Behold…
One of the first instances of my heinous food photos from the beginning of TBB. We’ve all got to start somewhere; this was my starting line. I had no clue what I was doing. I hadn’t done much research, I was using an iPhone 4, and had only been blogging for a few months. Let’s fast forward to now.
Get the recipe here!
Get the recipe here!
This is where I am today. I am fully aware that I am not an expert, and I can tell you right now: I learn something new everyday. I am still “in progress”, but I think we can all agree my photos are a hell of a lot better than they were two years ago. Today, I’m going to give you some insight into the three biggest components of food photography that I wish I would’ve known from the start.
1. Let’s start with the camera.
Okay, I’m going to give you some tough love here. PSA for all bloggers: photos are so much more important than you may realize. Especially food bloggers. People eat with their eyes. You can use your descriptive imagery and impressive synonyms for “delicious” all you want, but if your food photos are fugly, nobody is going to want to try your recipes. I’m sorry, but it’s true!
I went about a year and a half using an iPhone for my blog. Let’s take a peek into the evolution of my photos, with the transition from iPhone 4, iPhone 6, to DSLR.
iPhone 4
iPhone 6
DSLR
I do believe that you can take good photos with an advanced smartphone. But if your blog revolves around food, an investment in a nice DSLR camera, in my opinion, is the best investment you can make. I saw a noticeable increase in my traffic once my photos were more appealing and sophisticated. Now, a change of device is not the end all, be all. You can have a fancy, shmancy camera and still have sucky photos. Like…
This.
But, it is a big step in the right direction. If you cannot afford a nice DSLR or even the latest smartphone, this next tip can help you tremendously.
2. NATURAL LIGHT ONLY!
Okay, not only. If you can afford lighting equipment, go for it. There are also makeshift ways to enhance the lighting in your home for instances when, say, you finished making a recipe, it came out perfect, but it took so long that the sun already went down. But for simplicity’s sake, I’m all about that natural light. I struggled ever so much with my apartment(s) in college, but I’m lucky enough to now use a bay window in my house, in addition to a spot near one of our sliding glass doors. Find any space near a window and use that as your setup.
[Tweet “Light is the most essential (and cheapest) tool when it comes to photography”]
It’s important to understand the difference between types of natural light, as well. Hard light is the brightest; basically, sunlight on a day or time of day where there is not a cloud in the sky. Not the best option for food photography. Below is an example of a photo I took using hard light. This combination of brightness and shadows is not optimal.
The type of light I prefer for my food photos is soft light, which is a combination of natural light and shade, usually from clouds. You can manipulate hard light by utilizing your window shades to achieve the soft light you’re aiming for. Additionally, placing a light sheet over your window or using photo boards (I’ll get to that!) work, as well. Make sure to turn off all of the surrounding artificial light in your area when using natural light.
Get the recipe here!
3. Photo boards will change your life.
Another cheap tip for better photos: invest in a few photo boards. Remember in grade school when you had to make a presentation on a board and present it in front of class? (I bet kids use iPads now, or something…) Well, we still use them, but for a different purpose. The backdrop for your photos is the third most important and easy-to-fix component for better food photography. I have a collection of white and black photo boards that I use for back drops and light manipulation.
I love the clean, crisp look of a white background for photos. It makes the colors of the food pop, and the props you use to complement the food stand out that much more.
You can also put old, battered baking pans to use. I love the rustic look when using baking pans as a platform, as seen in the waffles and asparagus photos above. The latest addition to my collection is a marble slab I purchased at Homegoods for $12! Yes, people, Instagram and general food photography is not always what it seems. I don’t have beautiful, white granite countertops. I have a little slab of marble that, in my opinion, enhances my photos a great deal.
There you have it. Three simple tips to better food photography. As I continue reading, researching and learning, I will carry on sharing the knowledge I obtain. However, these were the three tips that have helped me the most, so far, in my journey to better photography.
Additionally, these articles have helped me a bunch, too:
7 Photography Resources that Changed my Blog from In It for the Long Run
Photography Tutorials from Minimalist Baker
Food Photography Tips for Food Bloggers from Cookie and Kate
Ten Household Items That Can Improve Your Food Photography from Pinch of Yum
Nichole says
All spot on! It’s kind of fun to see how my photos have evolved over time, as they get better with practice! My first recipe with photos from my phone makes me want to cringe!
The Blissful Balance says
Yep pretty much hahaha I feel the same way. But it’s all part of the experience I guess
Emily @ My Healthyish Life says
This was awesome! Even though my blog isn’t focused on food at all I really want to improve my photography. Sounds like a good funemployment project 😉
The Blissful Balance says
Take the time while you have it for sure!!
Ruthie@She'sWickedHealthy says
These tips were really helpful! A backdrop is on my “to get” list – can’t believe I’ve waited this long! THanks!
