Hi All

As a professional freelance event and corporate photographer operating in Edinburgh, I like to keep my eye out for new challenges and different genres of photography and after a bit of a break, I am about to embark on some food photography in a week or two, so I thought it would be a good time to give you some top tips for food photography.  Although food photography can very complex, I have decided to keep it simple for this blog and will concentrate on basic photographic set-ups.

1. Try to use natural light and a reflector.  For instance in my Just Eat photoshoots, they don't want you to use flash, so I position the food at the best location using natural light, and or the internal tungsten lighting.  If you use studio flash keep it small an portable and try and use one light, you are often photographing in kitchens and there is not much room.

2. Take different angles.  Directly above lighting is always a good one, but take shots from all angles.

3. The cutlery, plates etc are also very important for authentic shots.

4. Make sure the plates/surface etc are spotless.

5. Try to get some steam showing with hot foods and pay attention to the layout of the food.

6. Use a macro lens for some of the shots to get that level of detail.

7. If time permits, you can cheat a little ie spray the fruit and veg to give it that shine.

8. Use a tripod, the slightest bit of camera shake will ruin a food shot.

9. Try and get some shots with people in them ie chef or diners enjoying the food.

10. Suggest that you eat the food afterwards, otherwise it is just going to get chucked out.  This one is just a bit of a joke but nevertheless it is a waste if nobody eats it.

Hope that helps.

Until next time.

Kind Regards

Colin Wright

www.colinwrightphotography.co.uk

www.edinburghphotographer.com