Food photography tips for bloggers

Food PR and food photography have recently gained popularity

If you’ve ever needed to take some food photographs or think this is something you might want to try, here’s a few quick tips for you to get started.  Feel free to add your own tips or ask questions.

                                                              
                                                              Food Photography Tips

#1 – PICK THE FRESH  INGREDIENTS

If the skin looks wrinkled, scarred or damaged take it out and get a new one  or angle it in a such way so as not to see the bad side. You’re often photographing these things really close up so even the tiniest flaws will show up.

#2 - LIGHTING IS EVERYTHING!

Try to use daylight , it is key to texture and making it appetizing looking.  This will also allow any steam to show up in the image.  Steam or smoke will show up prominently when lit from behind. Notice how much more appetizing the corn and bean salad looks in the second image, and the only difference is the angle of light.

 

#3 – KEEP IT SIMPLE

Take out stuff you don’t need. Take out things on the table that are distracting and pair down to just one plate of food.  If the food once cooked is unattractive only show a portion of it , get creative with props and cropping and when in doubt follow the “more is less” rule of thumb.

#4 – USE SIMPLE PROPS FOR DECOR

Simple plates, cutlery, etc. and raw ingredients make great extra props. When I did a lot of food photography I had a cupboard full of different plates, placements and bowls, but only one of each!  Stick to non-patterned plates and bowls so the food stands out more.

#5 KEEP THE PLATES CLEAN

This goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway. The plates and props holding the food must be absolutely 100% pristine, clean, flaw free . Like most food requires, any imperfections will show up and look like the dish is messy or incomplete.