Make Food Come Alive With Food Photography

Cake Photo

A good food photograph is one which makes the mouth to literally water because if the food doesn’t look appetizing in the photo, no one will want to try it. As a good food photographer, your job is to create a photograph that is visually stunning while stimulating other senses in the viewer as well. When undertaking food photography, there are some useful points you should note so as to get that perfect image and also bring the component of “taste” into the photo.

Choose the Ideal Backdrop and Accessories
Keep the backdrop simple so that the viewer’s eyes won’t be drawn away from the food. Remember that even the most tantalizing food will look dull and unappetizing if you are careless about the background. You can use plain white or uncluttered backgrounds or lightly patterned paper to help focus your image. Choose the accessories carefully, such as silverware and candles which will provide a traditional set around which to frame the food. Choose the very best food and focus on quality of the food over the quantity.

Garnish Your Food

Sandwich Picture

Arrange and style your food carefully for that dramatic effect. When using fruits or vegetables as part of your set, make them shine like they have just been plucked. An idea is to ice lettuce or to brush some glycerin on apples to make them appear fresh and juicy. Garnishing is also very important as it is used to complement the food and make it look its very best. For example you can chop chives and scatter it in small bowls of different sauces or soups giving your work of art added depth and interest, or you can crumble some cheese on the side of the plate for a cheese sandwich photo adding more effect.

Have Good Lighting
While taking your photos, have a good selection of lenses, use as much natural light as possible while avoiding harsh shadows and highlights. Use a soft, diffused light source or a shaded area that is reflected with natural lighting. Be careful while using a flash as it may make the food come out shiny and unappetizing. Light your food from the side to bring out the texture and details in it rather than lighting it from the front as this may give your photo a flat image with no texture because of incoming shadows.
When taking the photos at night and trying to capture the romance and gentleness of candle light, you can go for a digitally “slower” camera instead.

Food Plate Picture

Capture Photos from Different Angles
You can opt to use one zoom length and play around different angles because the purpose is to make your shot creative rather than predictable. Remember the purpose of the angle you choose will depend on the food you will be photographing. It’s important to note that food with detail on the side, for example a burger, is best photographed from the side; while where most detail is on the top of the food, like a bowl of soup, is best photographed from above. To get that true culinary experience, remember to take a number of shots prior that will take into account the ingredients, preparation, and the cooking before taking your “final shot”. This way, you will to capture the whole food experience that will not only be a feast for the eyes but for other senses as well.

Cooking Picture

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