10 Food Photography Tips That Will Make A Difference

1.9K

“This review was made possible by Double Duty Divas and Cascade. I was provided the featured product free of charge to facilitate my review, but all opinions are 100% mine.”

When I started blogging, I had no idea where I would be sitting today.  I hoped, dreamed and even crossed my fingers and toes.  I worked hard, but don’t think I ever really believed I would be a full-time mom blogger, who’s actually able to not get up and go to work.  Now, don’t for one second think this is an easy job, I put in WAY more hours here than I did as a district manager for a bank (we didn’t get bankers hours either), and it really takes work to get things down.  One area I have put a lot of focus in my food photography.  It’s no easy task, but so many people think it’s just taking a picture of food, which maybe for some who are super talented in that area it is, but I’m not.  It takes work, dedication, and trying new things.

Since I am focusing on food photography focus I thought I would share a few tips I have learned along the way, but do remember I still have work to do, and things to learn.  So if you know something I’m missing please do share, I love learning from others – constructive criticism is never a bad thing it’s how we grow.

10 Food Photography Tips That Will Make A Difference

Here are a 10 food photography tips that will make a difference if you’re starting out.  Remember, I am not a pro, just want to help others who were in my place not long ago.  If you have tips, I am all ears!

Camera

Naturally, you’ll need a camera for food photography.  I use a DSLR, but now and then, I’ll use my cell phone.  I have had my DSLR for about 2 years now, and it was worth every penny.  I love my DSLR, but you don’t have to have it but I think you’ll be happier with the results.  

Take your camera off auto

I’m sure you have heard it or read about it – take your camera off auto! I know it seems scary, and at times can get aggravating, but take your camera off auto and shoot in RAW.  Once you get your first good shot, you’ll be hooked, and continuously want to do better, and learn more.  Don’t be scared, just do it!

Lens

Be sure and invest in a good lens if you decide to invest in a DSLR, don’t stick with the stock lens.  I like using the Canon 50mm 1.4 and recently started using the Canon 50mm 1.8.  Do your research before purchasing a lens, there is loads of information out there, and plenty of professional food bloggers are more than happy to tell you which lens they use and why.

Tripod

Use a tripod when you can because it beats holding the camera still for long periods, and helps the camera sit still.

Get close

You don’t have to take pictures of the entire plate, take pictures up close too.  In my opinion the more the better, different angles, sides, lighting and don’t be scared to cut it or slice it if it allows.  This helped me learn more about lighting and what certain settings did when I took my camera off auto.  It’s a great way to learn, hands on! 

Fresh

Naturally, you food is going to look better with fresh ingredients.  If something looks a little old, or isn’t pretty in color, but still useable.  Set it aside, and use it on your next batch, but only use the fresh food for your photography.  You will be able to tell the difference.

Light, Light, Light

This is a tough one for me, my kitchen lacks natural lighting so I have learned to head outside, which really works great.  I might also use my den, because I have a huge glass door that lets tons of light in at certain times of the day. 

I used to think using the flash was okay, but no, it’s not.  Everyone says to use natural lighting is correct, because your flash puts of a yellowish type of color. 

Many pictures

Take tons of pictures with the food facing different directions, because the angle of light also makes a huge difference on your picture. 

Background

For the love of food photography, pay attention to your background.  Dress it up a little, it doesn’t have to be anything too crazy, just something to give it a little pop.

Details

Small stuff matters, be sure everything is nice and clean it makes a huge difference.  Clean dishes, background, silverware, and anything else in the image make a huge difference. 

I stopped using my dishwasher for a long time, because I did feel like it got everything as clean as it needed to be, and I didn’t like washing things twice.  Thanks to Cascade Platinum, I have started using my dishwasher again to clean my dishes.  Yepie, it’s good stuff. 

You might remember my last Cascade Platinum gathering.  I can’t tell you how amazing my husband is, but he actually invited over some friends, and did this last party for me.  He’s amazing, and yes he helps me out around the house all the time.  We have always been a good team, and support one another to the fullest.  Gosh, for the longest time he really did everything, because I was working at the bank, and trying so hard to make enough money with this blog to leave my job.  He took care of everything so I could work.  I couldn’t my blessing daily for the man I was lucky enough to marry.

Anyway, let’s talk about this party!  As I mentioned my husband held the party, because I was out-of-town on a family emergency.  He invited over a few friends, their kids, and his mom even showed up to make sure everyone was done correctly lol.  They all might help around the house, but it always takes a woman to be sure things are done right lol.  Kidding, but in my case I’m not and my husband will happily admit it.

When you have a family of six, and are planning another I can’t tell you how nice it is to know you can finally use your dishwasher after letting it sit because nobody wanted to wash the dishes twice.  My brother and his wife did the same things, and recently started running their dishwasher again because they were so impressed with Cascade Platinum.  It’s the most amazing thing, but you don’t even have to rinse your dishes off, just toss them in the dishwasher and unload when it’s finished.  Check this out.

My husband was supposed to make French toast, but instead him and the kids made rice crispy treats, which in the end probably demonstrates how well Cascade Platinum works better than French toast.  Anyone who has made Rice Crispy treats know how hard it can be to get the marshmallow stuff off your bowls and pans, especially if you don’t do it right away..

Well here is an image of before he placed it in the dishwasher.  You can see it was dried on their pretty good, because he allowed it to sit for several hours.  Which is very typical for my husband, it will be done, just not right away. 

Now you can see how pretty and clean both dishes are!  Please excuse my pan, it’s old, and we don’t typically use that one when we’re taking pictures, but again this is what happens when my husband and the kids make anything.  However, the dishes are done so I have no room to complain, and Cascade Platinum has made our lives easier, because it works when you skip the pre-wash, rinse whatever, but get this – It actually works better when you skip the rinse!  Yes, how awesome is that?

You can actually let your dishes sit for up to 24 hours, and not worry about pre-washing!  Cascade Platinum delivers the premium, advanced triple action formula that helps to prevent residue on your dish and filming in your dishwasher!  You can trust it to cut the grease because it has Grease Fighting Power of Down, scrubs away though 24-hour food and my favorite there is no need to pre-wash your dishes!  You can get Cascade Platinum in Fresh and Lemon Burst scents!

To learn more head over to the Cascade website here.  If you have an opinion you would like to share you can leave a Cascade Platinum Review include #CascadeShiningReviews and one lucky person will win a Kitchen Aid Dishwasher!

Thanks to the wonderful people at Cascade you have a chance to win this awesome Cascade Prize Package that includes the following!  

• 1 pack of Cascade Platinum
• 1 Bottle of Cascade Rinse Aid
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Wine Topper
• Sugar Sifter