Food photography has been an Instagram craze since time immemorial. The rise of Instagram accounts dedicated to food photography has been a cultural phenomenon to the degree that they have accumulated a following of multi-millions. These accounts vary from posting photos of vegetarian food to homemade recipes of pasta and pizza. Instagram users have been following accounts specific to their interests, and you’d be surprised to know that there are thousands of food photographers on the social media platform.

If you’re curious to know how these food photographers are able to capture mouthwatering, Instagram-worthy food, then you’re on the right page. In this article, we’ll share with you a few tips on how to step up your food Instagram game:

Find the right light

You probably heard it before: natural light is the best lighting for any kind of photo — food photography included. The best and most convenient way to do this is to capture a picture right next to a window. If the light is harsh, however, consider hanging some curtains to filter the bright light. On the contrary, artificial light can make your food look terrible. Get rid of shadows by making the most of your phone’s exposure settings — tap the darkest area of the photo to bring light to the entire photo. An iPhone is probably one of the best phones you can use for food photography. If you don’t have one yet, well, spend your investment money on it. It’s handy, and it produces quality shots.

Preparation is key


All things require preparation and investment planning. If you want to create an Instagram-worthy image that garners many likes and comments, make sure everything is on set. Plan what you’re eating or cooking that day and what meals can look appealing on Instagram. Think bright colors, fresh ingredients, and interesting textures. You can use props, such as flowers on the side, marble worktops, wooden dining tables, cutlery, napkins, and plates. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Be simple and realistic

The quote “simplicity is beauty” sometimes applies to food photography. Make the scene more realistic by garnishing your food. For instance, you can try decorating fresh parsley, rosemary, pumpkin seeds, or coconut shavings, depending on the type of food you’re creating. Garnish can make your meal pop in a photo, and it can even evoke the senses of the viewers to a vast degree. When you’re capturing a meal, you would want to flaunt the star ingredients to make your dish more inviting. Give your followers or viewers an idea of what your dish tastes like. The more realistic your image is, the more appealing it will be.

Create Cohesion


Do you ever wonder why most food Instagram accounts arrange their photos in a neat three-by-three grid? It’s because they craft their images by creating cohesion. Yes, good-looking food can attract followers, but cohesion draws something intangible. Ensure all your photos in your Instagram feed complement one another by using a theme or the same filters. This way, you can gas up your Instagram account and make your feed more captivating. When you’re capturing and editing your pictures, think about the relationship between your whole gallery and the photo you just captured.

Work the angles

Capture your food from various perspectives. Some food requires a wide tablescape shot, while desserts and pastries require a close-up. You can also enable your phone’s photo grid to make sure you’re completely level, and your food is perfectly lined up. Whatever degree you tilt your camera to, the perfect angle still depends on the type of dish. Don’t hesitate to take several shots and try different perspectives so you can choose the best angle among them.

You’ve Reached The End

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