5 Gears for Food Photography
Here are some suggestions; 5 Gears for Food Photography.
Instagram revenue and usage statistics show that the ‘food and drink‘ category is in the top three when it comes to users’ main interests. Aspiring or practicing food photographers should take this opportunity to upgrade their kit, improve their product quality, and grow their followers through the food content they create. Here, we are going to list 5 pieces of gear that you can invest in to help you take perfect, mouthwatering shots.
1. Camera
Although your skills will play the most important part in any shoot, the magic starts with your camera. There are plenty of options for DSLR and SLR cameras depending on your preference. Your camera should be able to shoot RAW files, handle high ISO levels, and be versatile enough for your different projects. Consider getting a full-frame camera if it’s within your budget. Some of the most popular units include the Canon 6D Mark II, which is a full-frame camera, and the Nikon D3400, which has 11 focus points. The Sony A7 Mark III is a great option if you want to invest in a mirrorless camera.
2. Lenses
Sometimes, the lenses can make more of a difference than the brand of the camera you have. Any food photographer should have a prime lens in their kit—typically a 50mm one for non-full frames, and a 100mm one for full frames. Prime lenses can also work well even in low-light environments. For experienced and more hands-on photographers, consider trying out a tilt-shift lens. This type of lens allows you to selectively control position, angle, focus, and blur. A tilt-shift lens works exceptionally well for product or packaging images.
3. Flash and Lighting Kit
Although there’s always the option to shoot using natural light, it’s highly recommended to own a lighting kit as well if you want professional-quality food photos. The Flashpoint XPLOR 600 PRO is close to natural light and can connect to various camera brands for remote control. There are also plenty of DIY soft-box tutorials online if you’re looking for a cheap but effective lighting alternative. For those just using their smartphone, you can buy a selfie light that will attach to your phone and give you plenty of portable lighting.
4. Table Styling Tools
One of the most common food photography mistakes involves forgetting to style your food. Even if a dish looks delicious in person, it could easily look less appetizing on camera. However, having a good assortment of styling tools will help you enhance your food regardless and better translate in pictures. Some basic styling items you should look into are wood or faux-wood slabs, which resemble expensive kitchen tables. Also, get marble sticker wraps or boards for kitchen countertops, and vinyl to resemble tiles. You could also invest in quality accessories and dinnerware that can elevate your table scaping.
5. Food Props
This is where you should let out your creativity — purchasing fresh food and ingredients for every shoot will cost you, so you should invest in reusable food props such as plastic berries, herbs, and fake ice. Look around your house or workplace and use items you already own, like plants or any seasonal decorations stored away. You should also have tweezers, paintbrushes, pipettes, and a spray bottle in your kit.
