Getting Started in Food Photography

Getting Started in Food Photography

Food photography isn’t just mouthwatering; it’s also a great way to make a living. Restaurants, grocery stores, and manufacturers all need alluring photos of their dishes and food products. As a photographer, you’ll get the chance to show off your skills by making their food look spectacular. Here’s what you need to know when you’re getting started in food photography.

Get the Right Equipment

Before you start snapping pics, you’ll need the right kind of equipment to do your delicious subjects justice. If you’re a new photographer, you’ll need to acquire some high-quality gear—but you don’t have to break the bank on a camera. As long as yours is reliable and functional, you can make it work. The real art of photography comes from lighting and angles, not necessarily from the quality of the camera. Once you have your equipment—tripod, editing software, and all—you can get started taking food photos.

Learn About the Food You Photograph

Knowing your subject matter is a good rule of thumb in photography, and food is no different. Do lots of research on the food your client hired you to photograph. This knowledge will help you determine the best angles and shots. Are you photographing toasted biscuits? Then you should know what toppings to use and what angles to shoot. The more you can learn about your subject, the better.

Focus on Lighting

Lighting matters in food photography. Make sure you’ve got high-quality lighting equipment, and learn how to find good sources of natural light. Mimicking daylight is an excellent strategy for food photography. If you can’t find a natural daylight source, opt for daylight-balanced lights.

Work with a Stylist and Cook

Cooking and styling the food on your own takes a lot of work. Look for a professional cook and stylist in your area. That way, all you have to focus on is your camerawork and getting the best shots possible. An excellent food stylist will make the food pop on screen by using color and textures.

These are just a few top tips for getting started in food photography. Once you land your first gig and start getting some more practice, you’ll become a natural!