Do you desire to be an excellent food photographer? Then you have come to the right place. We have gathered the best food photography tricks and tips to help you improve your skills and start taking better pictures.
Whether you want to be a professional food photographer or are just interested in shooting and exhibiting your meals on social media to promote your restaurant, here is a comprehensive guide to help level up your skills.
What is the meaning of food photography?
In a simple sense, food photography means capturing images of food. But it goes beyond just that. It is a form of still-life photography. Thus, it involves taking photographs of food in an aesthetically pleasing and appetizing manner for a variety of purposes, such as advertising, cookbooks, food blogs, menus, and social media placements.
Professional food photography weighs beyond taking shots of your breakfast for Instagram likes or Twitter comments. It is a multi-billion dollar commercial industry. Commercial photography (food photography inclusive) is worth US$5.1 billion, and it is expected to reach a value of US$6.4 billion by 2032, according to research conducted by Fact.Mr, one of the world-leading market researchers and consultants.
Therefore, food photography involves careful planning, preparation, styling, lighting, and composition. It also requires the photographer to possess certain skills like good eyesight, interpersonal and communication skills, and excellent mastery.
Food Photography vs Product Photography: What Is The Difference?
Perhaps you are wondering if there is a difference between food and product photography. You are not wrong if you say there is no difference or if you say there is a difference between the two.
Food photography and product photography are both types of commercial photography. So you are correct if you think there is no difference. However, there are some differences in their subject matter, composition, and style. So, again, you are correct if you say or think there is a difference between the two.
In terms of subject matter, food photographers focus specifically on capturing only visually appealing images of food and drinks. Product photographers, on the other hand, focus on a wide range of products, including furniture, clothing, electronics, and more. Additionally, food photographers may also incorporate elements of the environment, such as the restaurant or kitchen, props, and other things, to enhance the overall appearance of the food. In contrast, product photographers typically use neutral backgrounds and props.
In terms of composition and styling, food photography usually features close-up shots of individual dishes, while product photography may include a variety of angles and shots to showcase the product from different perspectives. However, both types of commercial photography have a similar purpose, which is often marketing. So, while there are some differences between food and product photography, the key similarity is the objective, which is often to create awareness and close deals.
Preparing For Food Photography
Food photography is one of the most difficult types of photography. Whether you want to capture your roasted chicken for Facebook likes, commercial, or advert purposes, you will have to pre-plan everything, including setup and equipment, carefully.
Generally, capturing clean, appetizing pictures of food involves a lot of processes. But the best way to prepare for food photography is to begin by taking a look at some examples of professional food photographs clicked by well-known professionals in the niche. You can find such samples in the online portfolios of food photography agencies or photographers like Justin Galloway.
Studying these well-captured photos will help you to understand the standard quality and what is expected in the industry. You will discover that food photography goes way beyond taking a shot of your breakfast or lunch with your smartphone. It involves a lot of creative work and thoughts. A lot of work usually goes on behind the scenes in standard commercial studios to create clean images. The food photographs you see around took time, effort, and even, in some cases, robotic assistance to create.
Nonetheless, food photography is easy if you possess the right equipment and know the tips and tricks used by the professionals in the game. We have gathered the tips and techniques in this article, but first, here are the camera and equipment required for food photography.
Equipment Requirements For Food Photography
Cameras
A high-end DSLR or mirrorless camera is not a prerequisite for food photography. Thus, you can begin with your iPhone or a simple point-and-shoot camera. These devices are ideal for quick tasks, such as capturing your dishes for your blog or social account.
However, you will need to upgrade to a standard DSLR camera for professional and commercial food photography. Perhaps, you are asking, Do I need a DSLR camera for food photography when I can equally use my smartphone?
The simple answer is yes; you need a DSLR for editorial and commercial food photography jobs. Generally, they are the most preferred among professional food photographers because they offer a range of features and capabilities that can help them capture high-quality images of food.
However, they are not necessarily compulsory. You can also use any mirrorless camera. The most important thing is to understand your camera basics and how to handle it properly in any given situation. Thus, below are our camera recommendations for food photography:
- Nikon D850
- Sony α1
- Canon EOS 90D
- Panasonic Lumix S5
- Canon EOS R3
Lenses
I recommend using the Nikon AF-S DX 40mm f/2.8G Micro lens if you have a cropped sensor Nikon DX camera. It is a bright, sharp, budget lens for APC-S sensors. You can get beautiful results with it if you are sensitive to the lighting. Similarly, I suggest the Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro VC USD for full-frame cameras. The lens is almost the perfect one for food photography. It is one of the best lenses available today for capturing salivating food photos.
You might want to ask, how about using a macro lens to capture close-up details of the dishes? Whether or not to use a macro lens for food photography depends on your objective and expectations. Macro lenses are great as they will allow you to capture intricate details and texture of the food, making it easier to produce more appetizing photos. However, there are some potential downsides to using a macro lens for food photography.
You may go through the article below to learn more about the use of macro lenses for food photography.
Do Food Photographers Need A Macro Lens?
You may go through the article below to learn about the best focal length for food photography:
What Focal Length Is Best For Food Photography?
Lighting tools
Natural light is the best for food photography because it is soft, diffused, and can create a warm, inviting atmosphere. But how about when the available natural light is insufficient or overly bright? In such scenarios, you can use a softbox to create soft, even light. Additionally, you can utilize light modifiers like diffusers, reflectors, and bounce cards for the tasks. These tools can bounce light back onto the plates and reduce shadows.
