As promised, I’re going to continue our discussion on food photography tips. Last time we touched upon lighting, lenses and zoom. Today we’ll discuss the composition of the shots. You might think taking photos looking downward might be a good idea since this is how you see food when you eat. However, that will make for one boring photo shoot. Try rotating the camera along all three axes. Some food will look great from a side profile, while others may look better when looking directly down. Don’t be afraid to tilt the camera and get shots from every angle and position you can think of. You never know what will look best.
Any photographer will know the rule of thirds. This doesn’t just apply to landscapes and it can work very well on food. Your window of opportunity can be limited with food, so don’t take too long to figure out what you want. Color balance is also important to keep in mind. Just because a food tastes good, doesn’t mean it will look appealing on film. Lighter colored meats like chicken and turkey, as well as brown sauces and gravies, don’t always look as good when photographed. A meal that is all one color will also look drab. Bright colors that pop will look the most appetizing.
Need advice on a good lens for DSLR cameras? You can try the Nikon, Canon or Sigma 50mm f1.8 Prime lens. For serious food photographers in need of a great macro lens, consider the Nikon 105mm f/2.8. These lenses are guaranteed to give you the edge and make you crave some good eats!
