Once you’ve decided which products you would like to showcase, think of a suitable arrangement. You can conceptualize this almost as you would a script: What belongs where, which objects are part of the picture? Answering these questions will help you create a mood while bringing your products to life. Continue with questions like: Which elements are distracting from the central component? How can you make your guests feel comfortable? Your own taste and the ability to put yourself in guests’ shoes is probably your best guide throughout this process.
The food that you present should be fresh, so that the ingredients will look even better when cooked. Everything that is cooked should not be overcooked. Fruit and vegetables work wonders as decoration, both as a whole or sliced. Many types of fruit quickly turn brownish after being cut, though. Fruit should not show any unappealing discoloration or pressure marks on the outside either, and herbs should not have limp leaves. This also applies to flowers and floral arrangements. Scattered petals must be intentional, for example to decorate a festive table.
Make sure you only use completely clean glasses, dishes and cutlery, preferably all polished. Cutlery and glasses quickly show fingerprints, so wear gloves! Glass or bottles run the risk of being mirrored, even with your camera, especially when you’re leaning in for a close up.
Plates should not be overloaded with food, but a “mouthful” can look unappealing. It’s equally important that all components of a dish or menu are present. Take individual photos of all the ingredients of your 7-course indulgence menu. A picture can quickly become overloaded so that not all ingredients will be presented in the same way. Focus on the dish’s most exciting angle, like the cut-open side of a lasagna, a burger, or a slice of cake.
The perspective of the image also plays an important role. Various studies have shown that the view you have when you’re sitting down at the table is the one that’s most inviting. Set design and styling like a nicely decorated table are ideal for this. In addition, a birds-eye view looking down onto the set table from above can also come across as inviting, as often seen on Instagram.
While shooting, the perspective should be tested with small changes in height as well as from radicallydifferent angles. The same applies to the light. Shots with light and few shadows look natural and true-to-life. Shooting against the light creates drama, but also poses the danger of masking the picture’s main element. It is also worth playing with color or black and white shots.
If you’re also using images that are not original i.e. that you did not create, make sure that you handle the copyright correctly in order to avoid legal repercussions. Our guide to image rights online will introduce you to the necessary basics.