Top Tips for Better Food Photos on Social Media

[Reyed Mia (Apprentice, DIU)]

Top Tips for Better Food Photos on Social Media

Planning ahead and deciding what you want your image to look like is a key factor in enhancing your photography. When it comes to food photography, this rings very true.

Observe your setting before you begin taking photos – the kitchen, table, light, etc. Really look at what is in front of you before you begin to snap away. Take time, slow down, take a deep breath and frame your image. If you are photographing something that is more of a scene rather than a tight food shot, look for elements like geometric shapes; or place the food in the foreground and blur the background. Telling a story is very powerful. Use settings to give the viewer a sense of place.

You can use the grid feature on your camera and use the intersections on that grid to create strong compositional elements – this is the "rule of thirds" – that helps bring the viewer into the scene. Look through your viewfinder and see what the camera sees because this is always different from the eye's viewpoint.

Shapes, colors and lines can define your image. Remember that in social media, you need to have a large initial impact in order for a viewer to linger on your image. Look to use bold colors or a monochromatic hue. Find interesting shapes in your dish or your table setting and make the image about the design.

White space can actually give your subject a strong look. When you look at top fashion websites today, they use an extreme amount of white space in their imagery. If you are shooting for social media, consider this approach at least on occasion throughout your feed. This will help maintain a sense of order and neatness to a grid of images. You can use a white wall as a backdrop or create your own "white wall" with a sheet, a piece of white foam core, or even white poster board.

Perspective is important. Walk around your subject and photograph from different angles to see what side or angle is most dynamic. Get low, get high. Different perspective will give your image an edge. Try shooting from high up on a ladder or from ground level and see how moving changes the look and feel of your image. Get physically close to your food! Show the fine detail of something and create a sense of intimacy for your viewer.

Source:http://learn.usa.canon.com/resources/articles/2015/toptipsforfoodphotography-socialmedia.shtml