Food Photography

Lighting and angles

When considering lighting options for food the use of diffusers and reflectors to modify natural lighting works very well as it will soften harsh shadows and lower the brighter highlights. Consider shooting from a number of angles including vertically down, horizontally and higher up.

Background elements of food photography

Blur background elements using a shallower depth of field, which will bring a greater attention to the food. Also consider the background elements carefully. Ensure the background elements of your shots are relatable to the food subject but are not too distracting.

Depending on the type of food being photographed props and background elements should not have too many distracting bright and colourful components, unless of course the shoot involves a colourful birthday cake or similar deliberate vibrant style that you are aiming to achieve.

Working on site with food photography

Most commercial restaurant photography assignments involving hot food may need to be photographed within the restaurant rather than being delivered to a studio, so allocating time for reconnaissance of the available location for the hot-food setup within the restaurant may be required. It may come to pass that the food photography shoot would need to be completed during full operation of the hot-food restaurant kitchen, so exploring location and timing options beforehand is important.

The restaurant

Shots may also be required where the food has been set onto the restaurant tables either with or without customers (models/model releases will be required) and architectural shots of the full restaurant may also be a part of a food photography assignment.

The studio

Cake and other cold-food photography don’t necessarily need to be completed on-premises. It can be completed in a studio or other environment away from the suppliers’ location, giving the food photographer much more time to set up scenes with props.

Use a tripod and remote shutter

The use of a tripod and remote shutter is invaluable advice, especially when working alone. In situations where you need to make minor adjustments to the composition, you will be able to quickly make the change, then fire the remote shutter. This will save you a lot of time recomposing by hand.

Depth of field

Use depth of field to bring the eye to the main items of interest.

Research on food photography

Spend time researching the best food photography images both online and in print magazines and newspapers. You will likely find a style that appeals to you, and which you can learn to replicate.

Composure

Arrange the food carefully, ensuring the focus is on the food rather than the peripheral props and minor food arrangements.

Props

The use of props is almost obligatory when creating great food photography imagery. Props can include herbs, spices, tablecloth, bread boards, stands, cutlery, plates, flowers, vegetable to name just a few. Visit a local second-hand store as they may have some items you could purchase and use as props.

Concept

Aim to begin with a concept, either in your mind or on paper. The thought process behind the creation of a concept will help you begin to construct the scene before the assignment.

White balance

Ensure the white balance is correct. Use lighting with a sunlight colour temperature of 5000k, or you can use even natural light filtered balanced with reflectors and diffusers.

Reflections

As with any genre of photography, always be aware of reflections. In this genre of photography reflections can occur from lighting equipment, the background behind the camera, the camera, and even the photographer. These reflections can be caused by beverage bottles, glassware, and any highly polished surface such as cutlery and metal pots and surfaces. So be aware of these so that they are minimised during the session. It will save you a tone of time doing corrections in post processing.

Avoid harsh flash

Attempt to avoid harsh flash as this will create unsightly overblown areas of the composition. Use diffusers and light modifiers to meld flash lighting.

Backgrounds and surfaces of food photography

Build a collection of backgrounds to use in your food photography. This can include different tablecloths, printed papers, timber to use as a surface, linoleum tiling, modern porcelain and clay tiles and flooring. Go to your local Home Depot and wander through the flooring section for background ideas. You will find a large range of textured surfaces that may be very useful as food photography backgrounds and surfaces.

Create a food photography portfolio

If you want to break into the food photography genre as a paid venture, experiment with food and create a food photography website portfolio of your work. Then upload your best food photos to build a unique and eye-catching food portfolio. Create and upload your photography to social accounts such as TikTok, Facebook and Instagram.