Portrait photographers need to be skilled in food photography styling to make their subjects relax in front of the camera. It is different from food photographers where their subjects cannot talk at all. Food photography styling has its own challenge.
Food Photography Styling 1 : Use Less Food
The first tip is by plating less food than you usually do. Having a pile of food may make you generous, but remember to give more space when you put your food in the frame. An overcrowded plate can make the appearance less appealing than the minimalist one.
Food Photography Styling 2 : Use Paper
Paper is used to adding texture to your plates. Use baking paper which will help to give visual interest and help you to soften the lines of the plates.
Food Photography Styling 3 : Contrast Background
The background will help to make your food stand out. To help you with that, make sure to choose a contrasting background. For instance, a white background will suit with darker plates.
Spill the Food Naturally
Make your food a bit messy will help you to add life and movement to your photography. One tip on food photography styling is by letting the food to spill over. This way will make your photograph less boring.
Choose Simple Tableware
Avoid having a highly decorated napery and China. It is beautiful, but it will distract you from the visual of the food. Viewers might focus on China rather than on the food. Plain plates like classic while plate will allow your food to be the focal point.
Show the Natural Beauty of the Food
You need to think about what makes a dish look delicious. This will help you on how to display and shoot it. For instance, you love the crispy chicken skin. Rather than shooting on its individual slices, try to shoot the whole roasted chicken. It will look better, to see the crisps of the skin.
Work-in-progress Shots
To focus on the final shot of plated food might be easy. Yet, you may miss some opportunities along this way. To overcome it, you need to take several shots, starting from the preparation to the cooking process.
Capture the Yum Factor
Highlights on the things that make your food delicious. For instance, you shoot an ice cream. Imagine its creaminess and licking drips that come from the side of your bowl.
Look for Ideas
Inspiration and ideas for your food photography styling can come from anywhere. It can come anywhere and anytime, so better for you to write down all the ideas you got. And see what works for your work.
Reshoot
Take several shots on your food. You can try to take the whole dish first, and try to eat some, and try to take another shot. Half-finished dish might look more appetizing than the whole dish.
