Scrolling through your Instagram or Facebook feed you are bound to see at least some mouth-watering stalk-worthy food accounts that might keep you up for hours. But what about those accounts make them so interesting? It’s the awesome food photography that draws in a crowd– and makes them stay!

Bad low-quality food photos are a turn off for your audience. They might just go and unfollow you so it is important to have beautiful and tempting food photography on your account to keep your viewers entertained. Good quality food photographs can be the strategic “selling point” your restaurant needs for its marketing. But to achieve this alternative your food photographer needs to know some tips and tricks.

#1 Plating

Presentation of food matters a convenient lot in food photography so begin by arranging your food in a stylistic manner. Other than that, keep a few pointers in mind while photographing your dish.

1. Know your aesthetic
2. Choose the right surface
3. Think like an artist

#2 Lighting

Let’s say you have everything you need for your shoot, the best props, background, and the perfect looking dish, this entire list of luxuries mean nothing if you don’t have the proper lighting.

Mainly professional food photographers go for natural light. Artificial light can totally ruin your already perfect picture turning it into a weird shade of yellow. Revolve your shoot days around the weather forecast and if even then the sunlight is too direct and harsh you can soften it using photography gear.

#3 Food Styling

Every food photographer has their own style so; firstly you need to find what your own style is. Experimenting around with styles will tell you which kind of food photography you’re the most comfortable with, therefore be it your style.

• Take big, bold photos that grab the attention of viewers.
• Play around with overhead and straight-on shots to show an entire scene or display from different angles.

#4 Invest in a good tripod

A tripod is vital for good food photography so invest in a good one. It helps you avoid unwanted camera shake on your images as it keeps your camera steady. Moreover, set it at the low shutter speed and you can still get a clear, focused image.

#5 Keep it fresh

Soggy food or dishes that have been spoiled in any way can put-off your viewers.

• When shooting fruits and vegetables, sprinkle some water on them so, they appear fresh.
• As for cooked dishes, try to plate them just moments before the shoot.

#6 Food stylist

Partnering with a food stylist will help you ensure that your idea gets delivered to your audience. Food stylists have the knowledge and skills necessary to make any meal look delicious.

#7 Use props

Including accessories in your food photography can help with strengthening its visual appeal. Make sure the props you add into your shoot don’t clutter the frame excessively and that they serve only to support the main subject.

#8 Experiment with angles

Once the food is plated and you’re ready for the shoot, try out a few different angles to see what works best. This will allow you to find out the most appealing position and which angle compliments the dish the most.

#9 Pay attention to color

Neutral tones and contrasting colors can make the colors of your meals pop.

• Using a neutral background and props doesn’t overpower the dish and keeps the attention of the viewer on it.
• Using contrasting colors creates vibrant dynamics that draw the viewer’s sight into the scene.

#10 Editing

Using editing apps to make some light touch-ups will bring out the color of your dish. The alterations you make through editing will give your photographs a more polished and professional look.

Here are some editing steps you need to know:

• Sharpen the Image
• Fix White Balance
• Adjust Brightness/Contrast
• Adjust Saturation

#11 Be minimalistic

The composition is the key to great food photography, and the key to a good composition of your dish is minimalism. Each element in the scene you’re shooting should be carefully thought out. It’s quite easy to get sidetracked while you’re shooting for food. Use negative space to let the subject breathe and direct the viewers’ attention towards your dish instead of overpowering it with props and decorations.

#12 Be creative

Food photography is art so take it like one. Don’t be afraid to try out new things like sculpting your food or giving them a real edge. The more unique a perspective you can bring to your food photography the more likely you are to catch the attention of your viewers and hopefully their taste buds too.