You’ve got the camera, the natural light settings like those food blogger shares in Youtube or you might even invest in studio light, and you’re so ready to take that snap and make awesome food photography like those cool pin on pinterest, only to be frustrated by the result.

 

Somehow your photo comes out looking like a rookie, and far from professional looking. And (if you were like me) you will try to study the difference and compare your photos to images on Pinterest, to figure out what's wrong.

 

Well... I have a confession … once upon a time that was me.

 

A few years back, food photography was like a big mystery for me, until I finally do a lot of trial and error, educate myself with online resource and attending a various food photography workshop.

 

At some point, I even attend a food photography workshop that taught photography using natural light and a table lamp (true story … it was hosted by a famous photographer, my friend was raving about it and we ended up spending 3 hours taking photos of dumplings and finally decided it’s just not a good idea to use a table lamp).

 

As a creative director, I also get to work with the best food photographer and food stylist in the industry before I can even practice my own professional food photography.

 

I even do free food photography at the beginning for a longtime client, before I can finally do food photography professionally ( a.k.a get paid ). It was a long way but I am glad.

 

Making your food photography looking like a pro might be easier than you think, if only you know where to look.

 

So I compile these 5 easy tips for you:  

 

1. Use "Rule of third" for a more interesting photo composition

 

 

Rule of third is basically diving your photo composition in 3 parts horizontal and 3 parts vertical with an imaginary line. The point where the lines meet would be the strong focal points, so just make sure to position your main object on one of those dots, or along one of the lines.

 

2. Remove Distortion

 

 

Simple rules for a pro looking images, if you have any horizontal or vertical lines, make sure it is straight and not tilt. Pay attention to any lines at the background, adjust your camera position if needed, before you take any shot.

 

3. White is white

 

Another thing that a professional food photographer pays attention is white balance. Making sure the parts that supposed to be white, stays white. for eg: if the plate is white, then make sure it looks white instead of slightly bluish or yellowish. And whites also naturally helps any food/ingredients looks more standout.

 

4. Use diffused lighting

 

 

Professional food photographer usually use a softbox since a soft diffused light and shadow usually works well with food photography ( and no … table lamp do not work well with food photography)

 

If you don't have a professional lighting set, you can just use natural light instead, find a big window, diffuse your light using a thin curtain, and get big styrofoam from your local supply store to helps bounce light, then you’re good to go.

 

5. Shows the details

 

 

Professional food photographer always pays attention to the food's details. Ask yourself, what is the most appealing part of this food that you are trying to capture?

 

Is it the perfect layer of croissant or maybe the generous chocolate fillings? And then accentuate that details. 

 

For example in this image for Chloute (@Chloutelife), I would like to show the layers of croissant and the generous Nutella filling that makes you want to lick this photo off the screen.

 

I strategically placed a Nutella jar at the background and a chocolate chunk at the side, to make your brain register all the excess chocolate and sugars (the human brain are naturally inclining to crave sweets ).

 

Your mind will automatically lust over this croissant. That is simply how foodporn works.

 

About foodporn

 

Oh … if you’re interested in learning more about foodporn, I am currently preparing an upcoming foodporn e-course, which is basically all you need to know about creating a good foodporn and hacking human mind to lust over a food photo and more ( I have a lot to share and I want to make sure that the content is really worthed and not boring :D).

 

You can subscribe down here and once the e-course is launched, subscribers will get a special notification + discount coupon valid for subscribers only ( you don’t want to miss this).

 

Cheers,

Silke