You’ve just whipped up an IQS dinner. Not only does it smell divine, it’s totally Instagrammable. Where’s your iPhone?!
But uh-oh, why does your delicious meal look so average on camera? Why is the lighting not working? What are you doing so wrong?
Ready to get a #foodporn shot? Here’s how…
1. Food first.
Take a second to think about what it is in the dish that stands out. A perfectly fried egg? A gorgeous beetroot patty? Everything should be focused on making that one thing really sing.
“While props and plates all help create the shot, the food should always be the focus,” says says Amelia from kitchenofamelia. “A few extra minutes spent arranging your food on the plate can really change the quality of the end result!”
One of Amelia’s earliest Instagram shots compared to some more recent images.
2. Let there be (natural) light.
Think about the angle of the light and the shadows. What will highlight the best part of the food? For Sally of adozenaday, natural light is always best.
“When I first started out, I would just take a photo anywhere and in any light. These days I take all of my pictures on my desk in our living room because this is where I can find best natural light in my (tiny!) apartment.”
Amelia agrees. “Shoot in natural, but not direct, light. A cloudy day is normally best I find! Also, try to arrange your photo so that the light comes from the side, as this is commonly the most flattering angle.”
3. A different angle.
Flatlay shots (taken from above) are almost always a winner, says Elise from healthyfamily5.
“In a more recent photo of my green smoothie, it became a smoothie bowl, so I could add some styling in the way of fresh ingredients. I took the shot it overhead to allow the best view of the all the lovely, colourful food.”
4. Rule of threes.
Even numbers create symmetry. Odd ones create interest. They force your eye to move around the image, taking it all in.
“Use odd numbers in everything, from garnish to food items to flowers,” says Sarah from redladybird3. “I also try sticking to the rule of thirds to keep my images balanced and interesting.”
Sarah took the first pic just seven weeks earlier than the next two. What a difference!
5. Props where props are due.
Inject your own personality into the shot by way of a few simple props, suggests Sarah.
“Use props, balls of string, hessian, antique cutlery, modern cutlery, parchment paper, brown paper, napkins, pottery jugs, anything you please! Just tell your story.”
Here’s Elise again nailing props like a pro. Again, where’s our brekkie invite?!
6. Back it up.
Make sure your background adds to, rather than detracts from, the food, says Georgia of georgiaeats.
“Here’s an early shot of mine where I decided my doormat would add an interesting texture to the shot… everyone looking at it was probably silently judging me for EATING ON A DOORMAT. These days, my go-to is an old blue-toned pizza tray. It brings out the colour in practically every dish.”
What are your Instagram food photography pro tips?
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