Written By: Grace Wang
One of the most important aspects of any salesperson, regardless of whether they are in the food industry or not, is the way they display their sales and merchandise. Although taste is the most prominent factor when selling food, there wouldn't be any tasting without the formal allurement—photography.
Food photography is a unique blend of art and science, demanding aesthetics and technicality. In a way, both are also intertwined with the art of cooking. Let’s break it down a little. The major factor you want to first consider in any photo shoot is lighting. In most cases, photographers choose to use natural light. Natural light enhances the colors and textures of food in a way that artificial light cannot, as it is softer than blunt. Even so, you should avoid direct sunlight within the photo frame. One way to do this is by positioning the food near a window where it can benefit from diffused sunlight.
When choosing various angles, make sure to consider the composition of the food itself. Taller foods, such as burgers, cakes, or a stack of pancakes, benefit from a 45-degree angle, as the display of layers creates a sense of depth. On the other hand, flatter foods, like pizzas or salads, should be taken from a bird’s eye view (90 degrees), as all the food details can be captured this way. For more intricate textures (such as bakery designs), take a close-up shot at 10-25 degrees to let these elements pop out.
Of course, let’s not forget about the composition! The arrangement of your food, props, and background can change the atmosphere of your photo entirely. For this process, I recommend the rule of thirds. To do so, mentally divide your frame into 9 equal parts and place key elements along the border lines. This will help your photo stay balanced and ensure you don’t overdo any props.
Post-processing is the final step in a successful food photo. Make little enhancements to your photo by using built-in software or other apps. Typically, photographers keep this at a minimum — adjusting brightness, contrast, and saturation help the natural colors pop out, but overdoing the editing may cause your photo to look artificial.
The next time you’re posting a recipe online, or snapping a photo of your breakfast for your Instagram, utilize these tips! Just a couple of tweaks can change others’ perceptions of your food entirely — possibly opening many pathways in the food industry for you in the future.
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