Food Photography

Taking food photos is an art form. It takes a lot of experience to get it right. Non-the-less here are some simple tips to help.

Lighting the scene
The first important technique food photographers should learn, is lighting.

When photographing food you should treat it as you would any other kind of subject and make sure it is lit correctly. Many pictures can be improved by using adequate lighting. Natural light is the best light source to use, by a window is an ideal location. Natural light cuts out the shadows and gives the food a more natural look which all food photographers want.

Using Props
The right props can bring a simple food dish alive. Some food types like fast food is dull and lifeless so choosing the right props of fresh fruit, vegetables, plates, candles, etc., will make the dull become magic. To be a great food photographer you must have a special eye and flair for design. If you have this skill naturally you will fly.

If you do a lot of food photography then shopping at second hand markets can be a great way to build your box of props. You can pick up inexpensive items like large pots, dishes and vases for a few dollars.

Be fast or else
If you're a slower perfectionist then food photography may be hard for you to master.

Like master chefs that throw masterpiece dishes together in minutes, master food photographers capture the essence in minutes, too. "Be quick or else it will be a mess" is the thing to remember with food photography. As soon as food warms or cools, it droops, melts, discolors and a whole range of other things. Once the food is ready, you should be shooting.


A way to improve your food photographs
One simple way is to utilize a high quality, vegetable oil and brush it on the food. This will create a high quality, shiny finish that we love to see on food.

Get to know the chef
You will usually be working with a food professional, be it a stylist or chef.
Take a few minutes before the shoot to talk with the chef and ask them how they like to work. Ask them if there is anything you need to know about the food that may not be obvious. Working off of each other is the best approach.