“You eat with your eyes first.” Six tips to mouthwatering food photography”

by Lynford Morton

Watch any cooking show, and you’ll hear the host repeat that line. This explains why your mouth waters when your food arrives at a restaurant. Taking photos of your meals before you dig in can be a great way to remember special meals enjoyed at home, events or vacations. Remember the amazing Salmon at Salt & Pepper Restaurant in Palisades? How about that gorgeous tea at Ping Pong Dim Sum in Chinatown? Preserve that memory on your camera

Here are six things to consider when photographing food:

1. You aren’t the photographer for Bobby Flay’s latest cookbook. They have oils and water that they spray on the food to keep it looking great for a long time. You don’t have to do all that. Have fun with it – especially if your photographing a meal you prepared yourself such as a holiday meal. If you’re eating out, keep the photography short and sweet, hopefully before the meal turns cold as ice.

2. If you’re going out to eat, consider your seating, or better yet, lighting. If you’re dining during the day, try to get a seat near a window for the natural light. Too bright and you’ll get shadows. Look for soft lighting. If your dining establishment is dark and you want to avoid blinding your fellow diners with a flash, you’ll need a higher ISO.

3. A tripod will help steady the camera for food close-ups, especially in low-light situations. Sometimes a small tabletop tripod can do the trick without taking up too much space.

4. Keep the presentation simple. Use the macro mode to get in close to the filet mignon. Consider other objects near the food. Clear away the water glasses, utensils and your BlackBerry from the scene. There’s nothing appetizing about a cell phone.

5. Don’t forget a few props. If you are photographing Asian food, a couple well-placed chopsticks can complete the presentation. How about a fork next to your dessert? Think about complementary foods to add to your display. For instance, a glass of milk can do wonders for a shot that only includes a plate of cookies.

6. Photograph from different angles. We all see and remember our food from about a 45-degree angle from the plate. Give your viewer different options, like parallel to the plate or directly above it. Look for the interesting textures.

Finally, put the camera down and enjoy your meal. It’s easy to get carried away with your photos, but let’s not forget the real reason the food is here.

Bon Appétit!

Lynford Morton is president and lead instructor of PhotoTour DC, which teaches photo workshops during walking tours around the picturesque locations of the area. PhotoTour DC will be hosting Fancy Food Photo Workshop & Coaching event July 12, where they teach techniques in styling, presenting, and photographing food. Find more info at www.fancyfoodphoto.com.

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