Food Photography A Complete Guide

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Food photography is one of the easiest photography disciplines to start out with. You can arrange food however you like. It doesn’t scamper away mid-shoot and doesn’t get tired. It’s also relatively contained and easy to practice.

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45-Degree Angle Images

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Start your composition practice with 45-degree angle images. This angle is ubiquitous because it’s extremely flexible and works with just about every dish.

Overhead Food Photography

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Food photography is hugely popular on social media, and top-down tablescapes really proliferated on Instagram. These shots are not much more difficult than 45-degree images, but they require a bit more care.

Straight-On Food Photos

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Finally, there are straight-on images. These work well for steam or process shots. While no more difficult to set up than a 45-degree photo, capturing the process bit is usually the additional complication.

Lighting Your Food Photos

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A common way to light food photographs is with a large light source to the side and at a slightly elevated angle.

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When shooting food photography with artificial lighting, using a large softbox can provide pleasing soft lighting. Photo: Depositphotos.