Photography Tips and Tricks for Food Bloggers

Anyone who has browsed a food blog realizes the power of food photography. As the chef’s adage goes, “You eat with your eyes first,” and the same holds true for reading a recipe online. A tantalizing photo that captures the colors and textures of a dish makes a recipe infinitely more appealing. Photographing a plate of food might seem easy, but truly elevating a blog post with outstanding photography takes a bit of practice.

As with most photography, lighting is arguably the most important element in creating a high-quality image. For the amateur, shooting in natural light will be easiest, as an in-camera flash or overhead lighting can distort colors. If the kitchen does not have optimal natural light, bloggers can shoot in other locations. For instance, if the living room has lovely afternoon light, take the dish there and experiment with different angles.

Depending on the dish, different angles may work better. For example, a birds’-eye view of a pizza is optimal, while a drink looks better shot from a 45-degree angle. Above all, choose an angle that best captures all the layers of the dish. Also experiment with how close you shoot. Get in close enough to show detail, but far enough back that the viewer can easily identify the food.

Next, consider the story you are trying to tell with each photo. Unlike a simple recipe, a food blog creates a food story by explaining the blogger’s personal connection to the dish, as well as the process of creating it. Along with a stunning shot of the finished product, tell a story that takes readers through the cooking process.

For example, shoot a chocolate cake coming out of the oven, then perhaps try for an action shot of a glaze being poured over the top. The more a reader connects to their own personal experience, the more likely they are to visit other recipes on the blog.

Just like a food blog itself, the photography should be consistent with your overall personal brand. This is an important concept to consider when styling a photo. Accessories are important, but avoid clutter. The food should be the highlight of the photo, so if a busy napkin or cutlery in the background distracts, leave it out. When shopping or collecting props, think of your personal wardrobe or home and choose items that feel aligned with your style.

To achieve technical consistency, creating a go-to photography set-up can save lots of time and editing. When you find a location in your home you like, take note of the time of day and season you are shooting. Measure your distance from the window so you can recreate the same set-up every time, and you will eventually develop a signature style that readers learn to recognize. If possible and practical, leave the space set up to ensure consistent results each time. Otherwise, taking a photo of the set-up can help preserve the details for next time.

While expensive equipment is not necessary to take good food photos, a few key items can elevate images. Instead of buying the latest and most expensive camera, invest in a few high-quality lenses, as they can greatly improve your images and will last for decades when cared for properly.

Additionally, a few professional backdrops make the difference between amateur and pro photos. Look for backdrops with texture and several different hues.

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A Look at Popular Cooking Competitions

Cooking competitions provide entertainment and inspiration, pitting amateur and professional chefs against each other in a wide range of cooking challenges. From friendly bake-offs to team competitions for large cash prizes, Netflix has something to offer home chefs and arm-chair critics alike.

The Great British Baking Show, known in the United Kingdom as the Great British Bake Off, has produced three different editions and a total of 14 seasons. The low-key competition invites amateur bakers to participate in 10 weeks of baking challenges. The wholesome competition is more supportive than cutthroat, with much of its appeal coming from the camaraderie the competitors develop over the course of the series.

Similarly, the Big Family Cooking Showdown’s two seasons invite entire families to participate in unscripted cooking challenges, aiming to elevate ordinary food into extraordinary dishes. Families compete in first-round challenges, such as the home visit challenge and the “impress the neighbors” challenge, before advancing to the semi-finals and finals. In each round, families must work together to impress the judge and avoid elimination. Ultimately, one family earns the crown.

Another UK-based option, the Million Dollar Menu, takes a Shark Tank approach to evaluating up-and-coming entrepreneurs in the restaurant industry. Contestants pitch their restaurant concepts to a panel of potential investors, who comment both on their business strategies and dishes. Contestants also practice their cooking skills on the public at their own pop-up eateries.

In addition to British imports, Netflix produces several of its own original cooking competitions. Presented by Bon Appétit editor-at-large Andrew Knowlton, the Final Table involves 12 pairs of chefs from around the world competing for a spot at the Final Table. Each episode highlights the cuisine of a particular country, and various celebrity critics and ambassadors make guest appearances. One team is eliminated each episode until only one team remains at the Final Table.

A fan favorite, Nailed It! swaps renowned professional chefs for amateurs. Utilizing a game-show format, the show features witty host Nicole Byer challenging contestants to recreate professional baked goods, typically with disastrous results. Viewers can watch four seasons of the show’s first iteration, as well as spin-offs such as Nailed It! Holiday and the latest version Double Trouble, where contestants compete in pairs.

Another popular option for viewers with a sweet tooth, Sugar Rush is a timed competition that requires baking pairs to craft impressive cupcakes, confections, and cakes. In each round, the panel of judges eliminates one couple, while the winning couples can bank extra time for the next round based on how quickly they complete the challenge. The winners of the final round take home $10,000.

Premiering in 2021, Bake Squad also presents talented bakers working together in a series of challenges. Presented by Christina Tosi, founder of the popular Milk Bar bakery, the show features next-level chefs crafting unbelievable treats, from cakes that look like life-size drum sets to a 260-piece, edible makeup collection. Each episode focuses on one special client-requested creation, which bakers must complete within 7 hours.