Food is a multi-sensory experience, so you need to ensure that it captivates the customer at every opportunity. Even though food can be delicious to look at on its own, adding props can really elevate your food photography. There is no doubt that using one of these props will take your photo to another level. Take a look at our 10 props to elevate your food photography.
textured backgrounds
Textured backgrounds can be anything from a tea towel to wooden blocks. They create great depth to photos and a contrast from the food. Because of this, it makes the food stand out even more, creating an eye-catching food photo.
showcase the ingredients
Not only does adding ingredients to the background create excitement and texture, but it also shows off the quality of the food that you are using. You can play around the placement of ingredients and also the way you want to show them off. For example; you can break up chocolate rather than using the whole bar.
neutral backgrounds
Neutral backgrounds are great when you want your food to really stand out. It doesn’t have to be white, playing with tones of grey and off white can also be an effective alternative. As there is no other distractions, customers will immediately be drawn to your tasty dish!
cool plates
The choice and use of crockery is an important element when serving up a dish and there is no exception for food photography either. You want to ensure that the plates don’t overpower the dish, and instead compliment the dish.
plants, flowers & greenery
Adding freshness to your photos is almost as important as adding freshness to your dishes. Not only do they liven up your photos, but it also creates vibrancy and texture. The use of greenery definitely depends on the food; for example, if your photographing a cake, flowers are a better choice than plants.
a feast for the eyes
If you’re creating more than one dish, why not use them as props for your food photography. You’re essentially killing two birds with one stone here. You have the ability to showcase your other food, whilst using it as a prop for the others. Genius!
the slow-mo pour
Your prop could actually be part of your dish. This idea works really well with sauces or something that you might sprinkle on top of your dish such as icing sugar or herbs. This suggestion adds movement and an element of desire to your food photography.
natural setting
It may sound a bit obvious, by why not photograph your dishes in its natural element! Props can be wine glasses, cutlery or even a bread basket. Recreating a scene where the dish would normally be eaten means that you don’t have to spend any extra money on cool plates or fancy stands.
hands on approach
Whilst it may be a little difficult to take the picture and also use your hands in the photo as a prop, this idea is definitely one to keep in your mind. Whether its reaching over for food, or simply holding the bowl like in the picture above, it helps the customer visualise the food in reality.
cake stands
Create levels and height using cake stands. There is so much you can play around with here such as the design of the cake stands and the height. They work particularly well as a prop with cakes however, stacked up sausage rolls for example will look extremely tasty too!
Alternatively, the prop in this case might be the equipment that you are cooking with. As we can see in the photo above, the use of the flames and bbq as the prop to show the charring on the meat is enough to make my mouth water!
If you want to put these ideas into practice but need a professional photographer to help you, then check out the Top 10 food photographers you should know about in Singapore.
Alternatively, here at Klaud9, we have a wide network of talented food photographers based all over the world. If you want to learn more about our service, click here to contact one of our team.