5 Tips for Gorgeous Food Photography
Hey Rosegold Flamingo Fam!
Dale here! With holidays right around the corner, we are about to embark on some pretty epic food adventures. With that, we typically document our creations and today I want to share my top 5 tips to improve your food photos. In no particular order, because they are all important!
1) Use Window Light
Photography is all about lighting ("photo" means "light" in Greek!), so interesting light is easily the first tip. Instead of the typical overhead light that you see a million times a day, using beautiful light from a window offers a fresh new perspective. Windows offer softer, more indirect light (instead of harsh, direct light) for more appealing photos. Using flattering light isn't only helpful on people... your food will love you as well! Avocados have feelings too, right?
2) Use a 2nd iPhone Light
"But Dale, what if you don't have a window?"
I get it. Sometimes you're at the mercy of a restaurant's dining room, or your own for that matter, and you don't have a window next to your table (honestly, who does?!). In this case, my wife becomes my handy photo assistant and knows (without me having to ask) that she is about to shine her iPhone flashlight from a 45 degree angle to mimic a side window light. Works like a charm!
3) The two best angles for Food Photography
Take a look at every food shot you love. In my case, and I suspect in yours, the images are from either an overhead angle (also called a "flat lay" angle) or from a very low angle, with something interest in the foreground of the photo. These two angles are always bangers (there's a bangers and mash joke here, since we are talking about food, but I can't seem to find it). Here are examples of a low angle:
Here is an example of shooting from the flat lay point of view:
4) Extend out of the frame
Most of the time, we have become so obsessed with getting all the subject in the frame. After all, nobody likes a chopped off head when taking pics of yourself or friends. With food photography, it's okay to extend outside of the border of the image. Leave a little to the imagination, I guess? Don't be afraid to crop in a bit closer for more impact.
5) Apply Food Presets
I mean, obviously. Haha! But for real, adding a food preset to your culinary creations can create a cool collection of captures (forced alliteration, anyone?!). Here is a link the some of the best food photography presets in the entire world, if I do say so myself. (and I do)
Thanks for stopping by and reading these food photography tips! I hope you use them during all your holiday meals - and don't forget to tag @shoprosegoldflamingo - I am always looking for images to feature!
Happy shooting!
Dale
0 comments