Sara Rosso of Word Press HQ wants us to change our perspective and take a few shots FROM ABOVE. Her example frame of that inviting wooden serving board showcasing a dozen different Italian cheeses, all laid out like numbers on a clock, made my mouth water. You, too?
Whenever I head into the kitchen, grab the apron and prep a Lazy Person recipe, I always have the camera at the ready to document each of the steps involved so that I can post the dish in living (edible) color.
It’s been my experience that the key to good food photography, and showcasing the results in your blog later on, is to shoot each step in a recipe from all angles. Aim right, left, straight on, and FROM ABOVE, or the overhead shot — the-center-of-attention frame.
The overhead shot resembles the look-angle we all naturally take whenever seated at the dinner table. If you blog about food, or, are thinking about it, the overhead shot, in my opinion, is the most important image to have in your portfolio.
It stands to reason that the more shots you have when you begin editing the better your chances to succeed in publishing a tasty, inviting, colorful foodie post.
Look, when the subject is food, blowing a shot and finding out after the fact — when all the food has been eaten and only the empty dishes remain — doesn’t do you any good. So, do yourself a HUGE favor and frame your food from all angles and check the results immediately. That’s the beauty of digital.
If you delight in the kitchen, like Lazy Person does, then photograph FROM ABOVE. It’s the center-of-attraction image for any foodie post and well worth framing.
©The Palladian Traveler | ©Tom Palladio Images
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I like the shots directly from above, but like the ones a little bit lower even better. The ones that are more of an angle, as though you’re sitting in front of it. All beautiful shots, though.
I agree, but this photo challenge was about FROM ABOVE. The overhead shot is a great cover shot for food photography, guaranteeing everything plated is fully seen. I prefer up-close angled shots, but the overhead one does have its place in the overall presentation of a recipe. Thanks for commenting.
Nice tips, photos from different perspectives, and mouth-watering food. This is a winning post, in my humble opinion.
Thanks, Pat. Your “humble” opinion accepted.
Humbly accepted?
OK
It is truly cruel of you to post such delicious looking food Tom. I do not like to cook but I love to eat :0( making it a difficult challenge. Fortunately, my husband is a whiz in the kitchen!
Tina — The good news is that you can shoot while hubby cooks. I’d like to see some of those dishes.
I think it’ll be Pasta tonight after looking at your shots 🙂
Back atcha!
Ahh! I love this! Cheers! 🙂
Thanks, Ankita!
Your food photography is always so fantastic, and love your tips. Had never thought of doing it from so many angles. Thanks for sharing Tom.
Emily — Food moves (it’s eaten), so you need to take as many shots as possible during all the prep and plating stages to ensure you’ve got it all covered when you get to editing the recipe for posting. On average, I’ll shoot 200 frames for a single recipe, maybe more. Thanks for viewing.