Hi Everyone

I was out last week on a commercial photoshoot at Giancarlos in Tranent for Just Eat.  As a professional photographer operating in Scotland, it is always a pleasure to get a variety of different commissions.  Food photography is something I enjoy.  This particular commission has some strict guidelines/requirement from the client and this is fine but it got me thinking of a few tips for food photographers.  Here they are:

1. Use a tripod for consistency and sharpness, especially if shooting with natural light

2. Get creative with where you focus, this adds interest to the photo

3. Try and get the food to shine.  This can be achieved by spraying it, or lightly topping it with oil so that it glistens

4. Better brighter than darker or under-exposed where food photography is concerned, it makes the food more attractive

5. If photographing something fairly basic such as a hamburger shot side on to show the fillings

6. Where flash is used, always diffuse the light and only aim straight at the subject if you are using a fairly large softbox or light modifier, otherwise the light will be too harsh

7. Use props ie chopsticks, cutlery, salt pepper, herbs etc

8. Try and make the food look colourful and it must look very attractive to eat, sounds obvious but I have seen some food photos that put me of the menu

9. In some cases photograph 90 degrees above with drinks included to give the impression of a 3 or 4 course meal

10. Try some preparation shots, with chefs making the food, it can help to tell the story

Hope all that helps

Until next time

Kind Regards

Colin