Food Photography Tips from Amanda

Have you ever looked at a photo of, say our Chicken and Artichoke with Spinach, and wondered how Amanda, our food photographer here at Magickitchen, conveys the true sense of freshness and appetizing appeal that our food possesses through her photographs? Or are you an amateur food photographer seeking to improve your skills or become a paid professional? Either way, continue on, loyal reader, and become enlightened.

Below are some of Amanda’s “secrets” to her food photography success:

Freshness – Obviously, all the food items to be photographed must be the freshest available. If the dish in question is cooked, it’s best to remove it from the stove or oven a few minutes before it’s completely done as it will continue to cook once removed from heat. This also gives you the opportunity to snap a picture while it’s still simmering or while steam is still rising from it.

If the dish includes raw ingredients, either as the main item or as garnish, those ingredients should be as fresh off the vine as possible. This ensures vibrant colors and that no wilting has, or will, occur while photographing. Also, spritzing the fresh ingredients with water or oil adds to their deliciously fresh appearance.

Lighting – Proper lighting is essential in food photography and backlighting your subject material with natural light (aka sunlight) works best. Backlighting reduces glare, enhances the color highlights and texture of the food, and permits you to add dramatic shading or shadows. Do these lighting requirements demand a studio in which to photograph your food? Well, consider the fact that Amanda achieves great results without the aid of a studio and you have your answer. All you need is a clean kitchen counter, stove, or dining table with a few props, such as silverware or clean plates, and the correct placement of your dish backlit by the sun, and voilà, photographic masterpiece.

Adding color — …especially if the dish in question is monochromatic or contains boring, bland colors. Generally speaking, adding

fresh veggies or fruit that accent a cooked dish works best. For example, the crisp green beans and pomegranate seeds added to the previously mentioned Chicken and Artichoke with Spinach entrée adds a new level of delectability to an already delectable dish.   Also, the inclusion of a few sprigs of fresh thyme to a

simple bowl of chile con carne greatly enhances that dish’s appeal.

So, next time you’re preparing a menu, starting a food blog, or composing recipes, for whatever reason, why not add some photographs in order to get some mouths watering. Just remember fresh ingredients, the proper lighting and an appetizing color palate and you’ll certainly please your audience’s palate.