Shooting for Success: Essential vs. Creative Food Photography Shots

Welcome to the delicious world of food photography, where every dish tells a story and every snapshot is a mouthwatering masterpiece. In this article, we're shaking up the traditional recipe for success, and comparing the essentials versus the creatives. Both worth exploring and considering before you commit to a photography style for your food brand/recipe or product. I personally tend to mix and match, essential elements with innovative shots – because sometimes, breaking the mold is the secret ingredient to capturing culinary perfection.

Let the battle begin!

Flatlay vs. Hands in Frame

I’ll start by stating that flatlays (also known as overhead shots) are not my personal favorites as I find them ….well, rather flat! But they are highly requested by my clients and they are very well received by the food photography world so I’ve learned to love them. I employ little tricks and tips and spice them up and add visual interest, dimension and depth.

Chelf’s Tip: Instead of sticking to the traditional flatlay approach, consider adding a personal touch with hands-in-frame. This adds a sense of authenticity and connection, inviting viewers to imagine themselves enjoying the dish firsthand.

Angle 0° vs. Action Shot

The beloved zero angle in food photography is a clean, full side shot, great for stacked or layered foods like pancakes or burgers.  However, sometimes they might feel a bit blunt and static.

Chelf’s Tip: Move beyond the standard Angle 0 and inject some excitement with an action shot. Whether it's a sprinkle of seasoning, a pour of sauce, or a flip of pancakes, action shots capture the dynamic energy of cooking and bring your photos to life.

45° Shot vs. 75° Shot

The 45-degree shot also called the three-quarter angle, is quite popular in food photography. A single 45-degree shot shows multiple sides of a product while providing additional detail. Most time it works like a charm, yet others you might feel that there is something missing. In this case, see Chelf’s tip.

Chelf’s Tip: Try the typical 45-degree angle and if it doesn’t work out, experiment with a 75-degree shot. This slightly elevated perspective offers a fresh take on the scene, allowing for more depth and dimension in your compositions.

The Close-Up vs. The Bite Shot

Close-up shots in food photography are like a culinary close encounter, allowing viewers to practically taste the flavors through the screen. The beauty of these shots lies in their ability to showcase the intricate details and textures of each ingredient, from the glistening droplets of sauce to the delicate crumb of a freshly baked loaf. They draw the eye in, inviting viewers to explore the dish with all their senses. However, like any dish, close-up shots can have their pitfalls. One common challenge is maintaining focus throughout the frame, ensuring that every element remains crisp and clear. Additionally, too much emphasis on one aspect of the dish can sometimes detract from its overall appeal, leaving viewers craving a more balanced composition.

Chelf’s Tip: Instead of solely focusing on close-up shots, consider capturing the moment just before taking a bite. The bite shot adds a sense of anticipation and movement, inviting viewers to imagine the sensory experience of tasting the dish.

The Beauty Shot vs. Nothing

Because some things are perfect as they are and classics for a reason.

Beauty shots in food photography are the pièce de résistance, the grand finale that leaves viewers swooning with culinary desire. These shots elevate the dish to a whole new level, transforming it from mere sustenance into a work of art. They capture the essence of the meal in all its glory, highlighting its colors, textures, and shapes with an almost ethereal quality. Chelf’s Tip: Always include a beauty shot of the food. These images transcend trends and fads, speaking to the universal human experience of savoring delicious food.

In conclusion, by transitioning from essential to creative food photography techniques, you can elevate your visuals and create imagery that not only showcases the deliciousness of the dish but also tells a compelling story and engages your audience on a deeper level. Experiment with these alternative approaches to discover new perspectives and unlock your creativity behind the lens.

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The Art of Photographing Beauty Recipes

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The Art of Reimagining: Making Familiar Recipes Uniquely Yours Through Photography

The Art of Storytelling Through Visuals: How Chelfdom Crafts Compelling Narratives.

How to be Relevant WITHOUT losing your Brand Identity.

How to Colour Curate Anything: Tips from a Creative Director.

How to Pick a Cover for your CookBook

The Recipe for Success: How a Custom Cookbook Elevates Your Brand

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