Food Photography for Bloggers

I never gave food photography much thought, until I started my food blog. I needed a food and drink photographic agency to supply me regularly with the quality of food photography that I wanted to represent my food blog.  Social networks are now full of pictures of people's lunches and dinners. Bad food photography with dirty serviettes, dirty cutlery, a can of Red Bull in the background or lipstick on the cup could put the entire internet off their dinner. Anxious to learn about the process, I decided to write this article and explain a little of what goes into a food shoot.

Food photography is an expensive venture and the most difficult of subjects for photographers. Hot food cools, moist food dries out, frozen food melts (especially under hot lights) but determined food photographers rise to the challenge with their extraordinary bag of tricks. The only advantage is that their subject matter won't walk away.

It takes many special photographic techniques and equipment, that most photographers do not possess. Most newbies to a food photography shoot are amazed at just how much goes into a successful shoot. Lights, power packs, booms, bounce cards, mirrors, reflectors, computers, cameras, light boxes, filters, grey cards, cords to cameras, cords to computers, cords to the lights, shooting surfaces, food related props...... and other things that you have forgotten when you go on location. Unless of course, you have a studio full of the stuff, that can give you flexibility during a shoot, not available in a restaurant. Also, not many restaurants can afford to devote the entire restaurant for the entire day. A studio is a more practical alternative, fully equipped with fridges and freezers. There are times when shooting on location makes a lot of sense, but it is much more expensive to haul equipment.

www.foodanddrinkphotos.com

Photographer: Tim Hill

Here are the team members, depending on the complexity of the project. The Client, who pays the bill and makes the final decisions. The Art Director, in charge of colours and angles. The Photographer, making sure everything happens from scheduling to logistics. The Photo Assistant, moves equipment, makes lunch and answers the phone. The Food Stylist, shops, prepares the food so that it looks best for the camera. Then, dummy food arrives, plate and prop selection, testing for shooting angles, lens and focus. Composition and lighting process, hero food arrives, final adjustments, final image captured. Then re-touching, enhancing, colour and the final product is delivered. It can take all day just to take one photo.

The background must match the food. Delicious french comfort food would be shot using simple dishes, faded linen, worn silverware, all set on a rustic wood table. Caviar on a blini would be shot using clean, elegant, starched serviettes and a white tablecloth. Better shots play with angles and perspectives, instead of how food appears when you sit down and eat it. 

A good food photographer inspires you to buy the cookbook and make that recipe on that page. The photography should be as perfect as the food itself.