Semilore Anifowose is a Food Photographer based in Nigeria. She’s passionate about food and food styling and she also doubles as a student studying Hospitality and Tourism Management at the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta. She strongly believes that in anything you do, you should be consistent.
- KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF
I’m Semilore Anifowose and I am a food blogger and food photographer. A student of the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, FUNAAB, studying Hospitality and Tourism.
- WHAT WAS GROWING UP LIKE FOR YOU?
I remember I always wanted to be a gynecologist lol. Growing up for me was fun actually because my parents engaged my brother and me in music, and swimming classes. They’re very supportive people, that’s why I’ve been able to grow being a food blogger.
- WHAT’S YOUR EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND?
I went to Richmab International school, Oluyole, Ibadan and Apostolic Faith Secondary school, Ibadan. I’m presently a student of the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta.
WHAT GENRE OF PHOTOGRAPHY ARE YOU INTO?
Food photography.
- WHAT KIND OF CAMERA DO YOU USE FOR YOUR WORKS?
I use an iPhone XS Max, I used an Infinix hot 8 for all my pictures when I started food photography last year till May this year.
- WHAT APP OR PROGRAM DO YOU USE TO EDIT YOUR PHOTO?
I use Snapseed and Lightroom.
- HOW MANY PHOTOS DO YOU TAKE FOR ONE DISH BEFORE YOU DECIDE THAT YOU HAVE THE RIGHT SHOTS?
Hahaha, about 20 pictures because you have to get the right angles and the perfect shot.
- WHAT ARE YOUR TRICKS TO MAKE ”UGLY” FOOD PRETTY?
That will be plating of the food, I will make it appealing that you just want to have a taste of it.
- WHAT ARE YOUR BIGGEST TIPS WHEN IT COMES TO FOOD STYLING?
Food styling starts from cooking your food. For example, when cooking rice, it shouldn’t be mushy or your pasta shouldn’t stick together. When people look at your dish, it should make them want to eat. So, in presentation of your food, good preparation is very important. Try to create an appetite appeal.
- WHAT’S THE ONE THING THAT HELPED YOU IMPROVE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY SKILLS THE MOST?
That will be learning everyday and associating myself with people who are in my niche. It’s an investment and so I’ve signed up for several food photography classes.
- WHAT IS THE ONE TIP YOU WOULD GIVE TO BEGINNER FOOD PHOTOGRAPHERS?
You don’t have to start big, start with what you have, enough of the excuses. I started food photography with an Infinix phone and used it for over a year. You don’t need an iPhone or a camera to start, make use of what you have!
- ANY LAST WORDS?
In anything you do, be consistent! You don’t know who’s watching. Do not compare yourself with anyone, we are all on different journeys. The sky is large enough to accommodate everyone of us. We’ll all make it.
To know more about Semilore Anifowose and her amazing images, visit her page on Instagram
@semilore|simplerecipes (@semziesfood)
