Food photography and food blogging is fast becoming a trend. Take a look at anyone’s Instagram or Facebook albums and inevitably you’ll find at least five food photos of delicious restaurant meals or home-cooked creations. However, what looks mouthwatering in person can easily be turned into an unappetizing meal with the push of a button. This month’s tips will help you capture the best photos of your most scrumptious meals.
Food photography and food blogging is fast becoming a trend. Take a look at anyone’s Instagram or Facebook albums and inevitably you’ll find at least five food photos of delicious restaurant meals or home-cooked creations. However, what looks mouthwatering in person can easily be turned into an unappetizing meal with the push of a button. This month’s tips will help you capture the best photos of your most scrumptious meals.
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Perfect choice
When you buy fruits and flowers you always make sure the fruits are plump and the items are fresh and full of colour. The same applies when choosing you meals to photograph. Pick meals that require ingredients with vibrant colors and most important select a good plate, preferably a solid colour, which will enhance the food you place on it.
Arrangement
In the professional cooking world, this is known as plating and is almost as important to many professional chefs as actual taste. If you make a delicious meal that is thrown haphazardly onto a plate it may not look very appetizing. Take the time to arrange your food on the plate so that it is appealing to the eyes and tastebuds. Adding fresh herbs are a great way to add a pop of colour. Also consider the size and shape of your items. And never place the biggest piece of food in the front. This will distract the eye from everything else on the plate.
Lighting
As with any successful photograph lighting is key. You don’t need professional lights to get the right looks. If you’re at home try using lamps or even flash lights to properly light your creation. If your light source can’t be moved then simply move your food to a better spot in the kitchen or home and test out the best spot to capture the perfect shot.
Composition
Always keep in mind the angle you are shooting from. Does the food look proportionate? What are the textures on your plate? Does the food look good from above or a raised angle? Think about what you are shooting as well. Soup for example can sometimes be reflective depending on your angle, giving you terrible glare.
Background
Whenever possible try using objects such as glasses, plates or wine bottles to add ambiance to your photo. Placing your fork in the right way or having a part of it appear in the frame can help add depth and dimension to your photos.
Editing
Refrain from using the special filters in your camera or photo editing software. Food should look delicious naturally, you can boost the contrast and saturation, but the moment the colors are no longer realistic you have gone too far and you may want to start again.
For more great tips and tricks, feel free to browse through our Photography course and click and edit pictures like a pro!
Erik
