Photos Good Enough To Eat - A Guide To Food Photography
Whether you're a professional photographer or just starting out, food photography can be a rewarding and challenging genre. From styling and composition to lighting and camera settings, there are many factors to consider when creating mouthwatering images. In this guide, I'll cover some basic techniques and tips to help you get started in the world of food photography. Whether you're looking to improve your Instagram foodie shots or create beautiful images for a restaurant menu, I hope this guide will provide you with some useful insights and inspiration.
All photos used in this article were taken by myself.
Let's get started!
Choosing the right lighting
Natural light is generally the best light for food photography. It is softer and more diffused than artificial light, which can help to create a more appealing and appetizing image. If you don't have access to natural light, you can use artificial light sources such as softboxes or diffusers to create a similar effect. Avoid using flash as it can wash out the colours of the food and create harsh shadows. It's also a good idea to avoid shooting in direct sunlight, as it can create strong shadows and overexpose the image. Instead, try shooting in the shade or during the golden hour (the hour just after sunrise or just before sunset) for the most flattering light.
Experiment with angles
Try shooting from different angles to see which one works best for the food you are photographing. Some options include:
Bird's eye view: This angle is achieved by shooting from directly above the food. This perspective is great for showing off the layout and design of the dish, as well as any interesting textures or patterns. It can also be a great way to show off the layout and arrangement of the dishes and ingredients and can be especially effective for flat lay shots.
45-degree angle: This angle is achieved by shooting from slightly above and to the side of the food. This perspective can be very flattering for many dishes, as it adds depth and dimension to the image. It can be especially effective for showcasing the height of stacked or layered items.
The straight-on shot: This angle is achieved by shooting straight on at the food. It can be a good way to show off the color and shape of the dishes and can be especially effective for showcasing the details and ingredients of the food., as well as any garnishes or sauces.
Whilst there are a few angles that are generally considered to be the most effective for food photography it's also a good idea to use a tripod to keep the camera steady.
Ultimately, the best angle will depend on the specific dish and the overall aesthetic you are trying to achieve. It's often helpful to try shooting from a few different angles to see which one works best
Use props
Adding props such as a tablecloth, napkins, or utensils can add depth and interest to your photos. Be careful not to overdo it though – you don't want the props to distract from the main subject, which is the food. Styling the food can also make a big difference. Play with different angles, textures, and arrangements to create an appealing and appetizing image.
Play with composition
Use the rule of thirds to create a balanced and visually appealing composition. Place the main subject of the photo along one of the lines or at the intersection of them. Consider placing the plate off-center rather than directly in the middle of the frame. You can also use leading lines (e.g. the edge of a table or the steam coming off a dish) to draw the viewer's eye into the photo.
In addition to different compositions, it is worthwhile looking at ways to use negative space. Negative space in food photography refers to the empty or unoccupied areas around and between the subject of the photograph. Using negative space effectively can add visual interest to a photograph and draw the viewer's attention to the subject. Here are a few tips for using negative space in food photography:
Use negative space to create balance: Negative space can help to balance out the composition of a photograph and make the subject more prominent.
Consider the background: The background of a photograph can help to create negative space. Choose a background that is simple and uncluttered to create a sense of negative space around the subject. I will explore background in a bit more detail later on in this article.
Use negative space to create a sense of depth: Negative space can be used to create a sense of depth in a photograph by using layers of negative space. You can also create a sense of depth using different apertures, something I will explore later in the article.
Pay attention to the edges of the frame: Be mindful of the edges of the frame when composing a photograph. Using negative space along the edges can help draw the viewer's attention towards the center of the photograph
Show movement
If the food you are photographing has a lot of movement, such as steam or drips, try to capture it in the photo to give a sense of action.
Consider the background
The background of your photo can greatly impact the overall look and feel of the image. A simple, uncluttered background can help the food stand out, while an interesting or textured background can add depth and context to the photo. Be sure to consider both the colour and texture of the background;
Background colour
Choose a background colour that complements the colours of the food. For example, a white or light-coloured background can work well for brightly coloured foods, while a darker background can help to make lighter-coloured foods stand out.
Background texture
Choose a background with a texture that complements the food. For example, a rustic wood surface can work well for hearty, rustic dishes, while a smooth, shiny surface can work well for more elegant, refined foods.
Use the right camera settings
Set your camera to manual mode so that you can control the exposure, aperture, and ISO.
ISO controls the sensitivity of the camera's sensor, so a lower ISO (e.g. 100) will result in less noise/grain in the photo.
Playing with the aperture will directly affect the depth of field in the photo. In photography, depth of field refers to the range of distances in a photograph that appear to be in focus. A shallow depth of field means that only a small portion of the photograph is in focus, while a deep depth of field means that a large portion of the photograph is in focus.
There are a few factors that affect depth of field in a photograph:
Aperture: The aperture of a camera, which is the size of the lens opening, plays a big role in depth of field. A wider aperture (e.g. f/2.8) will result in a shallow depth of field, while a narrower aperture (e.g. f/16) will result in a deeper depth of field.
Focal length: The focal length of a lens also affects depth of field. A longer focal length (e.g. 200mm) will result in a shallower depth of field, while a shorter focal length (e.g. 50mm) will result in a deeper depth of field.
Distance to subject: The distance of the subject to the camera also affects depth of field. A subject that is closer to the camera will have a shallower depth of field, while a subject that is farther away will have a deeper depth of field.
In general, a shallow depth of field can be used to draw attention to a specific part of the photograph, while a deep depth of field can be used to keep the entire photograph in focus
Plate your food properly
Here are a few tips for presenting food so that it is appealing:
Use attractive plateware: Choose plateware that is appropriate for the type of food you are serving and that complements the colour and style of the dish.
Arrange the food artfully: Take the time to arrange the food on the plate in a visually appealing way. Consider the balance, texture, and colour of the dishes, and try to create a pleasing overall composition.
Add garnishes or decorative elements: Consider adding garnishes or other decorative elements to the plate to add interest and appeal. For example, you could add a sprinkle of herbs, a drizzle of sauce, or a sprig of flowers.
What camera lens is best for food photography?
There are a few lenses that are particularly well-suited for food photography. A macro lens is a great choice because it allows you to get up close and personal with the food, capturing all the intricate details and textures.
A 50mm lens is also a good option, as it provides a natural perspective and is great for shooting food in a more documentary style.
A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing a sense of place or context, such as a beautiful table setting or a bustling restaurant scene.
Ultimately, the best lens for food photography will depend on your personal style and the look you are trying to achieve.
A guide to food photography - Conclusion
In conclusion, food photography can be a creative and rewarding hobby but it requires practice and experimentation. By learning about the basic principles of photography, such as aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, and by understanding how to use your camera and equipment effectively, you can take beautiful and striking photographs of meals you cook and order in restaurants. Additionally, by paying attention to composition, lighting, and other artistic elements, you can create images that are visually appealing but downright delicious.