Taking pictures of food has become increasingly popular with the wide use of mobile phones that have great photography capabilities. With dozens of online photo galleries dedicated to showcasing the best food photography and recipes, it’s no surprise this has become a popular activity. But some pictures are really terrible. No one wants to see a picture of something that resembles slop. Poor lighting, generally unappealing dishes, and a shaky hand are some of the things that can lead to poor quality images. If you want to take and share your food pictures here are some tips to help you.
Lighting
One of the most important things to consider when taking a picture of anything is the lighting. If you’re in a dimly lit restaurant at night, you may as well just put your camera away. You don’t want to be using a flash in this situation and taking a bad picture is worse than no picture at all. If you’re taking pictures at home, use as much natural light as you can find. Move your plate or bowl close to a window or a spot where there’s plenty of natural light. Adjust the white balance on your camera to indicate which type of light is in the frame. Avoid using a flash as much as possible, typically it casts a harsh light and blows out whatever is in the frame.
Composition
Chefs spend a lot of time creating not only the food that you’ll eat but arranging it in a way that makes it appealing. Remember we eat with our eyes first. At home you can do the same. Use dishes that compliment your meal, not take away from it. The same should happen with the surface the dish is on and the background that will be in the shot. You can include props to enhance the picture. Utensils, cups, and anything else that really sets the scene can make a big difference. You’ll also want to experiment with taking pictures at different angles. Shoot from above, straight on, at an angle. Don’t be afraid to take many images to capture the right one for your web photo album.
Some other ways to create really great food pictures is to include what’s around. If there’s a multi course meal spread out on the table, try to capture as much in your shot as possible. This will bring viewers into the moment so they can experience a depth to the picture. You’re telling a story and seeing a full display will be much more telling than single shots of each of the components. Don’t forget at the end of the day the food is meant to be eaten! Show people touching, eating, and interacting with the food. This will help bring it to life and again help to tell a story.
If you’re eating in a very high end restaurant or taking pictures would be inappropriate then trust your gut and keep the camera put away. Enjoy the meal before you and maybe snap a picture of your cleaned off plate when all is said and done!
Lighting
One of the most important things to consider when taking a picture of anything is the lighting. If you’re in a dimly lit restaurant at night, you may as well just put your camera away. You don’t want to be using a flash in this situation and taking a bad picture is worse than no picture at all. If you’re taking pictures at home, use as much natural light as you can find. Move your plate or bowl close to a window or a spot where there’s plenty of natural light. Adjust the white balance on your camera to indicate which type of light is in the frame. Avoid using a flash as much as possible, typically it casts a harsh light and blows out whatever is in the frame.
Composition
Chefs spend a lot of time creating not only the food that you’ll eat but arranging it in a way that makes it appealing. Remember we eat with our eyes first. At home you can do the same. Use dishes that compliment your meal, not take away from it. The same should happen with the surface the dish is on and the background that will be in the shot. You can include props to enhance the picture. Utensils, cups, and anything else that really sets the scene can make a big difference. You’ll also want to experiment with taking pictures at different angles. Shoot from above, straight on, at an angle. Don’t be afraid to take many images to capture the right one for your web photo album.
Some other ways to create really great food pictures is to include what’s around. If there’s a multi course meal spread out on the table, try to capture as much in your shot as possible. This will bring viewers into the moment so they can experience a depth to the picture. You’re telling a story and seeing a full display will be much more telling than single shots of each of the components. Don’t forget at the end of the day the food is meant to be eaten! Show people touching, eating, and interacting with the food. This will help bring it to life and again help to tell a story.
If you’re eating in a very high end restaurant or taking pictures would be inappropriate then trust your gut and keep the camera put away. Enjoy the meal before you and maybe snap a picture of your cleaned off plate when all is said and done!
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