Not ready to invest in a fancy camera? Not a problem, we are all walking around with a camera in our pockets these days. Don’t know how to properly expose an image? That doesn’t even matter. Set the camera to auto and let it do the heavy lifting… just having an interest to capture your culinary experiences is all that’s needed to get started.

Something to bounce/reflect light. A piece of foam core is my weapon of choice. One side white to reflect light and one side black to take light away and add a moodiness to the image. You can use a share plate, napkin, or even a makeup mirror. You don’t need a fancy tool to get the job done.

Image editing software is readily available on multiple platforms. Whether it’s on your phone or on your computer, capturing the image is just the start of the creativity. Being able to adjust the image to whatever style you like is the goal. Light and Bright, Dark and Moody, Punchy Colors, Desaturated Values. Whatever your preference, having the software to change your image is all it takes.

Shooting RAW allows you to have a larger degree of control of your final image. Not all camera phones are capable of shooting RAW. More and more camera phones these days are implementing a RAW feature but if you don’t have that option there are apps available as well.

If your able to access a grid on your screen do yourself a favor and turn it on. It will help with your overall composition. Being able to have a grid can help when adjusting for social media dimensions, and also for easily applying the rule of thirds.

Being able to control your exposure is very important. Finding a camera app that allows you to take full control of the camera will help you get the images you want.

an image shot directly from above – a bird's eye view of an array of carefully arranged objects.

An image shot where you can observe 3/4 of the object. Maximizes the amount of the object being shot.

An image shot at eye-level of subject. The Subject looks even with, or equal to, viewer. Angle makes viewer feel equal to subject.

Do you love to cook? The possibilities are wide open when it comes to sharing a recipe. You have your ingredients to shoot, prep shots, process shots, and final dish to capture.

Sharing a meal with friends is always something worth capturing. Taking photos before, during and after your meal is a way to hang on to that great meal with even better company.

We all have that bucket list restaurant we want to go to. Taking photos during your experience is beneficial for both the restaurant and you. There are multiple components that tell the story of your meal. The space, the food, the cocktails… they all tell a section of the story.

A lot of times the space tells a story all on its own. Whether its your favorite restaurant, your kitchen island, or a street vendor the space in which the food lives can say a lot about the experience.

Food is full of texture, sometimes getting as tight as possible on the food is what really describes the dish. In the world of photography this is referred to as “Macro Photography” It makes the food larger than life and allows the viewer to really explore the textures.

Use textures, utensils, patterns, dishes etc. to “Guide the eye” to its subject. Just like a finger pointing at something, you want to use the elements of your image to force the viewer to create a hierarchy. The eye should be led to what you want to be the most prominent aspect of your photo.

You don’t want to overcrowd your subject. Often times less is more. When the only thing calling for your attention is your object it allows the viewer to hone in on what’s most important.

Youtuber, Instructor, and Author Joanie Simon is a great resource no matter your skill level. Her YouTube Channel and Book “Picture Perfect Food” are full of simple tutorials for getting started in food photography.

The Bite Shot YouTube Channel

The Bite Shot Instagram

Bon Appétit Magazine is one of my biggest inspirations for breaking down the anatomy of food photography. With beautiful layouts, carefully curated recipes, and entertaining YouTube Channel you can’t go wrong flipping through their magazine or binging episodes on their channel for your next idea.

Bon Appétit Website

Bon Appétit Instagram

Bon Appétit YouTube Channel

Perhaps food styling is more your passion. This book is a great resource for both your food photography as well as learning the in’s and out’s of food styling. When you are starting out in the world of food photography you won’t have the option to have a food stylist. The next best thing is being your own stylist!
Buy the book on Amazon