As food enthusiasts we often can’t help but shoot and share our memorable meals and tasty treats with friends and followers.
In the world of food photography, styling the food is every bit as important because we eat with our eyes. Truth is, even the most delicious dish can lack appeal if it does not stand out visually.
Try to notice those details below will help you make food more appealing in photographs:
Less is more
The idea that you can have too much food on one plate seems backwards- who wouldn’t want more double cream on that chocolate tart? In the world of food styling, however, it’s often the most common mistake to overload the plate with ingredients or props. Start with simple, clean presentation and build. It’s always easier to add than it is to take away.
Lighting is key
Natural daylight is the best for amateur photographers. Whether using your iphone or digital SLR, moving towards a window will bring life to the food and cut out any harsh light. Not only will this give you a crisper, cleaner shot but will allow you to use various filters afterwards to adjust the colour and warmth if need be.
Imperfections can be stylish
Sometimes it’s helpful to play with your food and give the impression that the image is happening in real time and not staged. It’s important to tell a story and captivate the audience. For example, take a bite (yes, a real bite!) of your pasta dish. If you’re slicing a tart, use spillage and pastry crumbs around the plate to create that casual, relaxed style. Removing a space from the food in focus imparts a sense of reality, creating a more powerful and engaging image.
Pick and choose your ingredients wisely
Find the best, brightest and mostly blemish-free ingredients and your dish is ninety percent there. Check farmers’ markets for different varieties of seasonal produce such as heirloom tomatoes and citrus fruits. Need to keep things looking fresh? Use a water spritzer or an ice bath to keep your greens looking vibrant and a brush of oil to make even the dullest items glisten. You can also use micro herbs as gorgeous, delicate garnishes that will enhance even the simplest dish.
The most important part of styling your food is that you have fun with it. It can be tricky to make food look beautiful, but hopefully by following some of these tips and techniques, you’ll be able to find your style and create beautiful food images.
