Snapping Professional Food Pictures

[doranlum]

Hi all, I'm intending to start a small F&B store and would need to get pictures ready for social media.

I'm currently using EPL-7 with kit lens for my everyday shooting. What other basic equipment do I need ?

 

[Nikonzen]

Thanks TS I am curious about this too. Food pictures is something I don't know about but I know a good snap when I see one! Unfortunately none of mine really stack up so maybe I will learn something too.

 

[Edwin Francis]

'Snapping' and 'Professional' are likely to get you some grief on this forum *haha*

That said, your gear is adequate -- lighting depends on what you want to achieve, but generally, good window light (directional, diffused) will do. Apart from lighting, good styling is key (the right setting, arrangement etc)

I did some simple shoots for web a while back (http://sgwriter.com/photo/Food/) most with a single umbrella light and reflector. But some (the coffee shots) were just window light (and maybe a reflector. Keep it simple.

Hi all, I'm intending to start a small F&B store and would need to get pictures ready for social media.

I'm currently using EPL-7 with kit lens for my everyday shooting. What other basic equipment do I need ?

 

[one eye jack]

Hi all, I'm intending to start a small F&B store and would need to get pictures ready for social media.

I'm currently using EPL-7 with kit lens for my everyday shooting. What other basic equipment do I need ?

The most basic equipment is your imagination and vision. Some say shoot with window/natural light, some say don't use flash..what the..? confusing is'nt it? So the best way is learn the basics and then decide what style and lighting you want.

http://www.seriouseats.com/2015/03/beginners-guide-to-food-photography.html

http://www.vatkinary.com/2016/02/improving-my-blog-photography-with.html

http://digital-photography-school.com/food-photography-an-introduction/



Shoot like a pro..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VU7wQsx-QVE

Shoot with natural light.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIUT1jOrlwQ

 

[Nikonzen]

I must say I feel my best food shot ever was one where the food was in a light well coming from a window but I had the focal length all wrong I think.

What sort of focal length would be best? I'm guessing a normal like 35 or 50???

 

[one eye jack]

I must say I feel my best food shot ever was one where the food was in a light well coming from a window but I had the focal length all wrong I think.

What sort of focal length would be best? I'm guessing a normal like 35 or 50???

You would probably use a 50mm lens.Saw it in a book being used for photos shot by a lady pro no less..haha. Reason I guess is a 50mm has less perspective distortion than a 35mm lens.There is no rule that states you need to use a certain focal length as it depends on the kind of look you want in a photo.A telephoto can be used too so is a macro lens.All rules in photography still apply like composition, selective focus and exposure.The main thing is how you compose using lines and shapes to guide the eye to the part of the food you want to emphasise.As for lighting suggesting window light it's for people who have no budget for lighting equipment like bloggers.A more pro approach would be using a light tent setup for diffused lighting or on location more elaborate lighting to get best effect which is mouth watering tastey food.A more pro level would be having a food stylist like an art director to direct the photographer. Actually a food stylist will apply secret techniques to enhance the food/dish which may end up not being edible...haha.