Back in 2016, I had a food blog where I documented all my dining experiences in Lagos. It was so much fun because I got on the PR list for some of my favorite restaurants and that meant I received free food occasionally. I used a smart phone to take food photos and uploaded them to my blog. My friends would commend me on how “mad” my photos were looking but I knew it was nothing compare to what I saw on Pinterest. Google would always recommend more eye-catching images to my feed so one day I clicked on them and saw more mouthwatering images. I became curious and thirsty for answers when a voice from within made me research food photography. I discovered a whole industry online and that is how I started my journey.
In this writeup, I give 6 most important tips on how to get started in food photography.
Know Food
I am sure you’re wondering why. As cliché as this might seem, it is one of the most important drivers in food photography. Understanding the cooking method of a dish, color, texture including shapes and size would help you approach photographing them better. There are different types of themes and moods that work for different dishes. For example, some Nigerian soups are very dark in color. It is essential to note that dark and moody theme would not work for this category of Nigerian soups. It is best to approach it from a bright and airy perspective so as to accentuate the elements in the dish.
You don’t need an expensive gear to start
This was the most important advice I ever received from my guardian in food photography. Starting with your smart phone or an entry level digital camera will give you room for an extensive growth in food photography. I started shooting food with my smart phone and by the time I gradually upgraded from an entry level camera to a full frame digital camera, I was super confident to approach food photography from a professional point of view. I knew what angles I needed my camera to be at and many other information.
Lighting
For beginners, embrace natural light. One of the best lighting techniques in food photography is side light. Basic definition of side light is when your light source is coming from the side and bouncing on your subject to highlight its elements. For example, a window or door that has a great amount of light can be your light source. Place your subject beside your light source and watch it make your food photo eye-catching.
Know your angles
Mathematics was a huge bomber for me in high school but I cherished the knowledge I acquired from shapes, sizes and angles. Angles will help you see food from a different perspective. Straight on, 45 degree and overhead/flat lays are the three most important angles to help you tell your food story. Make sure you try them out today.
You need beautiful props and background to tell your food story
When you dish food onto a beautiful looking plate, it pops. When you place the dish on a background, it tells a better story. Start with neutral colored props and backdrops, they always work. Don’t focus too much on acquiring vintage props because if you don’t know how to use them, you can’t tell an exciting story.
Practice Consistently
There’s so much power in consistent practice because you discover new things on the go and you reapply it to your food photography. It will make you a genius.
Apply these six things today and watch yourself become a better food photographer. If you need more clarification, you can reach out to me via Instagram @pastryboystudios.
Bio
Hi! I am Anjola Awosika and I love food. My love for food birth the idea to photograph it. I am self-taught, a graduate of YouTube. I started shooting food professionally in 2018. Since then, I have shot hundreds of dishes. Currently, I work as the official photographer for Livvy’s Twist Cake Company. Also, I have worked with notable chefs in Nigeria like Chef Fregz including SMEs in the food industry. Storytelling and creative innovation are my forte. I am passionate about the food industry in Africa and I want to be among the game changers. I live in Lagos, Nigeria.