Lightboxes are also great for in-situ food photography. You can use them to photograph small and delicate items like desserts or appetizers. By placing the food items in the box and illuminating it from the sides, you can create a soft, even light that will highlight the intricate details and texture of the food, resulting in clean, professional-looking photographs.
You can learn more about the cons and pros of using a lightbox for food images in the article- Should I Use A Lightbox For Food Photography?
Other Equipment
Other essential requirements for food photography include a sturdy tripod (to prevent image blur), a sifter (to sift flour or separate wanted food particles from unwanted ones, etc.), and SD cards. Additionally, you will need some kitchen props, like plates and utensils.
Professional Tips And Techniques For Food Photography
Food photography is a fast-growing genre. Thus, the competition, demands, and expectations are increasing at an incredible rate. The demand for quality shots from restaurant and bar owners and food delivery services has boomed. Therefore, we have created a few tips below to help you navigate through the wave, especially if you are a beginner.
9 Commercial Food Photography Tips
Commercial food photography requires a keen eye for detail, excellent skills, the ability to think outside of the box, and a deep understanding of the needs and expectations of your clients and their targeted customers. Here are some tips for creating compelling commercial food pictures:
- Take quality time to plan the shots and think about the message and mood you want to convey with each picture. You can create a shot list that includes a variety of angles, props, and lighting setups.
- Consider the brand and audience your clients are targeting before you take the first shot. Follow your clients’ guidelines, format, and styling.
- Use only fresh and well-prepared dishes. Additionally, employ standard props to add interest to the meals.
- You can use toothpicks to hold the food substances together.
- Prioritize simplicity. Avoid cluttered or distracting backgrounds and props.
- Use negative space to harmonize the photos.
- Shooting from different angles and perspectives can create a variety of dynamic images.
- Think like an artist.
- Brief your clients before you take the first shot. You may click on the article below to learn how to successfully achieve this.
How Should A Food Photographer Brief?
7 Restaurant Food Photography Tips
- After signing the contract, visit the restaurant, scout out the best locations within the kitchen, and examine the lighting conditions at each point.
- Communicate the plans you have for the shots with the restaurant manager. Analyze the plans together and see how you can work as a team.
- Do not expect free food after the photo session. So, you should probably eat before setting out.
- Restaurant food photography should also include the environment and atmosphere of the restaurant. Thus, capture images of the interior, staff, and a few willing customers to create a sense of place.
- Capture the intricate details. To do this, ensure the food substances are well-positioned on the bowel or board.
- Do not taste the meals. Your job is to arrange and capture them.
- Price your work according to what you have to offer and the standard of the restaurant. Click the article below if you want to learn how to negotiate with your clients.
How Do You Price Food Photography?
5 Important Tips For Instagram And Social Media Food Photography
- There are already so many fake and messy food images on Instagram, so keep yours real. If you must edit the photos, keep it light and simple.
- Avoid too many unnecessary hashtags. You can add between 2-3 emojis in your captions.
- Consistently post different dishes and recipes. While it is important to use a consistent style, color palette, and styling to create a cohesive and recognizable brand for your photos, there is absolutely nothing wrong with changing settings after a while.
- Be prepared for some dislikes and negative comments. Some people will never appreciate your efforts. Do not pay attention to such people. You may hide negative comments to prevent them from chasing away potential customers.
- Add a few images from behind the scene, that is, the preparation processes. But do not disclose your magical recipe to your competitors.
Do you want more tips and tricks? You may go through the articles below to learn more:
What Are 3 Important Food Photography Tips?
What Is One Rule A Food Stylist Must Follow?
How To Take Professional Pictures Of Food And Drinks
Plate the well-prepared dishes
In food photography and restaurant settings, plating refers to the arrangement of food aesthetically and pleasingly. Before you start pressing the shutter, ensure all the dishes are well-plated.
Furthermore, take your time to pick and arrange each element and also ensure you use simple plates with less gloss.
You may go through the article below to learn about the ideal bowel color for plating.
What Color Plates Are Best For Food Photography?
You may also go through the articles below to learn how to prepare and arrange food for photoshoots:
How Do You Prepare A Food For Photoshoot?
How Do You Make Food Look Shiny In Pictures?
How Do Photographers Make Food Look Good And Pretty For Photography?
Light up the plated food from the sides
Lighting from the side is a great way to highlight the food texture and intricate details. You can also backlight the food to add some dramatic effects. But keep everything simple and soft.
Compose, set your camera, and shoot with confidence
Take time to compose your shots, and find your best angles for food photography. Generally, there is no right or wrong way to frame and set a mood for a food photograph.
Thus, you should consider trying different techniques and shooting from a variety of angles. Next, check your camera settings, adjust if necessary, and take the shots. Do not be scared of trying new styles or experimenting with different settings.
Edit the images like a professional
Use professional editing software to sharpen, brighten the color, change the white balance, and add filters to the food photographs.
You may read the articles below to learn how professionals edit food photos and the best color and filters to use to make the meals more appetizing.
What Is The Best Filter For Food Photos?
How Do Professionals Edit Food Photos?
What Color Temperature Is Best For Food Photography?
What Color Makes Food Less Appetizing? Food Styling Tips for Photography?
Mastering Food Photography
Mastering food photography requires a solid combination of technical skills, creativity, and consistent practice. But the most important thing is to understand and master the basics of photography. Then, you may explore other options contained in the article below: