Introduction to Food Photography

Like a lot of us, my photography passion started out by shooting my kids, but as they’ve grown, and as I’ve grown as an artist, I realize I love shooting still things too – probably more than people. One thing I’ve found that I really love, is photographing food! That’s why I’m happy to share with you an Introduction to Food Photography!

Photographing food can be as complex as photographing people. You need to consider technical aspects like lighting and camera settings, but you also have to think about composition, styling and so much more. This post is meant to be a very brief overview of getting started in this genre!

Composition:

Composition is just as important photographing food as it is with other subjects. I use all the same compositional techniques, such as the rules of thirds, ensuring the photo is visually balanced, using leading lines, etc. I also think carefully about the angle I shoot from. You can shoot from directly overhead, straight-on, or from an angle. Choose which one enhances your food best. Pancakes or hamburgers look awesome when shot straight-on, because it allows the viewer to see all the layers. A table scene with flatter food looks great from overhead, because this viewpoint accentuates the shapes of your food and plates. Finally, many things look great on an angle. Not only does this show the details of the food, but it can showcase other items around it, like the table and accessories. It shows depth and adds some context.

Want to learn more about composition? Check out Composition for Storytellers!

Styling:

Styling food is a real talent. Experienced food stylists are experts in making food look good in front of a camera. If you ever shoot food commercially with a legitimate budget, hiring a stylist is a must-have. But most of us aren’t there, so here are a few styling tips for when you’re just shooting at home!

• Start simple with your “scene” and add to it slowly. I love shooting just one item, super close up. Or one item but pulled back with lots of negative space! Or you may choose to zoom out a bit and add accessories (napkins, silverware, other food), and garnishes (herbs, drizzles of sauce, etc.) The food is your subject so often less is more – you don’t want to distract from the hero of the shot. But on the flip side, food/meals/eating is all about community and family, so sometimes having a busy scene is fun too! Play around while styling your scene. Like other genres of photography, you will find a style you like best.
• When you do add elements to your photo, use odd numbers of things and/or try layering things (a brownie on a plate, which is on a napkin, etc.) Play with repeating shapes! These things add visual interest and help move the eye around the image.
• When you’re starting out, shoot desserts. They’re inherently tasty looking and much easier to look appealing than a steak.
• Use fresh food! Shoot immediately after cooking/baking it. Get everything else set up beforehand, take your test shots and be ready to go. This includes your lighting, camera settings, styling, etc.
• Use smaller dishes and bowls than you normally would, so they don’t overpower the food.
• Try to find matte dinnerware! Most plates are shiny, which makes reflections that you’ll need to manage.
• Check out Stephanie Schweitzer’s blog post about basic color theory. Color is super important in photography, but I find it to be a really important part of storytelling, which I think is harder to do without people in the frame. Therefore, how you use color in food photography becomes critical. It helps convey a mood, a feeling and a story.

Lighting:

Lighting considerations for food photography could be a full-length course on its own! Artificial light versus natural, direct versus indirect, sidelighting versus backlighting, diffusers, reflectors, etc. As a beginner, I suggest starting with natural, indirect, diffused light. That’s a great starting point. This light is easier to work with because it’s beautiful and even, creating soft shadows. It makes food look appealing!

Want to learn more about natural light? Check out Natural Light for Storytellers!

Simply place the surface you’re shooting on, as close to a window as possible, without direct streams of sunlight hitting your subject, and turn off any artificial light around you. If you need to, you can also bounce light back onto your food with a reflector, or you can diffuse harsh sunlight with a diffuser.

Food on the Fly!

Ok all this being said, one of my favorite ways to shoot food is on the fly – it’s not set up on a surface and styled and lit perfectly. Although I really enjoy doing that, sometimes I like the messiness, candidness and speed of just shooting whatever food I find already there (moving it, or styling it just a little). It’s the food you are served in a restaurant, or your hot latte at a coffee shop. Sometimes, it’s the way the light hits a liquor bottle during a dinner party. Don’t always stress about having the perfect set-up and styling. Shooting food like this gives it a more natural, and maybe editorial, feel. And it’s fun and relaxed. Check out this collage below of some of my favorite shots of food on the fly!

Shooting food, or other still life objects, can be a welcome respite from the grind of shooting people! I love it – it’s a way for me to relax and just create with my photography, without the outside pressure of other people. I encourage you to give it a shot!

For more inspiration, be sure to follow Jen on Instagram!