How to make your food photos even more fabulous. Follow this advice from experts and create a feast for the eyes
- Great food photos on Instagram really stand out, but why are most people’s food shots so dreary?
- These expert tips for colour, lighting, angles and composition should help you create mouth-watering photos
Why is it that photographs of food wind up being so disappointing – distressing, even – for anyone who isn’t a professional photographer?
Light is the first thing to bear in mind if you want your picture to look appetising, so put the dish or item close to a window so it gets as much light as possible. “The light should come diagonally from the side or diagonally from behind, not from above or the front,” says food blogger Vera Wohlleben.
“Early morning light works well for food photography, as shadows are still relatively soft and the colours look bright and natural,” says Stina Spiegelberg, a food photographer and TV chef. You can also try early afternoon between 2pm and 4pm, depending on the season.
In winter, try a soft box, says Spiegelberg. These lamps, which fold up into a small size when not needed, will create a soft light that gets evenly distributed over the food. Avoid mixing artificial light with daylight.