The Blissful Balance says
Thanks, Ruthie! What have you collected thus far?
Ashley @ Fit Mitten Kitchen says
Great tips Christina! Totally agree about seeing traffic boosts related to better photography. The investment in a nice camera and learning how to use the manual settings is a must!
The Blissful Balance says
Yes the manual setting is a life-changer fa sho. Thanks, Ashley!!
Les @ The Balanced Berry says
awesome tips Christina! I love seeing how bloggers photos evolve over time. Your photos are looking fantastic these days
The Blissful Balance says
Thank you so much Les! Yours are gorrrgeous keep it up!!
Georgie says
Awesome tips and your photos are so gorgeous and distinctive. Camera, light and backdrops are so key! It’s amazing what time and determination can do too! <3
The Blissful Balance says
Thank you Georgie! Yes totally, I’ve learned so much by teaching myself (as I think all bloggers do!)
Caitlyn says
So many good tips! I wish it wasn’t so tricky to get natural lighting when you’re out to eat! #foodbloggerproblems
The Blissful Balance says
LOL totally! So frustrating. May have to start bringing an LED light like Gina had everywhere we go ;D
Natalie @ A Fit Philosophy says
These are all great tips! I really need to invest in an actual camera, however in the meantime, I’ll be sure to keep these game changing tips in mind! Thanks girl!
The Blissful Balance says
It’s been by far the best investment I’ve made, not only for the quality of photos but also because I’ve reunited with my love of photography! It is 100% possible to have great photos with a smartphone though thanks for the love Natalie!!
Pragati // Simple Medicine says
I would say lighting is the MOST important for me. Even an iphone can make something look good with the right light Great tips, Christina!
The Blissful Balance says
Yes totally!! I use my iPhone for 90% of my Instagram photos and they come out great (I think lol) thank God for a house with good natural lighting!!
rachel at athletic avocado says
i completely agree with this post! I just started using a real camera this summer and is makes a huge difference, my pictures look 100x better! and natural light is the only way to go, the best pics are taken on cloudy days!
The Blissful Balance says
Yep! I always call it ‘photography weather’ ;D Thanks for the love, Rachel!
Liz says
This is so great! I love how you show the progression of your photos through the “cameras” you’ve used. I was doing a little artsy photo shoot yesterday with a product and was really wanting some white poster board. Craft store, here I come! And I supposed I should charge up my Nikon… 😉
The Blissful Balance says
It’s really “interesting” (I use quotes because it’s actually cringeworthy LOL) to look back at all of my old photos. But it just makes me realize how much I’ve grown and learned through blogging! Seriously, I never thought a white piece of cardboard would change my photos completely!! Thanks, Liz!
Alexandria says
Thanks for the tips! I really need to up my food photo skills!!
The Blissful Balance says
Practice makes perfect for sure!
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie says
Completely agree with all of these! Once I made the investment in a DSLR, my photography improved SO much, it’s pretty amazing. I also love how you pointed out that we still continue to learn new photography tips & tricks every day. Even the best in the field are still learning as they go!
The Blissful Balance says
For real!! I am saving up now to try different lenses and am also reading Plate to Pixel to brush up on the technicalities!
Hillary | Nutrition Nut on the Run says
Where did you buy your photo boards?
The Blissful Balance says
Michael’s! I’m sure you can find ’em anywhere. Target, Wal-Mart, etc
She Rocks Fitness says
Great tips! I think that these are definitely important for food bloggers, because when it comes to food we are so visual…and when it is a good food photo, I usually want to face plant right into it! 😉
The Blissful Balance says
Bahaha I pretty much am the same way. Beautiful bowl of hummus?! *face plant*
Lauren says
Great tips. I need to invest in the white board for sure.
The Blissful Balance says
Totally worth the investment! Thanks for the love, Lauren <3
Jess @hellotofit says
I got my DSLR a few months ago as a birthday gift, after TWO WHOLE YEARS of iPhone pics when blogging. Why did I wait that long?!
I have a running list of things I want to get to improve my photography, including:
Backdrops
Making (or buying) a food photography board(s)
Artificial light
Tripod
Macro lens.
Ahhh!!
The Blissful Balance says
Artificial light is definitely on my list for when I start making an income (shit is esspensiveee). I have a tripod from Best Buy that was only like 20 or 30 bucks!
Chelsea LeBlanc says
Thank you so much for sharing this! I just got my blog up and running and could use all the tips I can get! You’re the best!
Chrissa - Physical Kitchness says
Christina this is awesome! I’m always looking to improve my photo skllzzzzz! Love this post and love your work!
Eulàlia says
Thank you for your tips
I have been running a blog for almost 2 years now and photography is a thing I still must put much effort in it. I will use your tips for sure
XOXO from Barcelona!