I’ve noticed that people LOVE taking pictures of their food. But, I’ve also noticed that these pictures are usually pretty mediocre. With a few simple adjustments you can show off your food with pride. Follow these tips and be amazed.
1- LIGHT IS EVERYTHING!!!
Find a good light source. Preferably, next to a window where the natural light can flow in. A north facing window receives really nice diffused light. A south facing window works well as long as the sun isn’t streaming directly in. If I’m at home I will usually pull up a chair next to my back sliding glass door. This door happens to be on the north side of my house. Other times I will open up the front door and take it there or just inside the front room window. Wherever you decide, just remember that light will make a huge difference.
If you are at a restaurant, try to be near a window. If you just can’t get to one or if it’s dark outside then try to find the best light source. If you are outside, try using the sun as a spotlight or for a more even light find the edge of shade. By “edge of shade” I mean, be in the shade but as close to the sun as you can without being in the sun.
2-
FIND A GOOD ANGLE!!!
A standard angle for photographing food is about 30-45 degrees. It’s pleasing to the eye and makes it easy to get the front details in focus and then it gradually tapers off to blur out the background.
But, it’s also nice to try a “new perspective”. Try shooting your food overhead or straight on. Just make sure you have good light.
3- USE THE BACKGROUND TO ENHANCE THE SHOT!!!
The background of a picture can either add to or take away from the shot. A cluttered background that has nothing to do with the food is very distracting. Instead, clear away the clutter and put the focus back on your food. Here are a couple of ways to ADD to your image.
A common food styling tool you’ll start to notice after reading this (if you haven’t already) is the main food item in the foreground and then another plate of the same or similar food blurred in the background. They are usually off-centered a bit so it makes a diagonal line. If one plate of food is worthy of a mouth-watering image, imagine what even more food in the background will do for those taste buds.
Another background tip is to place the food on a plate or background that either enhances the color and texture of the food or fades away into the background so it doesn’t distract from the food.
4- IF THE PICTURE IS NOT IN FOCUS, THE OTHER TIPS DON’T MATTER!!!
I love this quote…because it’s true. You can have perfect light, an awesome angle and the coolest background BUT if your image isn’t in focus it will probably be deleted.
I’ll be adding a post about getting sharper images soon. So be sure to check back.
Try applying these 4 easy tips to your next food photoshoot and people will not only drool over your food, but your photographs too.
Happy Clicking!!!
