I am always very flattered when people say their favourite things about the blog is my photography, since I don’t have any training in this field specifically. I do come from a fine arts background however, and I’ve used my understanding of composition, light, and colour to teach myself how to take beautiful photographs.
If you go back to the very beginning of the blog, you’ll see where I began. Ouch. But I leave those images there for readers to see my evolution! I knew very little when I started, and have used each blog post as an opportunity for growth. I really try and challenge myself every time I am photographing a new subject, experiment with the light, colours, backgrounds etc, and maybe even fiddle around with the camera settings, even if I think I know what would look best. Sometimes I surprise myself!
This is all to say that photographing food did not come naturally to me, but was instead a major journey of exploration, trial and error.
My approach and style
Since I never received any professional training, or expected to be a “food photographer”, my approach to the whole thing is quite relaxed. I like ingredients and finished dishes to speak for themselves, so, much like in my cooking, I try to intervene as little as possible. I decide what aspects of the dish I want to bring out and use the composition and light to enhance those elements. I don’t style food too much either – I like seeing what it does naturally and use that to my advantage, instead of manipulating the ingredients to look another way. I want things to look real!
Light is by far the most important aspect of photography, especially when it comes to food. I had a serious light bulb moment (no pun intended) when I turned my entire composition around so that the light was behind it, instead of in front of it. WOW! Such a simple change with incredibly different results. The reason for this is that when a dish is lit from the front, the light hits it evenly creating a real flatness. When light hits a dish from behind (or from the side, for that matter) it creates dimension. You’ll also end up with highlights, which looks super appealing! Shine in food makes it look moist and inviting. I will sometimes drizzle a little extra olive oil on something to capture this effect – the difference is incredible.
I never use anything but natural light in my images. Sometimes I use something to help fill-in shadows (a very fancy piece of white foam core), but other than that, a window is all I need. I find that direct sunlight is tricky to work with, but can deliver nice results. I prefer to shoot indoors as it’s easier to control the conditions, but if I am outdoors, I will try and find an umbrella or something to block direct light on the subject matter (remember: direct light creates flatness. Eew.) Never use the flash when taking food photos, unless you’re going for that editorial, Terry Richardson ugly-pretty thing. Good luck.
As far as composition goes, it is important to think about how the eye naturally moves. In the west, we read from left to right, so that is typically how I set up my images, but taking into consideration that the viewer should be guided in some way around the entire frame. I like to have elements, even if they are out of focus, placed around the composition to lead the viewer’s eye around. Negative space is also of great importance, so there should be a balance between both full and empty areas. In some images, a great deal of negative space is a perfect way of creating emphasis on your subject matter.
Props and Backgrounds
I think one of the easiest ways to change the look of your images is to change the background / backdrop and by using different dishware / utensils / napkins etc. I make my own backgrounds out of reclaimed and recycled wood, and pick up most of my dish props at flea markets, garage sales and thrift stores. Although I like to have a lot of options on hand, I really don’t spend a lot of money on these things, and neither do you!
Camera and Lenses
When I started blogging, I had a point-and-shoot pocket camera that worked just fine for many years. People would often ask me what camera I had, thinking it was a DSLR, because I could achieve looks that most would assume were captured with a decent lens. Fooled ‘em all! But over time I became more interested in the photography aspect of the blog, and at the same time realizing that my audience was growing due to the fact that I was putting more effort into the images I was posting. So I took the leap and invested in a second-hand Canon EOS 500D DSLR. I used the kit lens it came with and really learned how to use it.
A few years later, I upgraded to the full-frame Canon EOS 5D Mk II DSLR body, which really separates colors well and has good HD video features. At this time I also purchased two lenses: a 24-70mm f/2.8 USM and a 50mm f/1.2. The 24-70mm lens is a very good all-purpose lens for shooting any kind of action in the kitchen, plus texture shots / landscapes etc. that you can juxtapose against your food pics. The 50mm f/1.2 is a serious macro lens and gives you that very shallow depth of field that makes food look delicious (it also happens to be a very trendy way to photograph food these days). Warning: both of these lenses are expensive, but if you are serious it’s a great investment. You can still go a long way with a lesser-expensive camera and lens if you know how to use them properly, but eventually you’ll probably want to upgrade.
iPhone 6
iPhone photography
It’s embarrassing to admit, but I didn’t even have a phone that could take photos until 2012. But I wasn’t into social media stuff very much and it didn’t seem relevant to me. Once I did get a phone with a camera however, I was off to the races, especially on Instagram. Not having to be on my computer to post something was a revelation and an easy, fun way to for me to connect with my readers.
Almost all of the tools I use for my DSLR photography apply here. Use only natural light. Style the composition slightly to achieve a good balance of “stuff” vs. negative space to keep the eye moving. Props are good but don’t go overboard.
I use some filters, but mostly play around with the levels, contrast, and temperature. I like using VSCO for filters and the rest I do directly in Instagram because the newer versions allow more control.
Why does all of this matter?
Having the skills to create inspiring images is key to running a food blog for two reasons: One,
the images are the first thing readers notice when they visit a food blog. A beautiful, delicious-looking image makes people want to keep reading and make the recipe! Two, you can apply your photography skills to your Instagram photos, Pinterest galleries, Facebook images and much more.
In other words, if you start your food blog with captivating, original photography and some creative recipe ideas you are off to a good start.
I admire your resourcefulness in creating backgrounds and props. It’s reassuring to see your evolution from a point-and-shoot to DSLR, proving that dedication can enhance skills. Thanks for sharing your valuable tips!
Really great article. Thanks for taking the time to explain things in such great detail in a way that is easy to understand.
I went through the post, it is very helpful nice job and well done Fun Activities
I love the work you do I am into photography as well and I am 17 years old can you please share your guideline on a young person as I am on where to start and what to do
Thank you ☺
Hello! Thank you for your compliment — I’d recommend looking into as many different styles, people, places, etc. and playing around until you find your niche! Make sure to keep your eyes and heart open to whatever may present itself to you. Start small and best of luck!
You’re awesome. I’ve been following you for a few years. Loving your work. You inspire me.
Thanks Irene!!! <3
The picture that you took with your camera is the imagination you want to create with reality.
hi sarah I love the work you do I am into photography as well and I am 17 years old can you please share your guide line on a young person as I am on where to start and what to do
Thank you ☺
Hi Sarah,
I saw an interview of you in Nourished journal, followed your work and become one of your admirers,
Thank you for sharing in such a happy, nice, enthusiastic way.
your recipes looks gorgeous so, I now have your app! looking forward to try them.
Karina
A colleague at work shared the name of your book My New Roots and I have been studying your recipes and looking at your website. Goodness gracious you are an inspiration for healthy eating and for plant based eating. Thank you for your Inspiration.
I love your pictures, your blog and books are beautiful and simple.
Excellent food photography. I like it. Thanks for sharing your post.
Stumbled upon your blog as a recommendation from a fellow Integrative Nutritionist. I’m launching a new site where I will incorporate some food photography into my posts. This was a great post to learn a few tricks. I got the Canon EOS Rebel T6 – learning how to use the darn thing. Ha! I look forward to exploring your site more. Thanks!
Hi Sarah, love your blog and this is a great article!
Quick question, do you shoot raw?
Regards julie
Hi Julie,
Yes, I do shoot RAW. I’ll add that to the info 🙂
xo, Sarah B
You are so inspiring, Sarah! From the first day I met you in person (I believe in your very first workshop in Copenhagen), you keep making me cook healthy and whole meals. Your photography certainly enhances that feeling. So, thank you, once again!