Making your food look good! - Photographer Columbia, MO

Have you tried getting the perfect shot of your meal/coffee/snack and been underwhelmed by your results? Read on to see how you can get the perfect shot to have your friends salivating! I was contacted by Cheyenne at Vox Magazine to answer some questions about food photography, and they were so much fun I figured I'd share the tips and tricks here!

Cheyenne: What general pointers do you have when taking photos for food?

Kacey: Start with creative plating. No food looks good just piled on a plate (except maybe french fries). Drizzle the sauce on the plate before you begin for a nice artistic look. Try stacking your food to add depth to the composition and allow you to highlight the star of the dish. A few extra seconds putting the food onto the plate can make all the difference! 

Cheyenne: Is there a best angle for taking photo? (Bird's eye view, table level, etc.)

Kacey: There's no end-all be-all angle that will make your food look as delicious as it tastes. Get creative, and try lots of angles. If your dish is really tall on the plate, maybe a straight on shot to make it look like a monumental feat of food construction. Flat, like a bowl of soup? Try shooting down into the bowl.

Cheyenne: How important is lighting?

Kacey:Extremely, but that doesn't mean you need to have a flash in your back pocket at your next dinner date. Sitting by the window will give you a soft natural light (depending on the time of day) and will help avoid any strange color casts!

Cheyenne: Are there certain foods that never look good in photos?

Kacey: Sometimes the most tasty foods look terrible in photos. If your dish isn't dazzling your eyes, you can instantly improve it with a garnish. Sorbet? Throw in a mint leaf. Something savory? Try a sprig of parsley. These little pops of color that contrast the overall color of the dish add instant appeal.

Now get out there and start taking photos!