Not all food photography is easy, a lot of them are complicated to shoot. In fact, I have seen a lot of food photography that speaks bad of the food even when the food looks so good. If you are looking for one of the most difficult types of photography, food photography is one. A food photographer is like a painter who starts to paint in different layers. Everything in the photo is a decision. Every piece is perfectly placed by the photographer.
Starting out is usually a daunting task, truly you’re in charge of what you do. You’re the chef, stylist, and photographer. It is one thing to be good or proficient with the camera and it’s another thing to be able to know what to shoot and how to be creative with what you’re shooting. Being intentional is what matters. Whether it is an after-party, or the homemade roasted chicken recipe, like all photography, you’re telling a story.
Here five tips that will help you with food photography:
- USE A PERFECT ANGEL: Often time one will see only one camera angle when it comes to food photography but you need to make the one you choose, a conscious decision. Where you place the camera will affect the type of story you’re trying to tell. There are so many factors to put into consideration such as thinking of the food beforehand: Its size, shape, height and what is unique about it. Place the camera where you think best highlights these qualities and ensure you’re telling a story with the shot.
- MAINTAIN COLOUR: Always try to hunt for props, backgrounds, and tableware that won’t overshadow the food. A lot of food photographers make this mistake when setting out to shoot. It’s great to have props that are colorful, but if you’re not careful that colorful prop can easily upstage your food, and grab all the attention. Most importantly, chose a colour that uplifts your set.
- SHOOT FROM ABOVE: Since shooting from above always gets you more graphic images, there are plenty ways you can shoot that will bring out the aesthetic of the food. Composing images with layers is always a winner. You can create a layer effect that draws the attention of the viewer to the table.
- SHOOT UNDER NATURAL LIGHT: Do not use overhead lights or lamps or your built-in flash. Ever! It is advisable to shoot under natural light. Light is king, and acquiring a few tools to help you control it will bring your food photography up to the next level. Poor use of light will ruin your story and immediately turn off your audience. So make sure the light is not over-saturated and overexposed.
- REMOVE CLUTTER: If that spoon, napkin or busy background doesn’t add to the photo, it detracts from the photo. Focus on what is most important, but don’t zoom in so close that viewers can’t tell what the food is.
Source:
https://digital-photography-school.com/5-tips-to-seriously-improve-your-food-photography-techniques/
