Beyond just knowing what great food should taste like, food bloggers like Warren van Dam are in fact masterful photographers as well. This, or they have masterful photographers on their team. Unfortunately it doesn’t make much of a difference what someone says about the food which they see, if that photo doesn’t make it look delicious, they just won’t believe you. If you are looking to get started as a food blogger then the first thing you need to know is the importance of a great shot, because your recommendations will live and die based on this.
When it comes to social media people eat with their eyes, and that is why it is critical that you can take a photo of food in such a way that it really pops off the screen, and makes the viewer hungry. Here are some tips to bear in mind when you are taking a photo of food.
All Four Corners
This image is not about just a plate of food, it is the entire image that you have to bear in mind. This is why you may see a waffle with berries on it, and then some berries scattered around the table cloth, this captures the theme of the food, and it fills all 4 corners. Nobody wants to see great food on a dirty table. Always remember that the image should be full, there is more than just the plate to focus on.
Crockery
No matter how good the food may look, you don’t need it served up on some old, faded crockery. This is why so many people use the likes of slate to serve food on, to bring about a better feeling and a fresher design. This is a critical component of any food photo.
Additional Details
The devil is in the details with these shots, and you should always bear in mind the theme of the food. For example dusting icing sugar across the plate gives a great look, equally looking to add little extras such as small friers to serve French fries in. All of these extras drive home the theme of the food and this will be the finishing touches that you will make.
Light and Dark
Colors are critical to this kind of shot, and it is all about playing with light and dark. Consider how you want the shot to look, if it is meat then you can use light and dark to make it look more succulent, if it is avocado toast then you can again really use darkness at the edges to bring the plate to life and to make it look every bit as inviting as it does in person. Focus on getting a nice combination of colors, and then use darkness and light to really make them pop.
Ultimately you are going to have to spend a great deal of time on getting this kind of image just right, do that, and you could very well become a food blogger.