Food Photography-A Mini Guide for Beginners Niche Affiliate copy

Food photography is one of the significant professions that has a major contribution to the food industry and its services. It is a complex task but enjoyable at the same time. It involves creating attractive and mouthwatering still images of various cuisines and food products.

You might have seen several life-like photographs of different food dishes in pamphlets, magazines, advertisements, and restaurant menus. Such pleasing images can suddenly raise your appetite for food and titillate your taste buds.

How food photography has transformed the food industry?

Today, every business dealing with food services requires well-crafted images of various food products. Be it a small roadside restaurant or a large food chain like Subway or McDonald’s, they will not run without food photography.

In contrast to that, let's say in the 50s or 60s, commercial photographs of cooked foods and takeaways were trivial and limited. Only some reputed food hubs used food banners and advertising boards with images of their fancy meals.

In the present, fast-moving time, many aspiring entrepreneurs are endeavoring their careers in the food industry. Hence, many cafeterias and restaurants are launched every day across the globe. They not only need well-structured and designed menu books but also high-quality food photographs. Therefore, it is evident that food photography plays a vital role in boosting customer volume and sales for any food business.

A career in food photography

As modernization is ceaselessly progressing—-the digitization of the public and private sectors has become a necessity. This, in turn, has broadened job opportunities for many young individuals. And out of those career prospects, food photography is one of the most lucrative career paths.

You can find many social media posts or web blogs with delectable photographs of various traditional cuisines and recipes. Images of food dishes cover over 50% of the social media buzz, according to TGC India.

Becoming a food photographer can be a good career choice as it is convenient and requires less investment. You may not even need formal training to get into the business. If you are creative and interested in photography, you can make a good living out of it.

In India, an entry-level food photographer makes around INR 14,857 per month, according to Glassdoor. However, as you move along, you can expect to take home an estimated amount of over INR 80,000 a month, based on the AmbitionBox assessment.

Equipment required for food photography

To start on a basic scale and budget, you must have a DSLR camera with at least an 18-35 mm lens with an aperture size of f/1.8. You can also buy a used camera and save more on your budget. Thanks to e-commerce, you can find a variety of used and brand-new DSLR cameras for sale online. Cameras like Nikon D3500 and Nikon D5600 are the best options to start as a beginner photographer.

Next, you would require a tripod camera stand to help you take better pictures. The accessory offers stability while clicking pictures and prevents blurriness in a photograph.

Check out these best ones.

[Brand Name] Aluminum 5-Section Tripod Kit.

[Brand Name] Aluminum Alloy Camera Tripod Monopod.

The other important thing is you should have an extra mini or standard SD card. Although a single memory card is often included in your purchase package, it is pretty handy to have an extra one for additional space for your food photographs. So, why not be wise and include this useful accessory in your photography expedition?

Here are the best picks for you.

[Brand Name] Pro Extreme best versatile Flashcard.

[Brand Name] Versatile both for video and photography XYZ SD Card.

Finally, a camera case, lens cover, extra batteries, and a charger will be better and more convenient during your professional journey as a food photographer. These accessories will protect your camera and ensure ease in doing your job or business.

Check this list of must-have accessories.

[Brand Name] Fast charger AAA and AA rechargeable batteries supported.

[Brand Name] Sturdy & Water-proof DSLR case with shoulder | Hip & shoulder support carry-about sling.

[Brand Name] Water & Moisture resistant, 35 mm Camera Lens Cover.

[Brand Name] Shoulder-Sling Travel Camera bag | Extra compartments for Camera & accessories.

Tips on producing appealing food photographs

The most significant factor that affects the quality of a good still image is lighting. Insufficient light hampers image quality, making it dull and grainy. So always make sure to capture still images when there is enough natural light.

Find the best angle to capture food items, as it will give meaning and character to your image. With that said, be sure to use a tripod whenever possible. Photos clicked from a stationary spot guarantee excellent image quality.

Eventually, after your food photo session is over, it's time to edit them. No matter how better the photos are, it needs some trims and prunes. Use the latest photo editing software, such as Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom. Editing removes tiny glitches in the raw images and helps you achieve perfection.

Conclusion

Food photography has become an inseparable part of food businesses around the world. A menu booklet or a recipe guide with vivid pictures of various cuisines will be appealing and better persuade a customer. The genre of photography can give you ample opportunities in both digital and print media dealing in food services. You can either work for an agency or freelance as a food photographer. Both options are lucrative. All you need is creativity, passion, and the right tools for a successful career in food photography.