Food Photography: Tricks of the Trade
Food photography is a skill that takes years to master. While it may seem like it is easy just to arrange some food on a plate, take a few photos and then (best of all) eat it afterwards, what actually goes into a food photography shoot is quite the contrary. Food photography takes time, careful planning and a healthy dose of creative vision, which is why professional food photographers generally don't go it alone. Nowadays they will have a team working with them to help create those wonderful images, including a food stylist, creative director and a props assistant.
Most food also has a use by date, especially when exposed to heat, lighting and even air so the photographer will use different tricks of the trade to prevent the food from spoiling too soon. Here are just a few of the tricks food photographers often use to create those scrumptious images we see in cookbooks, advertising and on the internet:
Lighting
Food photographers opt for natural light these days – especially with the popularity of organic foods. Positioning food by the window or even outside will keep it looking much more natural than using artificial light. However, if you do need to rely on studio lighting, avoid using the camera flash as it will reflect off the food and make it look washed out – not to mention unappetising. Professional food photographers will generally opt for studio strobe lighting as it gives off the same colour effect as daylight.
Styling
The food needs to be arranged in an aesthetically pleasing way and this is where the food stylist needs to step in. Food stylists need to understand food, what people want to eat, how foods react in varying conditions and what looks good in photos. Contrasting the differing food colours will make the image look more attractive. For instance, a plate of mashed potato is not going to look particularly interesting. However, contrast it with some bright yellow corn, fresh green peas, drizzled with steaming rich gravy (see below for more on adding steam) and it is transformed into a gastronomic delight that will have us all drooling.
Using props
Props are also an important element in food photography but should not overwhelm or crowd the shot so the food becomes less of the focal point. Add a fork, napkin or even a just an attractive table cloth for some added interest in the shot.
Adding steam
Steam is the perfect effect that makes dishes look piping hot in photos. However in reality steam rises off hot food and evaporates too quickly for the food photographer to capture it. The photographer needs to be resourceful and it is not uncommon for them to use smoke machines, the steamer off a cappuccino machine or vaporised liquid titanium that looks like steam. Using a dark background will also make the steam stand out more effectively in the photo.
While food photographers regularly use these tricks to create those wonderful-looking food images, it's probably best not to eat the subjects after the photo shoot. Liquid titanium is really not that appetising!
About the Author
The author, Neil Adams, is Managing Director of Powerhouse, a UK creative commercial photography company based in Leeds. Powerhouse offers a range of photography services, including food photography.
Photography Tips : Photography Prop Ideas
|
|
Handmade Chunky Pumpkin Beanie with Cocoon Pod Photo Prop, 3-6 months £24.95 Super chunky...super thick! Perfect for those Spring and Summer photo shoots! This chunky cocoon is made of a super soft wool acrylic blend yarn in a warm carrot orange. The large stitches allow for babies bits to poke through enhancing your photographs.... |
|
|
Luxury Wedding Ring Cushion- Beautiful Rose Design Pillow £9.99 This white ring cushion will make a fabulous gift for an engaged couple on their wedding day. A beautiful way of presenting the wedding rings on that special day.... |
|
|
Photographic Prints of A curious young Polar Bear investigates a tripod from ArcticPhoto £11.99 10x8 Print, A curious young Polar Bear investigates a tripod. A curious young Polar Bear investigates a tripod. Cape Churchill, Canada. Chosen by ArcticPhoto. Printed on 254x203mm Fuji Crystal Archive paper for stable image permanence and brilliant colour reproduction with smooth tones, enhanced sharpness, and excellent definition. Size refers to paper used. This item is shipped from our UK lab.... |
|
|
Photo Jigsaw Puzzle of A curious young Polar Bear investigates a tripod from ArcticPhoto £18.99 Photo Jigsaw, A curious young Polar Bear investigates a tripod. A curious young Polar Bear investigates a tripod. Cape Churchill, Canada. Chosen by ArcticPhoto. Bespoke 300 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle 17x12 (43x30cm). The jigsaw is delivered bagged and on a back board making a superb gift. Also supplied are a re-sealable bag, a photo example of the image and a self assemble flat packed box for storage. Th... |
|
|
CROCHET PATTERN PDF-Crochet Tutu and petal hat - 3 sizes ***THIS IS A CROCHET PATTERN LISTING.NOT ACTUAL PRODUCT****´¯`?.¸.?*´¯`?.¸.?*´¯`?.¸.?*´¯`?.¸.?*´¯`?.¸.?*´¯`?.¸.?*´¯`?.¸.?*´¯`?.¸.?*´¯`?.¸.?*´¯`?.¸.?*´¯`?.¸.?*´¯`*You will Recieve separately written instructions in sizesNewborn0-33-6Picture tutorials included in patternSkill: intermediate *´¯`?.¸.?*´¯`?.¸.?*´¯`?.¸.?*´¯`?.¸.?*´¯`?.¸.?*´¯`?.¸.?*´Â... |
|
|
Baby Bunny Hat Knitting Pattern - 6 Sizes Sizes you will receive directions for:PreemieNewborn0-3 Months3-6 Months6-12 Months12 Months - 3 YearsThis is a beginner level pattern, and is partially knitted in the round.You have permission to sell the finished product ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This design, a written work and images are a copyright of©MelodysMakings and may not be copied or reproduced in any way... |
|
|
walimex pro Mushroom Set Studio Prop £72.99 Immerse yourself in an exceptional world: With our high-quality studio props we would like to put our offer of stage and studio decoration in perspective and that in the truest sense of the word. The walimex Studio Prop ‘Mushroom Set’ will convince you with its lifelike look and its stability. It is a funny deco idea particularly for portraits, e.g., of siblings or families. Let your c... |
|
|
Lastolite white removable/washable covers for posing tubs £53.97 This set of white Lastolite Posing Tub Covers are designed to compliment Lastolite's posing tubs. Lastolite offer a range of posing tubs in various sizes and shapes for different poses, which are padded with foam to make them comfortable and have hard-wearing nylon covers for durability. You can also purchase cushions for adjusting your subject once they are seated. The Lastolite posing tubs are R... |
|
|
walimex pro Studio Prop Bench £32.99 Immerse yourself in the different walimex pro world: With our high-quality studio props we would like to put the previously neglected part of stage and studio decoration in perspective and that in the truest sense of the word. Although the Studio Prop ‚Bench‘ is not made of real stone, with a maximal load capacity from 60kg it is nevertheless very sturdy. Through the indentation... |
Tags: art · design · photo · photography · photography props for babies · photography props for kids · photography props for sale · photography props wholesale · photography-props · photosNo Comments
0 responses so far ↓
Like gas stations in rural Texas after 10 pm, comments are closed.