Food photography has evolved into an art form over the years, with countless images enticing our taste buds on social media and in cookbooks. Behind every visually stunning food photograph lies the skillful composition and styling that enhances the appeal of the dish. In this blog post, we will delve into the fundamental principles of composing food photographs, exploring three popular types of shots: the 90-degree overhead flat lay, the 0-degree vertical composition, and the 45-degree single dish shot. Keep reading to discover tips on composition, color theory, and more to elevate your food photography game.
Basic Composition Principles
Before diving into specific shot types, it is essential to grasp a few fundamental principles of composition that can be applied to any food photograph:
a. Rule of Thirds: Dividing the image into an imaginary grid, position key elements, such as the main dish or focal point, along these lines or at their intersections. This creates balance and visual interest.
b. Leading Lines: Utilize lines within the composition, such as a cutting board’s edge or a table runner, to direct the viewer’s eye towards the food.
c. Symmetry and Balance: Experiment with symmetrical arrangements to create a sense of harmony. Alternatively, utilize asymmetry to add visual tension and intrigue.
d. Negative Space: Leaving areas of the frame empty around the main subject highlights the food and adds a touch of elegance and simplicity to the composition.
e. Odd Numbers: This sounds like an odd tip for composition but it can be the most important. Using an odd number of items in your composition can create visual interest by leaving the eye searching for the missing piece. There is something about our brains that make us want to see things in even numbers. When we deliberately take away that symmetry our brain locks onto the odd number of objects and searches for the missing piece. This creates visual interest and an appealing look to your photos.
Types of Shots
90-Degree Overhead Flat Lay Shots:
The 90-degree overhead flat lay shot gives a bird’s eye view of the food, showcasing a beautifully styled arrangement of ingredients and props spread out on a table. This composition style is particularly popular on social media platforms like Instagram and for editorial features. To make the most of this shot, consider the following:
a.Composing the Shot: Place the hero of the shot first and compose around your dish. Use grouping to show the relationship between items. One trick I love for composing the flatlay is to think of your image as a large “C”. Place your hero on the curve and continue the pattern with your props and watch as your eye is naturally drawn to your subject. Another pro tip here is to add risers underneath plates to create depth in your composition when it feels too flat.
b. Lighting Technique: Soft, natural light works best for this style. Place your table near a window and experiment with different times of the day to capture the ideal lighting conditions. Diffuse harsh sunlight using sheer curtains and use a reflector to fill in shadows, ensuring the food appears appealing and well-illuminated. If natural light is not an option, use a large softbox to diffuse the light. Shadows can add interest and emotion into your shots. Consider strategically placing objects to create a long shadow in your negative space.
c. Props: Use a variety of different props related to the dish to add interest to the composition. Incorporate utensils, cutting boards, colorful napkins, or fresh herbs to complement the dish and enhance the overall aesthetic.
d. Color Theory: Select props that harmonize with the colors of the dish itself. Consider complementary colors (opposite on the color wheel) to create a visually striking and balanced composition. For example, place a vibrant blueberry crepe on a yellow plate to create a captivating contrast.
0-Degree Horizontal Composition
The 0-degree horizontal composition presents the food from eye level, immersing the viewer in the experience of the dish. This style is commonly used for drinks, baked goods, sandwiches, and other layered items. This view highlights the height in these dishes beautifully. To create captivating vertical compositions:
a. Composing the Shot: Place your hero in the center of the frame. Place smaller objects in the foreground and larger objects in the background. One easy tip for this type of shot is to utilize the rule of thirds and create a triangle composition. To achieve this, layer the height of your objects with a taller object in a back corner, the hero in the middle, and a smaller object in the front opposite corner. This will frame the main dish nicely and draw your attention to the main subject.
b. Lighting Technique: Backlighting is great for these scenes. It adds a beautiful softness to the image and really highlights this composition nicely. Utilize diffused natural light through sheer curtains or white diffusers. Use a white foam board as a reflector to fill in any shadows and reduce harsh contrasts, ensuring the front of the food is well lit.
c. Props: Select props judiciously, focusing on items that complement the composition and accentuate the theme of the dish. Experiment with elegant cutlery, patterned tablecloths, or rustic wooden elements to create visual interest.
d. Color Theory: For vertical compositions, keep the color palette more cohesive and complementary. Choose prop colors that accentuate the dish’s natural hues and help tell a cohesive story. Harmonious colors enhance the overall appeal and draw the viewer’s attention.
4. 45-Degree Single Dish Shots:
The 45-degree single dish shot adds depth to the composition by providing a slightly diagonal perspective of the dish, capturing both the plate and some of the surrounding elements. This style is often employed in restaurant menus because it is considered the “natural” way we view food when sitting at a table. When working with this angle:
a. Composing the Shot: Simplicity is best here. We are highlighting a single dish so the plate should take up most of your frame. Props should be limited to keep our focus on the dish. There are still many ways to make this shot interesting. Use the rule of thirds to place it slightly off center and draw our eye away from the negative space. Another technique is to shoot slightly from the side to increase visual interest.
b. Lighting Technique: Opt for soft, diffused lighting to avoid harsh shadows and highlights. Position the light source at a slight angle to create soft highlights and gentle shadows, enhancing the texture and form of the dish.
c. Props: Keep the focus on the main dish while using carefully selected supporting elements to accentuate flavors or give context. A sprig of fresh herbs, a splash of sauce, or a scatter of breadcrumbs can add interest and depth to the shot without overwhelming the subject.
d. Color Theory: When composing a 45-degree shot, emphasize color harmonies by incorporating props that complement the dish’s hues. Consider analogous colors (next to each other on the color wheel) to maintain a cohesive and visually pleasant palette. The key with this shot is to accentuate the dish and keep our eyes on the food.
Creating stunning food photography can be simple if we use some basic principles of composition. By employing these techniques, understanding lighting, and incorporating thoughtful prop selection and color theory, you can elevate your food photography to new heights. Whether you’re experimenting with new styles or sharpening your skills, remember that practice and repetition is key. Draw inspiration from your favorite food magazines and creators and develop your unique style. So, grab your camera, assemble your gear, and embark on the journey of composing mouthwatering food photography.