DIY Food Photography Tips – Sporkies: Fairgoer Edition

Got an amazing idea for a Sporkies submission but not sure how to capture it in a photo?

Check out the DIY food photography tips below and examples of do’s and don’ts when taking pictures of your delicious creation.

The Sporkies: Fairgoer Edition presented by Bank Five Nine

5 Tips for Do-It-Yourself Food Photographs

Use Natural Lighting

Lighting is one of the biggest factors that affects the quality of the photograph.

  • Turn OFF your camera flash.
  • The best lighting is natural light that shines on the food from the side or the back to bring out the shape and color of the food.
  • Don’t be afraid to redirect light with white pieces of paper or sheets to shadowed sides of your food; just make sure the paper is not visible in your shot.

The Background is Important

The surroundings that your food appears in are almost as important as the food itself.

  • Make sure the background elements compliment your food rather than from or overpower your food.
  • Make sure plates and settings are clean. Spots of food where they shouldn’t be can ruin a photograph.

Try Different Camera Angles

The best angle depends on the type of food being photographed.

  • A 45-degree angle above the food gives the impression of a consumer looking down at that item.
  • A shot directly from the side captures food that has height or is stacked, which can help to showcase ingredients.

Fill the Image Frame

The food should be the center of attention in these photos.

  • To create the most mouthwatering photos, fill the entire shot with your food.
  • The food should be the focus, and in-focus on the camera. Background items can be left out of focus.

Fresh is Best

Photography the food how you want to eat it.

  • Take a picture of the food while it’s still fresh – either very hot from being cooked or ice cold before it melts.
  • Showcase even more mouthwatering goodness by cutting open a section of your dish and showing the camera what’s inside (if it makes sense for your food item).

Do’s & Don’ts of Food Photography Examples

See below for examples of the above food photography tips in action!

Example A: Deep-Fried Oreos DO’S

Deep-Fried Oreos
  • DO Create soft, natural lighting
  • DO Showcase ingredients by cutting open
  • DO Choosing a side angle to highlight the height and serving size
  • DO Allow the camera to focus on the food, background can remain tastefully out of focus

Example A: Deep-Fried Oreos DON’TS

Deep-Fried Oreos
  • DON’T Take a photo with poor lighting, shadows
  • DON’T Leave viewers guessing as to what’s inside – especially with deep-fried items
  • DON’T Allow an overhead shot to leave items looking flat

Example B: Poutine DO’S

Poutine
  • DO Create soft, natural lighting
  • DO Feature items in an attractive container – but remain true to the way it’s served
  • DO Allow the camera to focus on the food, background can remain tastefully out of focus

Example B: Poutine DON’TS

Poutine
  • DON’T Use your camera flash as it creates harsh lighting
  • DON’T Allow the photo to become blurry or out of focus
  • DON’T Feature an unattractive container or background

Example C: Caramel Apples DO’S

Caramel Apples
  • DO Fill the entire frame with the food dish
  • DO Create soft, natural lighting
  • DO Use a simple, white background
  • DO Take advantage of the food’s strengths – i.e. caramel shines as if freshly dipped

Example C: Caramel Apples DON’TS

Caramel Apples
  • DON’T Shoot with distracting or unattractive background elements – i.e. equipment, stray peanuts, tipped caramel apples
  • DON’T Allow a busy frame to distract from focus on the food