Photographing food is not much different than photographing anything else. Even though the average person is not too interested in taking close-ups of food, there are times when images of food are necessary. Typically, we see photographs of food as editorial illustrations in cookbooks, magazine recipes, and advertisements.
When food is photographed, the food should be freshly arranged and edible looking. For grilled food, the peak time to take images is from straight off the grill while it's cooking and at the point it is ready to be pulled off the grill. The smoke adds to atmospheric perspective (which is a design concept) and adds interest and additional information to images.
If part of the barbeque grill shows, this is appropriate. We like to see what the food is resting on. The whole grill does not have to show because we get the idea. When taking pictures of cooked food, be mindful of photographing food from the best angle. Another tip, when photographing hot food, photograph the food while it is hot, itll look so much better. Then again, when photographing cold food such as salads, the cool moisture looks fresh and visually inviting.
Just as with people, food photographs better at certain angles. For instance, most wedding cakes have a front side. Caterers twist wedding cakes around to show off the best side.
Photographing food at wedding receptions is somewhat difficult. Most people are not interested in having images of the food necessarily, but they want indications of having it at their receptions. Showy buffet tables photograph okay; but most often, these photographs are not that interesting. Typically though, photographs of bridal couples by buffet tables or sitting at head tables with their plates of food before them (before they start to eat) are ideal shots. When food is implied in photographs, it puts the focus on people and not the food. Actually, this is a sophisticated way of photographically show food in a social setting.
To conclude, think of why you want to have pictures of food. If you are photographing food to illustrate a recipe or showcase a cuisine, take bold images of the food. Make sure the food is properly prepared and is presented aesthetically. If you want to photographically show food at an event, take pictures of the buffet table with people actively serving themselves. If you want to photograph what is on the plate, shoot down at a couple who has uneaten food on their plate and have them smile at the camera. As you can see, photographing food is easy if you think of creative ways to do it. (revised 2/15/2006)
Debbie Jensen, Graphic Designer and Photographer http://www.debjensendesigns.com
