Whether you eat to live or live to eat, we all have something in common. That is, to let our cameras savour the food first.
If you have an entire album of food shots which have never made it to the Gram, keep reading for tips on how to change that.
Form Triangles
According to Expert Photography, arranging your food in a triangular shape is recommended as their mix of horizontal and vertical lines give viewers a sense of stability.
For those who are new to the game, placing 3 main food items to form one triangle would suffice. To add more dimension, you can decorate the picture with different textures and props that would complement your main dish. However, be careful not to overdo it as your final product might appear cluttered. Click here for the step-by-step instructions.
If you’re ready to take things to the next level, try your hand at the Golden Triangle. Start by forming a diagonal line across your camera frame. Next, create two perpendicular lines from opposite corners to meet the diagonal line. When you’re ready, place your main food item in either one of the intersections to draw the attention of your viewers.
X marks the spot
As the header suggests, this method requires you to arrange your subjects in an “X” formation. We recommend experimenting with different shapes and sizes, as well as placing similar food items on opposite ends of the cross for the perfect balance.
If you do try this method, be sure to space everything further apart so it’ll look neater.
The right angle
When it comes to food photography especially, many of us instinctively turn to flat lays. Flat lays have been in season and are a no-brainer, but did you know that the angle to shoot from differs across dishes?
The 90˚ angle is great if you intend to showcase the interesting shapes and sizes of your dishes. Perhaps it’s the food itself, plates, or even your choice of props - put your thinking hats on!
Food documented from a 45˚ angle is also often well-received as it perfectly captures the perspective of a typical diner viewing the food. Hence, people are generally comfortable with this angle.
Pro tip: Use the portrait mode available on your phone camera to make your subject pop, and we guarantee you won’t go wrong.
Lastly, if you want to capture the different layers and emphasize the height of your food or drink, level your camera with the subject at a 0˚ angle. This method is great for cakes, hamburgers, parfaits and of course, cocktails.
On repeat
As mentioned earlier, we’re naturally drawn to stability. To provide a truly aesthetic experience, position your subject and props in a repetitive pattern. For example, if you have a plate of prawns, they should be facing the same direction.
Similarly, if your subject is a donut, opt for circular props. This results in greater consistency.
Be sure to try these tips out for our ongoing foodie campaigns and tag us! We'd love to see your creations.
Want to learn more photography tips? Follow us on IG and download our app to collaborate with your favourite brands!
