Food photography is more than just taking pictures of meals—it’s about making food look as delicious as it tastes. Whether you’re a food blogger, a restaurant owner, or simply passionate about capturing food, learning the basics can take your photos to the next level. This beginner’s guide will walk you through food photography tips, camera settings, lighting techniques, and styling tricks to help you create stunning food shots.
1. Choose the Right Camera and Lens
While you can take great food photos with a smartphone, a DSLR or mirrorless camera gives you more control. If you’re serious about food photography, consider using:
- Camera: Canon EOS R50, Sony A6400, or Nikon Z5
- Lens: A 50mm prime lens (great for close-ups) or a 100mm macro lens (ideal for detailed shots)
📌 Pro Tip: Use a wide aperture (f/2.8 – f/5.6) to create a beautiful background blur (bokeh) while keeping the food sharp.
2. Master Natural and Artificial Lighting
Lighting is everything in food photography. Bad lighting can make even the most delicious dish look unappetizing.
Natural Light Tips:
- Shoot near a window for soft, diffused lighting
- Avoid direct sunlight to prevent harsh shadows
- Use a white reflector or foam board to bounce light and fill in shadows
Artificial Light Setup:
Invest in softbox lights or LED panels to mimic natural light if shooting at night or in low light. A continuous LED light (like the Godox SL60W) allows you to adjust brightness and temperature.
📌 Pro Tip: Place your light source at a 45-degree angle to add depth and texture to your food.
3. Perfect Your Composition
A well-composed shot makes food look more appealing. Try these popular food photography composition techniques:
- Rule of Thirds: Place your subject off-centre for a balanced look
- Top-Down (Flat Lay): Best for pizzas, bowls, and spreads
- 45-Degree Angle: Works well for most plated dishes
- Close-Ups: Show textures like melted cheese or fresh fruit
📌 Pro Tip: Use props like napkins, cutlery, and fresh ingredients to add context and depth.
4. Food Styling for Stunning Photos
Your dish should be as photogenic as possible before pressing the shutter. Here’s how:
- Use fresh ingredients – Wilted greens and dull produce won’t look appetizing
- Keep plates clean – Wipe away spills and smudges
- Add texture – Sprinkle herbs, drizzle sauces, or place a fork to create movement
- Work fast – Hot dishes lose their appeal quickly, so be ready to shoot immediately
📌 Pro Tip: Use oil or a water spray on fruits and veggies for a fresh, dewy look.
5. Edit Like a Pro
Even the best food photos can benefit from editing. Use Adobe Lightroom, Snapseed, or VSCO to adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation.
- Increase brightness & exposure for a clean, airy look
- Enhance colours to make food pop without oversaturating
- Sharpen details to highlight textures
📌 Pro Tip: Avoid over-editing—food should look natural and delicious, not artificial.
6. Best Camera Settings for Food Photography
Set your camera manually for better control:
- Aperture (f/2.8 – f/5.6): Blurs the background while keeping the food sharp
- ISO (100-400): Keeps images crisp without noise
- Shutter Speed (1/100 – 1/250): Ensures sharp shots, especially when handheld
- White Balance (Daylight or Auto): Keeps food colours accurate
📌 Pro Tip: Shoot in RAW format to have more flexibility in editing.
Start Capturing Irresistible Food Shots with Savorshots Photography
Food photography takes time and practice, but mastering these essential food photography techniques will help you create stunning, mouth-watering images.
Need professional food photography for your restaurant, food brand, or e-commerce store? 📸 Savorshots Photography specialises in high-quality commercial food photography that enhances branding, engages audiences, and boosts conversions. Whether you need menu photography, social media content, or product shots, our expert team ensures your food looks as good as it tastes.
📩 Get in touch today! Let’s make your food visually irresistible.
