Nine Tips for Shooting Food Photography
Like most photography, food photography relies heavily on the accurate representation of its visual details.
Also, like most photography, your gear, workflow, and actions during a shoot will significantly influence the outcomes. Here is what you need to know for a successful food photoshoot.
1. Camera settings
We recommend trying to capture the best images using in-camera settings when shooting a project, rather than relying too heavily on post-production editing. This not only saves you time later, but it will also garner the best results.
Start with shooting RAW images for the best quality. It offers the best color range, and editing will not degrade quality.
Set your camera's exposure settings to address lighting.
If you're using a flash, you'll want to set it to Daylight white balance.
If you're using other artificial lights, we recommend setting your ISO to 100. Make sure that your shutter speed does not exceed the sync speed of your camera.
If you're lucky enough to be able to use natural light, set your white balance to Auto. You can always make minor corrections later in post-production if needed.
We recommend using a tripod, especially if you're working with natural light. Be sure to adjust your shutter speed for the lighting conditions. With natural light, that would probably mean lowering the shutter speed instead of increasing your ISO.
2. Camera lenses
The camera lens you use can matter significantly to the outcomes - in some ways; it can matter more than with most other kinds of photography.
With that in mind, we recommend having on hand the following kinds of lenses:
24-70mm: We recommend a 24-70mm as a versatile lens you should include in your kit. If you need to save on initial costs, you could add this lens later on. Given its versatility, however, we consider it an essential lens for food photography gear.
35mm: An excellent lens for overhead angles. It is also good for shooting broader shots as you might do if there are several plates of food.
50mm: If you're shooting from overhead, a 50mm is ideal. If you're shooting with a full-frame, a 50mm works like a wide-angle lens.
100mm/110mm macro lens: A full-frame sensor camera will do best with this macro lens for capturing details and tight shots.
3. Lighting
Lighting is critical with all photography, but certainly when you're shooting food images and details matter. Here are some things to consider:
You should check your lighting before you start the shoot by doing a lighting test. The best way to do a lighting test is to use a "double" or stand-in for the food. Your food stand-in should be similar in size, shape, and, ideally, the color of the food you will be shooting.
The light should be diffused and come from a single direction.
For the best results, don't direct light from the front of the food. Ideally, the light should come from behind, side, or in between the back and side of the food.
The best light for food photography should be diffused. You can achieve that look with a scrim, diffuser, or a translucent fabric that allows light to pass through.
Be sure to fill in any shadows created by lighting using white cardboard or reflectors.
4. Styling with backdrops or surfaces
The surface is what you display or place your food on, while the backdrop is the scene's background. While there are countless choices to select from, some will be better than others for your purposes.
A neutral-colored background is your best option.
Anything with an orange tone will not pair well with food.
Avoid anything that's too patterned, shiny or reflective.
To save money, try making your own backdrops or surfaces using paper, linen or cheesecloth, or fabrics.
5. Styling
Most food photography will require some level of styling and use of props. Both can transform an ordinary shot into something much more attractive and professional looking.
Here are some tips on food styling:
You can use props such as garnishes, herbs, dishes, or cutlery.
If you're using food items such as garnishes or herbs, you'll want to make sure they look crisp and fresh.
Add sauces or dressings just before you take the first shots.
For a moist look without water drops on food, use glycerine mixed with water sprayed onto the food.
But be careful not to add so many accessories that the food itself is no longer the main subject.
Take some test shots with and without props.
Keep a polarizing filter nearby to cut down on reflections from any of the props.
Props tend to appear larger in a photo than they really are, so selecting smaller sized items will give you a more balanced look.
6. Composition
In food photography, the composition, focus, and angle are critical. Get one of them wrong, and you'll find it tough to create an excellent image.
Carefully compose your image to avoid too much negative or passive space.
Be sure to crop tighter when you're compositing without going so tight that you don't leave yourself any room for later cropping in post-production.
An odd number of items will look better than an even number of items.
Be prepared to move around items while you're setting up your composition.
Don't marry yourself to any single set-up.
Keep in mind all the elements and principles of composition, including repetition, leading lines, and texture: Als, the Rule of Thirds.
7. Angle and focus
Always consider the type and size of food when you're setting up your angle and focus. Many food items look best taken from overhead, especially when they have a distinct geometrical shape such as a muffin, toast, or pizza. For taller foods, try shooting from either a straight or lower angle.
8. Shoot tethered
With professional food photography, the client is often at the shoot watching. In most instances, they will likely want to see what the image looks like right after you take it. The best way to offer to show them the photo is to shoot tethered to your computer. This shows them a good-sized and relatively accurate version of the image.
9. Post-processing
Post-processing edits and enhancement are part of every workflow. If they're not part of yours, they should be! Every photographer has their own version of what they do and how they do it. Today, most photographers use Lightroom and Photoshop. Here are some tips for post-processing:
In Lightroom, be sure to work on virtual copies, not your originals.
Organize images in Collections to make them easier to find later.
Make sure to use metadata so you can find images by keywords or other attributes.
In Photoshop, save working copies as you work on them.
Be sure to back up your RAW files in at least two to three places, including the cloud.
Download Food Lightroom Presets for save your time.
Conclusion
Food photography is no more complicated than most portrait photography. In some ways, it might be less complicated because you're not working with human models. That doesn't mean there isn't work that needs to be done in advance.
Paying attention to the many details before you begin to shoot will help you achieve better outcomes. With practice comes perfection. We recommend you practice to the point where shooting food photography feels more natural.