3 Ways to Take Your Food Photography Skills to the Next Level

by Shradha Singh I am Digitally Active

Photography is an art. It not only attracts one’s sense of sight but also provokes an emotional reaction. Although the images are visual, one can still feel the smell, the sizzle of cooking food and taste the food in their imagination. Food photography does play a lot with your senses. It might seem like a no brainer but someone who has tried clicking a perfect snap would know very well that it’s more than a point-and-shoot skill. Here are some of the tips to take your food photography skills to the next level and increase your Instagram followers almost instantly.

Focus on the Composition

Backdrop or props can be effectively utilized to tell the story. For the purpose, it’s important to ensure everything is beautiful and well-rounded. Composition refers to the arrangement of things in your photo. A great composition sets the scene for your audience, no matter whether it’s just a plate or a piece of parsley on your dish. It is also a good idea to follow the rule of thirds. You must imagine a nine-part grid over your photo or subject. The main subject has to be along the lines or at the intersections of the grid. This highlights your dish and helps gain focus on the most vital areas of the scene.

Find the Right Angle

Certain foods look more appealing when shot from a certain angle than others. If you aren’t sure which angle would look the best, it’s advisable to try different angles until you get a hang of it. Try clicking from the table level, try one from directly above (without blocking the light or casting a shadow over your plate). Also, try a super close up shot. Photo composition, angles and most importantly the creative thought process behind each photograph go a long way in accentuating the details of your photo. A slight tilt on your main object can make your image appear more dynamic and interesting.

Take Care of the Lighting

Light is the king in every genre of photography and food photography is no exception. Poor use of light can ruin your story and turn off your audience. Acquiring tools that can help you control the light can take your food photography to the next level. When working with direct sunlight, for instance, a diffuser can help balance the light and soften the hard, dark shadows formed by direct sunlight. White and black cards can also be effectively utilized to bounce the light to shadow areas or make shadows stronger.

Remember, the equipment you use also makes a lot of difference to the quality of your pictures. A camera specially designed to suit your needs shall help you click beautiful pictures. If you are looking for the best DSLR camera for beginners, Canon Rebel T6i is a good option to consider. For the best professional food photography, Canon 5D Mark IV is an ideal bet. The recommended DSLR camera lens for 5D Mark IV is Canon EF 50 mm f/1.4 USM.

Lastly, have fun clicking food pictures!