You've seen them. Those glossy, "can't be real" Instagram and Facebook photos from food bloggers around the globe. They are eye-catching, perfectly edited, and most definitely mouth-watering. I've always been intrigued about how someone could make even the messiest bowl of Cacio e Pepe or a Pat's cheesesteak look almost like art...so, I looked into it! Stay FocusedNo, we mean it. Literally stay focused. Be sure that when you place your item in the camera focus that it is centered and that the camera is far enough away so that every detail can be seen. The more mouth-watering crumbs the better. Each facet of the food should be seen. Try to keep the center of the food in the center of the camera lens. If the center doesn't seem the most appealing try to focus on its most enticing detail. For an edgier photo you may try other angles such as from a base view showing the height for a sandwich or cake for example. Filling your (plate) FrameA great way to capture the perfect food instagram is to use the entire frame to your advantage. Getting up close and personal with your food is an interesting way to capture small details that could be missed while taking a framed shot. When taking these photos you must start thinking like a food stylist. Experimenting with different lighting fixtures such as natural light, candlelight, camera flash, or indoor lighting. Try to find the foods "best angle." I Can See The Light!Lighting. Lighting. Lighting. Some food stylists claim that this is the most important aspect of the food photography process. There are seemingly two schools of thought: one that says sunlight or natural light is the only way to take quality photos and the other which says that it depends on the indoor lighting used. Both sides can agree though that camera flash is never ideal. It often blurs or softens some of the best details of the food. Sunlight can help to give natural shadows making it seem as if the food is right in front of you and not just in the screen of your iPhone. It makes it seem more real as well as catching each crevice, nook, and cranny. Rule of ThirdsAs a principle of the Golden Ratio it is clear why when trying to take an enticing food photo you should take the rule of thirds into consideration. Imagine your photo being split into nine equal parts by two equally placed horizontal lines and two equally placed vertical lines. You want to place to important or most appealing parts of your photo along these lines or along the intersections. When placing your food in this manner it can draw the eye not only across the photo from left to right but from up and down as well giving the viewer much more than they might've expected. It can showcase specific parts that you may want to emphasize and can hold the attention of the viewer much longer. It is extremely appealing to the eye and can help you gain more traction on your photos! In the end though the best way to capture the perfect food photo-op is to have fun with it! If you are enjoying yourself it shines through with each photo you take. Showcase your favorite aspect, your favorite dish, and what makes your mouth water!
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The StudentsThe students of the Hospitality Business Management program at the University of Delaware share their experiences at Vita Nova Archives
November 2020
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