Do not judge the food by it’s image: food styling takes so much more than foods and props. We have prepared a wonderful selection of useful materials for you to prepare your content effectively:
Creation of a great shot requires knowing how to use various composition tools and techniques for your food styling can make your image complete. Nonetheless, there is no need to learn all of them. Mix and match these three secret ingredients to prepare the best food styling recipe:
— Layers: Use at least 3 layers for a nicer composition, add up to the story of the shot, evoke emotions, hide defects, but do not forget to keep the frame subtle and minimal.
— Repetition: Use rhythm and patterns as a compositional tool to control and emphasize some to the elements in the image to make it stand out.
— Triangles: Add dynamics by playing with triangular forms, engaging the symbolic interaction behind it.
Have you ever gotten your mouth salivate just by looking at a picture of yummy food? The article by Blumberg discloses the truth of mouthwatering effect. Read through 16 different stories to learn how most steamingly and deliciously looking plates that are completely fake are prepared to make your juices flowing.
In her Apple Dapple Cake, And Some Food Photography Tips the author shares valuable experience and key aspects that should be taken into consideration while working with food. The writer explains that there in no ‘right/only’ approach in food styling, however such things as minding the temperature and the direction of light; keeping your stage clean and ready for shooting beforehand; analysing recipe beforehand and thinking about your props, texture and color of your backdrops; overall look and feel of the scene; various serving options; viewpoint and technical elements like depth of field, focal point, crop, crowdedness, storyline, etc. are worth to be taken care of. Bellas also shares some insights about picture selection and post production. the author shares valuable experience and key aspects that should be taken into consideration while working with food. The writer explains that there in no ‘right/only’ approach in food styling, however such things as minding the temperature and the direction of light; keeping your stage clean and ready for shooting beforehand; analysing recipe beforehand and thinking about your props, texture and color of your backdrops; overall look and feel of the scene; various serving options; viewpoint and technical elements like depth of field, focal point, crop, crowdedness, storyline, etc. are worth to be taken care of. Bellas also shares some insights about picture selection and post production.
In her article 12 things that have helped my food photography Bojon provides options on image optimization for a nicer looking frame. The blogger advices to use a dSLR camera with multiple good lenses for getting a more professional image. She suggests shooting in RAW format to be able to do more adjustments, while saving the quality of the image and easily edit the photos in Lightroom later on to give the picture a more natural look. As the industry constantly advances, the writer emphasizes the importance of learning on a constant basis. Hunting for props, backgrounds, layers, curtains for preparing more lively, interesting images that have a story behind them is another way to successful imaging. Finally, the writer advises using additional equipment like tripod, or lighting, or hiring a personal assistant to grant you more time for other activities.
Courtney Slazinik shares her 10 tips for food photography. The author explains technical aspects like aperture in action, decorating with props and contrasting colors, emphasizing homemade look and feel by adding texture with preparation utensils, follow the rules of composition to stack or line up the objects, like deserts. Courtney suggests indirect natural light to avoid overexposed shining or harsh shadows on the food. The writer states that it is the little things that matter, such as small decorative details or color saturation, avoiding gaudy dishes or linens, keeping the focal point on your food to make an impact. Finally, the author underlines the importance of including capturing props to create special atmosphere in the shot.
Food photographer and blogger Andrew Scivani states that Props Help Tell the Story of Food. The author has a romantic vision of his profession, carefully selecting each element for the picture, as if he was dressing self, writing: “You dress your plates the way you would dress yourself”.
In Christina Chaey’s article Rebecca Jurkevich shares that other than having a trained eye for prettiness and details, the food stylist has to also understand that sometimes the simplest foods can be hardest to shoot and that perfection costs time, effort, tons of fresh and extra produce, oil sprinkles and a hot-glue gun.
Food Blogging is such a fast developing industry that it is extremely hard to follow the tendencies of the latest trends on the market. Be always up to date on the latest trends by following the digest of useful links in food styling.
