Are you trying to learn how to take pictures of food? If yes, you should check out some of our best photography tips by clicking here.
Using cute food pictures of food is an easy way to attract attention. All you need to know is how to take pictures of food. With these top tips for photographing food, you will be able to capture culinary delights like a pro.
Great photos of food are well thought out, clean, and vibrant. You will want to pay close attention to the details while also seeing the big picture.
Here we are going to take you through the thought process to create beautiful pictures of food. Follow these top photography tips for food pictures that wow your audience.
How to Take Pictures of Food
Photographing food is a process. If taken step-by-step you can create an amazing shot that will wow and inspire others.
Plan Ahead
A good place to start is with some questions.
Ask yourself about your desired intent before cooking or ordering. This will give you a sense of clear direction when it comes time to stage and photograph.
Do you want cute food pictures that will make people smile? Will you go for bold colors that pop? Is this a rustic meal that needs a homestyle touch?
Answering these questions will create a vision for your food photos. You can start to plan and make decisions about how you want your food to not only look but feel.
You don’t have to spend hours, take a few moments to work through your vision. When you’re deciding how to take pictures of food your imagination is the first step.
Natural Light
Natural light is the easiest way to capture your food in, well, the best light. You don’t want direct sunlight. Shadows can dull your image or block some areas that you want to showcase.
An overcast day works best for food photography. You get the natural light without the shadows.
If you do find your scene in direct sunlight then you can diffuse the light and brighten the shadowy areas. Use a curtain or sheet to soften the light.
It will take some practice going to different areas to find the perfect photo. Try your house, backyard, or favorite restaurant until you find the lighting that’s right for you.
High in the Saddle
Create height in your presentation of food. Flat food will call for a flat photo. Always present your food to emphasize height.
Start with a base and build your plate to the point that when you look at an angle you can see the dish cresting over the top.
Varied colors and shapes are key, don’t only pile the food high. Mix and match the way you would a piece of art.
Picking a recipe with vibrant ingredients can do half the work for you.
Clean Plates
This is where that attention to detail comes in. Step back and look at your plate from all angles. Make your presentation is clean. Avoid food splatter or fingerprints around the edges.
Bright Colors
There are two options, contrasting or complementary. Think back to your vision and the feeling you want viewers to experience.
Contrasting colors will help your food pop and can add a sense of fun and excitement.
Complimentary colors feel safe and leaves the viewer feeling calm and at ease.
Whichever you choose, make sure the colors are clean and varied.
Work the Angle
Many great photographs of food are taken from above, directly over the food. Here you can add some people into your photo. They can be holding the dish or passing it between each other.
As another option, an angle can add depth to your photography. It helps to create that POV (point of view) image and can bring in a larger background.
Consider the options you have for backgrounds. If you are able to photograph food outside then you can use the greenery, trees or leaves to help set the scene.
Maybe you have a fun wall, backsplash, or painting at your house? You can take the photograph in front of that for a unique option.
Look at the Whole Picture
When photographing food you should take a test picture once your scene is set.
Look at every detail. You will have to take a step back, look at the picture as a whole and see it through the eyes of your intended viewer.
Make sure that you can’t see something that doesn’t align with your scene like, your shoe, or a dirty dish. This seems obvious but sometimes we focus too much on the subject and not enough on its surroundings.
If you find the scene lacking and want to add more focus to the food, then you can blur out the background. This adds a little mystery to the image while making your food pop.
I Need My Space
A little negative space can be good for photographing food. Don’t overcrowd the food otherwise, it will look too busy and chaotic.
You can have fun with props like:
- Tablecloths
- Utensils (make sure they’re polished)
- Herbs and flowers
- Glasses of wine
- Vegetables or fruit
Make sure you use these things to highlight, not overtake, the main focus.
Take a Bunch
Take multiple photos. Try different angles and light variations. You may find subtle differences that make a large impact on the overall quality of the photo.
Use your instincts when looking through your pictures. When learning how to take pictures of food there will be some trial and error.
Share With the World
Whether Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter, the sky’s the limit! Photos of food have no cultural boundaries and appeal to everyone.
Now that you know how to take pictures of food you’ll be able to provide your followers with amazing content.
If you want to go the extra mile, editing apps and services are available. From building slideshows to how to post on Instagram from Mac you can find advice for everything online.
Get Out There
There’s no more wondering how to take pictures of food, get started!
Using these food photography tips will make creation easy and fun. Remember your basics: clean plates, creating height, telling a story and playing with natural light.
The technology has made it easy, but setting the scene is very much your part to play. Make beautiful food and enjoy taking your food photography to another level!
