Though we haven’t been eating out as much in 2020, there is no doubt that Instagrammers have been keeping up with professional looking food pictures.
Have you ever wondered why your friend’s homemade bread looks like a photo from a magazine? Or do you struggle to find the right angle to make your cookies look as good as they taste? If so, we have answers for you.
We caught up with Canadian professional photographer, David Koonar to get his top secrets to taking Instagram-worthy food photos no matter how inexperienced you are.
Get the Lighting Down
Lighting can really make or break the way your food looks. Food photos are easily disrupted by shadows or poor lighting, making your dish look less appetizing.
I like to use natural light as much as possible to capture the colors of my food. But if the sunlight isn’t available to you, try shooting under an evenly lit, bright light.
Have a Nice Background
Let’s face it, you don’t wouldn’t want to order something off a menu if it was pictured in front of a dirty kitchen. Having a good background for your subject is definitely a must-have when shooting food.
I personally like flatlay shots, where the camera is positioned above the dish against the backdrop of a table or solid surface. Though more simplistic than other angles, it’s a great way to cut back on distractions and get a clear shot.
Presentation is Key!
Sure, lighting and background are important, but it is equally important to make sure your food is well presented! Try to arrange your food in an appetizing manner.
Get creative with how you put different colored foods together. Use your best dishes and silverware to make everything looking elegant and effortless.
Don’t Be Afraid of Editing
I always use a photo editing app to enhance my food pictures. Even if you get the lighting and presentation right, a small adjustment to the saturation or contrast can really make the dish pop.
You don’t have to go over the top with photoshop or filters, but minor tweaking can really make everything come together.
Try Different Angles
Though I mentioned the flatlay angle earlier, experimenting with different angles is important. Take some time to think about where the most interesting shot is.
For example, if you’re photographing a cake, try getting an up close shot of a slice rather than just capturing the whole thing. This makes for a more interesting composition and dynamic Instagram feed overall.
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