I think everything can always be done better - if you're good at something, it's definitely possible to improve. This is also how I approach food photography, I never think that there is nothing left to learn. If this is the case with you, this article may be useful for you: I have listed what NOT to do if you want quality food photos.
These are mistakes that even good photographers tend to make. They don't necessarily stand out to the layman's eye, however, if you avoid them, the photos will turn out spectacularly better.
So what are the most common mistakes in food photography?
1. It is not clear what the focus is
You often encounter the phenomenon that there are so many things in the picture that it is not even clear what the focus was originally meant to be . In food photography, it is very important to emphasize what the picture is about, and to subordinate all other secondary characters and accessories. The three easiest ways to do this are composition, exposure, and aperture. In terms of composition, the focal object does not necessarily have to be the central element of the image, but it is important that the emphasis is clearly on it. It is worth using smaller or less significant accessories to direct the eye to the main subject. Lighting can also be used to direct the viewer's attention to the protagonist of the picture. And if you have the opportunity, open the aperture wide to nicely blur the background.
Positive example:
The composition in the picture is fine, nothing distracts from the main point. It's exciting in terms of light, because only some of the pizzas are illuminated by the sun, giving the photo a little extra spice. And the aperture is wide enough, so the background is dim and doesn't get in the way.
2. There is no story
One of the best tips from professional food photographer and stylist Anna Pustynnikova is that every good food photo should have a story . You can tell the story with a combination of background, props and lighting.
Seeing the picture will make the food more desirable and evoke emotions.
Positive example:
How much does that book add to the photo?
3. Overemphasized secondary characters
We often use props for food photography, such as teapots, cutting boards, napkins, and fresh ingredients. However, it is necessary to think carefully about what we want to use , what role we assign to which accessory.
Be sure to ask yourself a few questions before you put anything next to the focus item:
Does the item match the mood you want to create?
Do the props match the style of the shoot?
Don't they distract from the main element?
Won't the image be too crowded?
Salt and pepper are perfectly fine, for example, in a picture of soup, but next to a croissant, they lose their meaning and are unnecessary.
Positive example:
Since there is a deer spine in the photo, I used forest decorative elements and forest fruits.
4. Incorrect lighting style and technique.
Whether you're using natural light or studio flash, believe me, the last thing you want is frontal lighting for your food photography. This type of lighting is one of the worst for food photography (and product photography in general) as it results in a flat, boring image.
Instead, use side or backlight , which will help highlight the texture and shape of the subject. Think about what kind of lighting you're using (especially if you're shooting bright or reflective objects like berries) and what kind of lighting you want to create. Soft lighting can work for food photography, but be careful not to make the image look flat.
It is also a good technique if you block the light in some areas of the picture, but in other areas you add a little extra with reflectors.
Positive example:
5. Bad depth of field
Shallow depth of field is a common technique when photographing food, but if you overdo it, you lose the message of the image . The best depth of field depends on the angle you're shooting from and the size of the subject.
Positive example:
6. Unnecessary distractions
I have already mentioned that too many props and accessories can distract from the main point. The same is the case with the crowded background, highlights with the help of light. If you push them too far, the photo will be confusing, too noisy, rather than spectacular.
To avoid unwanted bright spots, consider using light deflectors to block some of the light. If you're shooting outdoors and the background is too crowded, be sure to remove distracting objects. If you work in a studio, be sure to choose the right background!
7. You don't use a live image
The live image (tethering) is the technique during which your device is connected to the computer , so you can see the completed images directly there. I recommend that you always use this method because you can see a lot more than just looking at the image on the camera display.
Popular tethering software includes Lightroom and CaptureOne, but you can also take tethered shots using your camera's own software.
Although it can be a bit finicky to set up, crowding is the best way to see what you're photographing; you'll be surprised how much easier it makes the composition and lighting stages of photography.
If you avoid these typical mistakes, you will immediately see the difference: your food photos will be significantly better than before!
If you are a video type, you can see how I do these things as a food photographer here:
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