Food Photography

Advice

When choosing a location to get your food photographed, prefer a room awash with natural light. Taking photos under natural light is one of the first must-do. Never use your built-in camera flash! This would add unwanted light artefacts and a reflection that does not belong on the plate. Move around the plate (or the product) to find the best light source. Don’t feel obliged to take photos in one location or your kitchen. Avoid cramped areas, and try taking pictures from various angles. Some dishes look much better from above, from a 45-degree angle, or the side if the food has been placed directly onto the table, on a flat surface, or a slate. It’s better to try all sorts of angles and shooting positions to pick your favourite image later.

Minimise the clutter on the table. Do not add props for the sake of adding props. If a spoon, checked napkin, or shabby chic wooden background doesn’t add to the photo, it will distract the viewer from your plate of food. Hiring a stylist to add to the scenery with professional ideas is sometimes better. But that will cost you money. It would be best to focus on what is most important, which is your photography subject. Just keep it simple.