1. Food Photography
Tips and Techniques
for Success
Presented by:
Renee Dobbs
@reneedobbs
and
BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com
@Beef
2. Food Photography
Time Saving Tips
Setup Scene In Advance
• Determine props
• Place props
• Use stand-ins
• Set reflectors and diffusers
Do test shots
• Check and set lighting
• Check overall scene & adjust
• Check for distractions
Have garnishes ready
@reneedobbs@Beef
3. Food Photography
Photographing Beef
Steaks
• Let rest at least ten minutes
• Room temperature best
• Use beef juices to moisten inside
• Use oil to add shine to outside
• Use sharp knife for slicing
• Prop with cosmetic wedges
@reneedobbs@Beef
6. Food Photography
Photographing Beef
Vegetables (for salads and stir-frys)
• Pile lettuce high or on top of prop
• Use freshest possible
• Undercook peppers
• Blanch green beans + ice bath
• Mist veggies with water (not beef)
• Arrange to give pops of color
@reneedobbs@Beef
7. Food Photography
Food Styling Tools
• Long tweezers or chopsticks
• Water spray bottle
• Oil and pastry brush
• Paper towels
• Toothpicks
• Cosmetic wedges
• Q-Tips
• Syringe
• Squeeze bottle
• Frosting spreader
@reneedobbs@Beef
8. Food Photography
Food Styling Tips
• Color wheel
• Style for ethnic cuisines
• Small plates and bowls
• Use white when in doubt
• Colorful and/or textured linens
• Textured surfaces & backgrounds
• Tell a story
• Set a mood
• Garnish, garnish, garnish
@reneedobbs@Beef
9. Food Photography
Lighting Tips
• Real daylight is best
• Daylight fluorescent close second
• Cheap reflectors – white foam
board
• Cheap diffuser – white sheet (low
thread count)
• Use white foam board to set
white balance
• Silver reflector – baking sheet
• Gold reflector – wrapping paper
@reneedobbs@Beef