Busting 10 Food Photography Myths

Are you looking at your food photos in despair, resigned to the fact that there is no way you’ll be able to improve them? What if I told you it’s not impossible. Like with so many things in life, there is often a lot of hype and false information, often designed to put people off.

Let’s tackle 10 common food photography myths and restore a little hope.

1. You need to be a professional chef to be a food photographer

While culinary knowledge can be beneficial, it certainly isn’t a requirement. A passion for food and an understanding of its presentation are far more important in ensuring you are able to plate and create beautiful food images.

2. Great food photos need expensive equipment and a professional camera

While high-quality gear can be helpful, many stunning food photos are taken with affordable cameras and even smartphones. Having an understanding for the components in creating beautiful images will ensure great images much more than having the latest camera will. A great camera can still produce mediocre photos if you don’t know what to do or how to use it.

3. Food photography is easy

Taking a photo of food is easy but composing, shooting and producing a masterpiece that has viewers licking their lips, drooling and creating a desire for your food takes a bit more skill. As well as having a creative streak, having the time and dedication to understand the elements of lighting, composition and the technicalities of your camera and software are also essential.

4. Natural light is always the best

While natural light can be beautiful, there will be scenarios where artificial lighting can offer more control and consistency, expanding your creative capabilities. Having an appreciation for both and knowing how each will affect the end result of your image is important.

Can you tell which of these 2 photos was taken with natural light and which one used artificial lighting?

5. All food photography is staged and fake

It can be…but doesn’t have to be! A number of tricks can be used to achieve desired effects though many of these will render the food inedible. Personally I prefer to showcase real, edible dishes.

6. Food styling is just about making food look pretty

Food styling involves understanding how to present food in a way that is both visually appealing and representative of its taste and texture. From a visual stimulus alone, a great food photo will be able to portray textures, temperatures and leave your viewers almost smelling and tasting the dish.

7. Food photography is all about the food

While the food is the star of the show, the overall composition of the shot also plays a role. This can includes backgrounds, props, lighting and a human touch at times.

8. You need to be a perfectionist to succeed

While attention to detail is important, being too rigid can stifle creativity. It can be great to embrace imperfections, especially when trying to portray more rustic, playful emotions in your images.

9. Food photography is all about making the food look perfect

Your food should look appetising above anything else. A crumbly pastry or dripping ice cream may not be “perfect” but will often tell more of a story and become more relatable. This helps evoke emotions and memories; creating a link for your future customers.

10. Food photography is a dying industry

In a world that relies on digital and social media, food photos are an essential within the food industry. Whether it’s for a restaurant, cafe, caterer or distributor, high quality images of food products will always be in demand and put companies ahead of their competitors.

Despite the rise in AI across numerous genres of photography, this technology still can’t replace a true representation of an individual company’s food products.

If you’re a food business in Hertfordshire/ Bedfordshire/ Buckinghamshire or NW London and want to discuss your food photography needs I’d love to hear from you!