Food Photography 101

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Okay, move your fork a little to the left. Oh! You went too far. Can you push that piece of avocado into the shot?"

Literally me, directing my boyfriend through food styling every time we're at a restaurant. I'm lucky he still likes me.

Snapping the perfect food photo is more than just clicking a button. There are million variables to consider, like voluntarily eating an ice cold plate of food for the sake of an Instagram post. Sacrifices, right?

I've been in like with food for as long as I can remember. Food is engrained in your DNA when you grow up in an Italian family. If I wasn't at the table promptly when supper was ready, it was an actual problem. The kind that chases you around the house with a wooden spoon. So, I not only learned to love food - I learned to respect it.

Today capturing plates around the table is a passion of mine, as well as a huge part of my career! If you're a food photographer who wants to hone your craft, you'll appreciate these tips.

Tip #1: Lighting is Everything

What's the most obvious requirement for a flawless picture? LIGHT. If you've ever spotted a photographer at a restaurant, you'll notice they always steal a seat next to the window. That's because they're setting themselves up with lighting that will compliment the food and accentuate all of the delicious details. Natural light is your friend!

While lighting is the ultimate key to photography, you never want to shoot food in direct sunlight. Your image will look 'hot,' aka overexposed. As for shooting with artificial light, the only time it reigns supreme is in product photography or if you're chasing shadows.

Tip #2: Think through Perspective

"When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change." Welcome to one of my favorite quotes ever. And guess what? It's all about perspective. The same applies to photography. That's why when you're shooting a dish it's important to capture it from all angles!

Everyone has a go-to perspective, which is what I like to call your personal style. However, when you're creating content for a client it's helpful to know the story they want to tell. Maybe their goal is to create food images that say, "family style." In that case, you'll want to focus on bright overhead shots featuring a variety of menu items with hands reaching across the table to share them. Take time to think through how your client wants to be perceived. Then bring that vision to life.

Tip #3: Fresh Paint, Please!

There's nothing worse than chipped nails holding a gorgeous waffle cone overflowing with ice cream. It's borderline offensive. In fact, details are the most important thing to consider when you're shooting any photograph. Every tiny morsel contributes to the big picture and how people react to it.

Ugly nails will ruin a perfect shot, so don't let it happen to you. I don't care if you have to skip a meeting with Oprah to make it to your nail appointment on time - fresh paint is crucial. She'll understand.

Tip #4: Develop Your Personal Style

A huge part about being a photographer means being true to your personal style. We all see things differently, which is why it's wildly necessary to emphasize your point of view. It's what makes you unique!

Think of being behind the camera as your opportunity to be an artist. Experiment with different compositions, angles and color schemes. Shoot an overhead tablescape and cut off half of every plate. Find something interesting and make the moment yours.

P.S. The worst thing you could ever do is worry about what other people think. Share your perspective with the world and it will be appreciated. I promise.

Tip #5: Get Handsy

Remember when your parents said "Don't play with your food!" Well, forget it. Food is one of the most playful mediums we put our hands on every day. In fact, I once hosted an event in New York City for influencers to use colorful ingredients to paint their plates and excite their palates. YOU WOULD HAVE LOVED IT.

So, here's a little challenge for you. Next time you're eating out, channel your inner food stylist. Reposition the watermelon radish slice that fell slightly off the top of your salad. Ask for more fresh parsley to bless the top of your chicken parmesan with. Move your broccolini to new territory. Spoiler alert: it's crazy satisfying.

Tip #6: Post-Shoot Edits... Beware

Let me start by saying, I love Adobe Lightroom. It's an incredible tool to give your photos the mini facelift they sometimes need. Using an editing program is also a wonderful way to learn about the elements of photography. You have no idea how many times the white-balance tool has saved my ass after media nights in dark restaurants.

Editing is a whole other form of self-expression. In my mind, there are two types of photo editors. People who like to keep it real and people who like to throw a 50% orange filter on top of 32% shadows and -17% contrast. I prefer to maintain the integrity of the food with minimal enhancement. For quick edits, I usually increase highlights, up the brightness and make sure the temperature is neutral.

For more food photography inspiration, check out my instagram page!

Happy snapping.

MS