Mastering the art of food photography is no easy task and there is only so much advice I can give you in one blog post. There is a lot involved, so today I’ll go over some general tips (but check back to my blog later for more advice and techniques!).

Lighting is very important and utilizing natural light is best. Try to avoid direct light and instead have the light filtered through a thin curtain. (Direct like can add harsh shadows to the food.) Also, DO NOT use flash. Flash will make the food look greasy and unappealing. If you’re in low-lighting settings, use a fast shutter speed and use a tripod.

If you are using DSLR cameras, which I recommend over compact digital cameras, purchase a faster lens rather than using the one that comes with the camera. A faster lens will come in handy when there is little light or if you are shooting indoors. If you only have a point and shoot, utilize the macro mode to get a shallow field depth.

It should come as no surprise that zoom is very important. Don’t just move in closer, zoom in with the camera as well. People want to see the details in the food. It’s okay if you fill the frame. Use either the macro setting or a macro lens to really get up close and personal. Because you’re getting so close, take notice of the small details. Is the plate clean or full of smudges?

These tips will get you started but check back next week for more!