During my time at BlogHer I was lucky enough to go to two food photography sessions. When I hear people talk about photography a switch inside me goes off. I’m tuned in, I’m passionate and I’m excited. I loved seeing how both the photographers, Penny De Los Santos and Sara Remington, created their photographs and the story behind them. Here are some food photography tips that I discovered and jotted down at the speed of light:
1. Use natural light
Assemble your dish, put it near a window and shoot away. If you don’t have light, find it. Wait for it. Don’t use a flash or unnatural light source if possible. If you cook at night (when there is no light left – think about doing it on the weekend instead).
2. Find colour
Be inspired by the colour in your food – the red of a tomato, the yellow of an egg yolk, the green of parsley – and play on that. Make it the star of the dish. Focus in on the colour, pick a napkin or plate that contrasts with that colour.
Penny says “It will take you a lifetime to master composition,” even now she’s still learning and growing. She suggests exploring composition. Find images you love and ask yourself “Why does this work?” Explore, discover, play around. Have fun with composition.
4. Connect with your photo
When Penny spoke about her food photos you could tell that all her photos had a story. I know it’s hard to connect with casserole, but I think when you’re passionate about what you’re creating it can come through the photos.
5. If it’s ugly, shoot close
Sometimes it’s really hard to make brown meat or casseroles look delectable. Sarah suggests, “If it’s ugly get in close for the shot.”
6. Use the ideal aperture
Sarah says that all her food is shot on an aperture of 2.8, or 2.0. It means that her food is in focus and the background is all blurry. Of course this only works if you’re using a DSLR.
7. Have fun!
This is my tip: I’m not a food photographer, but I like to take photos of food and I like to bake/cook. I don’t do perfect, but I think it’s better to have a go, then to not have a go at all. I’ll shoot with my big camera {DSLR} and with my iPhone. I shoot from high and low, on different plates … until I get bored and think “Enough already!” I shot this little lemon tart and the photos aren’t perfect {at all!}, but I had fun shooting them.
These are SUCH great tips. Thank you so much for sharing them Chantelle x
Thanks for the tips! It's definitely something I want to get better at!
Don't knock your food photography. When you take photos like those above that make me want to eat the image, you have well and truly succeeded. X
I think you're a fantastic photographer! I love these photos (Yum!). And thank you for the tips. I love your posts on photography. x x x
Awesome tips, thanks Chantelle! (I think your photos are great too, don't be so hard on yourself xx)
Fantastic post! Im addicted to photography…though I only have my phone to shoot photos =( Your photos are wonderfully captured, makes me want eat those lemon tarts =)
I love your pictures, that tart looks so yummy. Great tips – especially the one about the lighting xo
Thanks for sharing the tips on photography I really need as much help as k can get. I think the shooting close was a top tip for me.
Nicely done – I love the suggestion of if ugly, move close…oh yeah, used that one!
Hi chantelle
great simple basic tips – we need to remember the simple is best.
I love the move in close if it is ugly – I will get someone to do that to me when they are taking my photo next 🙂 real close!
have a lovely day
x
Loulou
taking photos is indeed my favourite past time, especially of the food kind. i like these tips. thank you.
Good tips! thanks for sharing! 🙂 Nowadays I'm so lazy I just use my iPhone.. but thank God for wonderful filter apps! heehee
Ai Sakura @ Sakura Haruka
Such great tips Chantelle! Thankyou for sharing them! Oh don't be so critical of your food photos; your photography is just gorgeous! I'm lining up for some of that lemon tart! 🙂
Great tips Chantelle. Thats one thing {among others} i have trouble with, food is always a tricky one, i often get in close like you say and have found shooting with 2.8 on my DSLR works really well also.
xj
{lemonrhodes.blogspot.com}
Well I think your photos are great. Totally agree natural light is the best (flash never seems to work for me) – thanks for passing on the tips.
Great tips. I try to use natural light as much as possible but it is often in the process of dodging kids too. Also need a new SLR as am still on old school (ie. film!). What DSLR do you use?
You are absolutely way too cute! Can't wait to read more of your blog. Thanks for posting,
-Courtney from FUN (http://feminineuniquenew.blogspot.com)
I love the photos. Now can I eat it? Yuuuummm. Looks great. Mission accomplished I'd say. 😀
such wonderful tips! i have the hardest time taking any shots inside my apartment because there are only four tiny windows, one in each bedroom. i am dreaming of the day i have a lovely, naturally lit kitchen.
thanks for sharing!
sarah
Great Advice – Thanks. x
Not using natural light is my worst bad habit… But I blog what I make for dinner and it's not skews possible to make it early. I do balance it out with other posts where I've got better-lit photos though. It makes such a difference! And that whole get-in-close-if-it's-ugly thing? I'm so there.
Haha how did “always” turned into “skews”?!! Damnyouautocorrect
ahhhh I love it! that is definitely what I'd love to be better at but I totally agree on the up close! I love my macro lens and somehow everything looks better when I get up close and take a pic:)
oh you lucky girl learning all those things!
Corrie:)
What a fabulous post! I am always wondering why my food shots never look as good as the wonderful food blogging community. Great pics of that delicious looking tart too. Thanks for sharing! x
What a wonderful post! I always wonder how people get such great photos of their food! Ill have to remember these tips for next time!