Things that make me g
o YUM!
A good food stylist is worth his or her weight in gold. Trying to art direct a food product shoot without the expert assistance of a trusted stylist and photographer can be disastrous. For many products, timing is critical and a lot can go wrong very quickly.
Some product categories lend themselves to certain photographic images. In the cereal category, for example, a milk splash onto a spoon or the product as it sits in a bowl seems to be a mandatory. However, no matter the category, the aim of food photography is to elevate the product’s appetite appeal and demonstrate the ease of creating a yummy treat. Effective photo images shout “eat me” and “yes, you too can make this delicious meal at home.”
Without revealing any tricks of the trade, here are some basic rules of food photography that can help to bring out the best in your product shots.
The rules of “tasteful” food photography..... The first rule is to show the finished product with a spoon, fork or chop sticks at the ready. (Right-handed utensil delivery is typical.) This approach supports the message of “ready to eat” and is normally reserved for ready-made meals and cereals.
Appetite appeal can be conveyed through photography or illustration. The benefit of an illustration is that the product can be romanced to a state of perfection. Also, product depth can be ignored so continuous focus on all the ingredients can be maintained. Appetite appeal can be conveyed through photography or illustration. The benefit of an illustration is that the product can be romanced to a state of perfection. Also, product depth can be ignored so continuous focus on all ingredients can be maintained.
If communicating the quality of ingredients is paramount, then display them in a heroic manner. High-quality ingredients can act as icons for the brand in their own right and add to the premium perception of the brand. Another option when demonstrating superior ingredients is to show the final product with the ingredients as part of the backdrop supporting the main image. This shows exactly what went into the meal and heros the ingredients’ quality at the same time.
The atmosphere of a product photo is of huge importance. Lighting a shot to ensure that the background provides ambiance but does not overpower the main image is critical to demonstrate authenticity. Consider the time of day that is suggested to serve the product and replicate that effect through proper lighting techniques.
Selecting the best photography and illustration techniques for a food product is as important as selecting the best food stylist and photographer. After all, the end result has to be impeccable – a work of art that is good enough to eat!
