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to capture the best photos of your food with food photography


It’s hard to resist looking at a restaurant’s website or menu and seeing shot after shot of delicious food. Photography is not only beautiful to look at, but it’s crucial for your business’s livelihood.


Think about it. Have you ever seen food photography look boring or unappetizing, and then written off the brand? It’s why it is so important to pay attention to your photos.


Don’t worry, there’s no need for you to spend thousands on a professional food photographer. We’ll be sharing some important tips for food photography to help you get the best shots, regardless of your budget.

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1. Arrange your food


Placing your food is an important part of how someone will perceive your food. It sets the tone for what you create with your food photos.


These are some tips to make great plating:

  • Your food should be the main focus of the photo. If it’s a physical plate, you can add some space on the sides to give it more space. This will create a feeling of spaciousness and draw attention to the prize.
  • You don’t have to be afraid to think like an artist. Use a squeeze bottle to create beautiful lines on your plate. Or use a pair of scissors to place the flower garnish just right. Amazing attention to detail is what makes some of the most striking food photos.
  • You can arrange your food according to the type of food you are photographing. If your food is designed, such as a decorative cake, you can use your plating to give the impression of order and balance.


2. Select your background


Setting and props can make the difference between a boring photograph and one that is beautiful. Another place to consider balance is: Can you balance out a detailed food item with a white background? Can you create a fantasy or aspirational background that will tell a story or transport your viewers into another world?

This is your opportunity to create a brand image and aesthetic for your business. Consider natural backgrounds if your brand is based on plants. This will make your audience think about the beauty and bounty of nature.


Food bloggers, chefs, and brands often go to great lengths in creating stunning photos that make the meal seem like a visual feast. There are professional tips for food photography that will help you create beautiful photos.


You can add simple props like a plate and a napkin to your videos. This will help the viewer to think about what they are eating, which will increase their likelihood of following your brand and buying what you sell.


Another option is to add ingredients to the background. Sprinkle any garnishes you use around the area. You can arrange fresh fruits and vegetables around the plate if you used them. Other props, such as fabrics or home decor items, can be added to the plate.






3. Install lighting


Lighting is an important aspect that can make or break professional food photos. Depending on what dish you are photographing, and whether or not there is good natural lighting available, artificial lighting can be used.


Avoid harsh lighting. This happens when the light source is too close or bright to the food.


This can be avoided by placing your lighting side-by-side with the food, so that it isn’t in direct view. Also, make sure you are far enough away from the light source to not see any shadows or bright spots.


Use natural light wherever possible. You can place your table in a well-lit area if you have it. You can also purchase a light diffuser and affordable light source if you don’t have natural light. These tools will brighten your photos and avoid harsh lighting faux pas.






4. Test different frames


Professional food photographers love to shoot food photography from the top, a bird’s eye view. It’s not the only way to go. Experiment with different frame settings, such as shooting from different angles or using different shooting techniques.


You might have a gorgeous charcuterie board, which can be best seen from the top. A triple-decker sandwich might be a side shot. This allows you to see all its unique layers.


Take photos of food from every angle possible, then choose the best ones.


You might also consider trying different shooting techniques, such as using depth of field to highlight certain areas of the dish while leaving others out. This adds an artistic touch and can highlight interesting textures.






5. Make food photos more appealing


Consider making some minor adjustments to your food photos after you have taken them.

If your budget allows, you could also use Adobe Lightroom as a paid tool. There are many free tools for photo editing.


Be conservative when making edits. You can, for example, make minor adjustments to the color balance and shading. This will allow your food images look more natural and appealing.


Additional tips to remember:


  • Increase the sharpness of the edges to give them more definition

  • Make the food more appealing by using a warmer white balance.

  • Increase the contrast between dark and light areas of an image to enhance its detail.

  • To expose the colors in your food photos, increase the saturation.


You can also use software editing to create new ways to interact with your food. You can make biscuits that look like animals, or use dough to create a landscape. Your chances of being a successful food photographer will increase if you have a unique approach. If you want to contribute to a food blog in the future, you will get unique media assets. )


Becoming a food photographer


It’s not as difficult as you might think to shoot food photography. For beginners, it is important to remember your lighting, framing and editing.


You will likely need to learn new skills along the way, but this should not stop you from getting started. You’ll be amazed at the results if you approach each new skill with an open mind.


Get out there and capture some delicious food photos.


FAQ Food Photography


Take great photos of food using your smartphone.


Certainly! To get the best shot, just follow these food photography tips. You don’t even need a DSLR to capture great food photos with your smartphone camera. You can take high-quality photos of your food in a restaurant, bar or cafe with your iPhone or Samsung Galaxy.


How can I make my food look great in photos?


  • Set up your cutlery and plated dishes before you begin taking photos

  • Try different angles, frames and depths-of-fields in order to highlight the delicious textures of your food.

  • Use soft light to lighten the food and place it on the sides rather than the front. Choose true-to-life colors instead of grays and blues.

  • Use light editing to bring out the warm colors in your food.

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Adeel Qayum
Author: Adeel Qayum

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