot of sense. Your photography becomes more inviting and relatable when it is interactive. Here’s your chance to show off the guest experience. Have fun with it!
6. It is a must to have clean or perfectly polished nails
Please make sure that your nails look presentable if you are going to hold an eclair or any other object up in the air. Nothing is worse than having your unmanicured or chipped nails overshadow the food in a picture. This is why “sticking out like a red thumb” has become a cliché. Ask someone else to do the modelling if your nails are not camera-ready.
7. Edit before you upload
It’s like adding a cherry to an ice cream sundae. Although it’s not essential, it can help complete the look. Editing allows you to have complete control of aesthetics and create your style. There are many apps (free or almost free), like Snapseed and VSCO, that let you edit images on your phone. Adobe Lightroom Classic CC offers endless editing options, as well as filter presets for beginners. Ready, set, edit.
Have questions? Please email me at melissa@foodxfeels.com or subscribe to my newsletter for fresh tips. I can take over the photography if you don’t like it. I am always open to new clients.
