Is there literally anything in the universe better than food? Maybe dogs 🤔… but think about it. Not only does food taste delicious, it’s naturally stunning and so universally beloved that its presence in your brand’s feed can take engagement to the next level on social. Sure, food can be a difficult subject to shoot because there are SO many moving parts to consider. Whether you’re utilizing a camera or iPhone, these tips will simplify the process and help you snap some killer food pics. Take a look:
Let there be light 💡
This is probably the #1 most important aspect of a great food photo. Bad lighting can totally kill the vibe or make a tasty work of art look totally unappetizing. If you can find a nice-sized window, that’s inarguably the best place to set up your spread. With a cool backdrop like the ones from Replica Surfaces + the right lighting, you’re already halfway to some mouthwatering food shots.
Hands up 👋🏼
Hands are some of the best props available to you and they’re (usually) 100% free! When you utilize them in your food photos, you convey a message beyond just the dish itself. They imply action and can give life to what might have been a boring image. Plus, photographs of party-style dishes should demonstrate their use, right?
Think outside the box 📦
If you’re shooting a flat lay, let objects fall out of frame. When everything is fully in frame, it makes space look smaller and busier.
Keep it fresh 🍒
Sometimes, a pop of color is all your photo needs to take it to the next level. A little greenery in the form of fresh herbs, or citrus peels, etc. can brighten up photos and add a nice focal point! Experiment with several options to see which works best for the subject you’re snapping.
Stacks on stacks ☝🏻
While a birds-eye flat lay is one of the most popular angles for food photography, some dishes need to be viewed from the side for full impact. If your masterpiece has lots of horizontal elements, take advantage! The photo will be more compelling and you’ll be able to switch up your feed and keep things interesting.
Play around 🎉
Experiment and have fun! Food photos come out SO much better when you’re not stressed and are able to capture your subject in a variety of ways. Take a look at how many options the genies might consider before we pick our favorite shot:
Raise it up 🔝
Sometimes, a bit of height variance is necessary to either emphasize a prominent fixture in your recipe or keep things visually interesting. Small bowls or other props can be placed underneath a dish/item to elevate them slightly and create an even bigger dramatic effect and separation from the props/table beneath. In the photo below, I placed a small platform under the dip so it was a bit closer to the camera. In doing so, it became the clear focus of the photo.
In full detail 👀🔍
Typically with food flat lays, I think a wider depth of field works best so you can enjoy all of the details of the food. This will change depending on the angle you choose to photograph from, but for a bird’s eye view, it can be really magical to be able to fully digest (pun intended) all parts equally.
Are there any tips we missed? Let us know your favorites in the comments below!
