Nectarine Pistachio Salad

I’m not a food photographer, but I do believe that it’s always good practice to photograph what you’re eating, especially when a lot of thought and hard work has gone into its creation and presentation. It’s a way of honouring and appreciating the meal, whether at home or in a restaurant, and saying thank you.

Food often awakens memories – whether it be favourite recipes from your Mom or Grandma, regular family meals, or special occasions. I often remember unique food experiences while travelling.

It’s a sensual experience. 

By opening our senses, we see the visual delight, smell the aromas, hear the slicing and dicing, touch the skins, and taste what we’ve prepared (or has been prepared for us).

We can photograph food in grocery stores, outdoor markets, or events; at restaurants, on our travels, or at home.

See

Turkish Delight

I was thrilled to find these bins of Turkish Delight at a local orchard store. While I’m avoiding sugar these days, the colourful bins drew me in. I bought four different pieces, and they were delicious. See the colours, shapes, and textures as well as the beauty of the food on your plate when it’s all put together. I especially love photographing my meal in a restaurant before eating.

Smell

Soup Aroma

Pay attention to the smells as you’re cooking. Soup is a perfect subject, or smell the spices as you add them to whatever you’re making.

Hear

Niagara Icewine Festival

Listen to the sounds as you slice and dice and the sizzles and boils and pops as you cook. Or, the sounds of glasses clinking, forks clicking, knives slicing, people talking at an event, restaurant, or coffee shop. The image to your right was taken at the Niagara Icewine Festival outdoors last January.

Touch 

Feel the textures as you prepare (or eat) – from the smoothness of the apple to the fuzziness of the peach to the jagged edges of the pineapple. The variety of textures is never-ending. Feel the way each individual bite lands in your mouth.

Caramel Corn

Besides the taste, you can feel the texture of a piece of meat or the refreshing lightness of a cool drink, or the softness of a piece of chocolate.

Even snacks are fair game. Doesn’t this image of caramel corn make you want to reach out and touch (and eat)?

Taste

Caprese Salad

And, finally when our meal is ready, it’s time to photograph, taste, and enjoy. After all, that’s what it’s there for.

Resources on Food and Photography

Marie Robledo  is one of my favourites because of her emphasis on design.

11 Great Camera Angles for Food Photography from Digital Photography School

Eat Your Way to Gorgeous (a class I’m taking now) from Sue Ann Gleason of Conscious Bites Nutrition