Food is an experience we all share, making it the ideal subject for photography. Smartphone cameras and social media have made food photography easier than ever, yet even expert culinary creations may look appetizing when shot under certain lighting or at an awkward angle.
Looking for tips to take more flattering food photographs, we consulted veteran cookbook photographer Jim Sullivan about taking beautiful shots regardless of conditions or equipment available to us.
Style the Food
Position is of vital importance when styling food photographs; including how much of it appears in each shot. Photographer Ryan Sullivan emphasizes this point when speaking of photographing sushi; for instance, when photographing two pieces of nigiri on two nigiri plates he prefers having negative space surrounding each nigiri piece – “if two nigiri plates were side by side I wanted some negative space between each to draw your eye to each piece individually. You may include some reference from table and plate elements as reference points but having this negative space helps focus on just one element at once.” Experiment with adding more or less negative space until finding your ideal composition!
With something such as a sandwich, steak, or donut,” he may take more of a lifestyle approach to his photography. A drink, chips, hands and an open space might all make sense in this scene where your eye goes straight to the sandwich! Practice moving objects around in your photos so they complement rather than detract from what matters in each shot.
Likewise, if your plate contains any debris such as food crumbs or dirt particles, give it a quick wipe with soapy water in order to make everything appear neat and tidy.
Think About Depth, Mood & Contrast
Consider elements like texture, height and color when taking photos of food items such as sandwiches. A low angle might create the appearance of towering sandwiches while for sushi it is best to “meter for fish while trying to capture texture of rice.” Lighting from different directions or getting close can bring out those small details more effectively.
Techniques from other disciplines can also provide aid when it comes to food. “My approach to food mirrors that of portraiture – you need to focus on and flatter the eyes while paying attention to how shadows fall across one’s face,” states Sullivan. Adding the edge of a plate in front of food can add depth while shadows created by it provide texture.