Food photography... Yikes!
I’ve sure come a long way since I started blogging – and if I’m being honest, I absolutely cringe looking at old blog posts. Isn’t it funny (and kind of scary...) looking back at old blog posts and seeing how much you’ve improved?

I have a long ways to go (like graduating from my iPhone, for example!), but making progress is always encouraging! Probably the most obvious way to take better pictures of food is to use a real camera. However, using a DSLR requires learning, time, and skillz that I just don’t have... so I’ve got to make do with my iPhone!
Here are 5 practical tips that are easy to implement to improve your photography of food.
ONE | Accessorize your photos
Just like a pair of earrings helps dress up an outfit, an accessory or two can also make photos of your food more visually appealing!
I’ve started using linens and cutting boards to provide layers and different textures in food photos. You can accessorize by adding in some fun silverware – I found this gold cutlery at West Elm and absolutely love it (sometimes silver will make funny reflections of light in photos, but the gold is pretty fuss free!).
You can also add accessories to your photos by using the ingredients that went into your meal. For example, made tacos? Include a lime or avocado in the photo. Made chili? Add fresh garnishes to the top... easy peasy!


TWO | Smaller portions
I’ve found that my photos look best when my plate is full and there aren’t a ton of empty spaces on the plate; but conversely, looking at massive portions of food isn’t overly appealing to me either.
To compromise, I use smaller plates. This way, the food will better fit the plate and you won’t need a blue plate special to fill empty space.


THREE | Natural lighting
Natural lighting is key for good pictures of food. However, finding time to take pictures using natural light can be pretty difficult if you’re working long hours during the day.
To help solve this natural light dilemma, I’ve started using this lighting kit... and boy, oh boy, it has made my blogging life a million times easier. It was recommended to me by Mia, and it was well worth the investment – it’s easy to set up and use, and it folds up and can be shoved under a bed without being an eye sore!
The best part? I can take photos at 11pm and still have nice lighting!


FOUR | Neutral backdrop
Several months ago I discovered the amazingness of white foam board. Life changing.
For real, it provides a neutral, clean backdrop that highlights only the food.
A few months ago I stepped up my game further with some marble contact paper (aka, adult stickers!). I bought this roll and have only used a fraction of it. It’s a muted backdrop, but still has a little pizazz!
Similar to a muted background, I’ve found that I much prefer white plates. My day-to-day place settings aren’t white, so I simply bought a plate (or two...) from Home Goods to use for photos.


FIVE | Clean your plates
Clean. your. plates. Y’all, this is so easy and there is no reason why everyone shouldn’t do this.
Keep a paper towel with you, and before you take any photos, simply clean any drips, spills, or crumbs off of the plate.
As they say, you begin eating with your eyes, so any plating clean-up that can be done is well worth the effort.


What are your food photography secrets?!
I just saved this post because of how AWFUL my photos are!! Thank you 1,000,000 times :) xo, Biana -BlovedBoston
ReplyDeleteAll great tips! I'm definitely still trying to learn the tricks of the trade here haha! I've noticed the angle makes a huge difference too. So crazy!
ReplyDelete<3, Pamela
Sequins & Sea Breezes
These are all really good tips! Your food photography is awesome :)
ReplyDeleteThis is the best!! My food pics look about like your before ones (or maybe even worse)! I know they look terrible but I've never known how to improve. I've even asked readers if they have any tips! Thank you!!!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and so nice on the eye. I want all of those meals based on how pretty they look. Ha ha!!
ReplyDeleteYour pictures are GORGEOUS! Photographing food is so hard, and I feel like I can still use improvement so these tips are great! Happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteGirl, you have ALL the skills!! These look AMAZING!!!!! And SO tasty....
ReplyDeleteYou are awesome!!! Thank you for sharing these! I love doing food posts but have kind of stopped because I don't know how to take pictures... definitely going to put some of these tips into action soon!
ReplyDeleteLove your staging photos. I really should work on mine and get a poster board and some of that contact paper!
ReplyDeleteYour photos are gorgeous!! Thanks for sharing these tips. I just need to get a new phone haha. I hope that you have a wonderful weekend! :-)
ReplyDeleteWe also use a white board for pictures but really loving your suggestion about the marble contact paper! Who would have ever known?!?!
ReplyDeleteWinks and Eyerolls
GREAT tips! i need to finally buy that lighting kit. xo jillian - cornflake dreams
ReplyDeleteSaved, lady! This is awesome! WHere did you buy your paper?
ReplyDeleteThese tips are great dear! Thanks for sharing!! Xo
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness - I totally cringe looking at some of my early posts/pictures! I'm a huge fan of the white foam board and marble contact paper too! Your pictures are absolutely gorgeous and these tips are fantastic! xoxo
ReplyDeleteI really want that lighting kit but it feels like a lot. Like I am going to unpack it in front of my husband and Taylor and they are going to look at each other like, "okay, Mom has officially lost her mind". LMFAO! I put it on my wish list for now though. Have a fabulous MDW!! xo
ReplyDeleteI'm awful at taking food pics...
ReplyDeleteThat cutting board makes your pics fantastic!
This is amazing. Sometimes when I make something and don't feel like busting out the DSLR I just forget it because I don't think my iPhone will do a good job but BINGO! You've proved that wrong! ;) have a great weekend girl!
ReplyDeleteLove these tips and your pics! Happy Friday!
ReplyDeleteThese are SUCH good tips! I love the faux-marble background. Looks so high class and professional!
ReplyDeleteThis was helpful. I try to take better pictures.
ReplyDeleteProbably the most helpful food photo tips I've seen anywhere!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! And your food photos look great!
ReplyDeleteThese are such fantastic tips! Thanks for sharing!! Have a fabulous Memorial Day weekend, Lisa! xo - Brenda // Chatting Over Chocolate
ReplyDeleteThese are fantastic, and I love your food photography! That contact paper is the best idea!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos and great tips!
ReplyDeleteSince I'm a new blogger, I love any suggestions and these are great! I love to do recipes occasionally so thank you so much for these tips! They really can be applied to any type of blogging photography :)
ReplyDeleteSUCH great tips!!
ReplyDeleteAwesome tips, I've always loved your photos! Xo, Stephanie
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! I need to get some of that contact paper, where did you find yours?
ReplyDeleteThis is seriously amazing! I just saved these tips for tomorrow's post! xo
ReplyDeleteWow that marble contact paper is SO smart! I'm going to start implementing some of these ASAP. Thanks!!
ReplyDeletewww.jenna-grace.com
I've been loving your food photography pictures lately, and these tips must be why! Every single picture in this post look amazing! I'm definitely going to look into getting that kit, trying to only do during normal day light is tough with a job, like you said!
ReplyDeleteSuch great tips! I've got a similar light set but really need to learn to use it. I can never tell a difference! You are rocking the iPhone pictures!
ReplyDeletethese are great tips!!!! I need to get better food photos. Stopping by from #TuesdaysTable
ReplyDelete