Food for Thought

Title "Food for thought" with subtitle "Tips for drool worthy content" on a yellow background with image of hands hovering above a stack of pancakes

If you’ve ever scrolled through social media and found yourself staring at a stunning plate of food for far too long, then you’ll know the power of a great food post. But let’s be honest: not all food photos are created equal. Some make you drool whilst others make you wonder why someone thought a cold boiled unseasoned piece of chicken deserved the spotlight. If you’re in the business of making your food assets pop on social media, then here are some practical (and achievable) tips to ensure your content rises above the soggy chips.

Lighting is the holy grail of food photography. Natural light is your best friend—it’s free, flattering, and brings out the natural colours of your dish. Set up near a window, but avoid harsh, direct sunlight that can create unappetising shadows. Having said that, natural lighting can also be unpredictable, a softbox or ring light is definitely worth investing in for consistent (and adjustable) lighting.

Tip: Avoid overhead lights unless you want your plate to look like it’s auditioning for a hospital drama.

Food isn’t just about taste; it’s visual storytelling. Arrange your dish with intention. Use garnishes like fresh herbs, edible flowers, or a sprinkle of sea salt to elevate the aesthetic. Don’t overcrowd the plate; negative space is your friend (which goes for all design – don’t be afraid to use space).

Tip: Uneven or “perfectly imperfect” arrangements often feel more inviting than overly fussy designs. Think “carefully casual,” like you’re not trying too hard (even though you are). People are perceptive – over produced settings give off an unrealistic vibe.

Your dish is the star, but the supporting cast (aka your background and props) can make or break the shot. Neutral tones, wooden boards, marble slabs, or textured linens are popular choices. Avoid clutter—this is in conjunction with the tip above, negative space is your friend.

Tip: Keep props relevant to the theme. Are we giving rustic? Then some wood and linens will pair perfectly.

The wrong angle can make even the most delicious dish look like school dinner leftovers. Overhead shots are great for flat dishes like pizzas and salads, while a 45-degree angle works well for layered dishes like burgers or cakes. Experiment to see what flatters your food the most. Playing around with these angles when editing videos can also add more interesting “texture” to your videos.

Tip: Take a few extra shots—you’ll thank yourself later when you’re editing and find that one perfect angle.

Colour is a key ingredient in food photography. Highlight contrasting colours to make your dish really stand out. Think red tomatoes against green basil or a golden-brown crust on a marble table. If your dish is lacking in vibrancy, use more enticing coloured garnishes to help reel the eye in.

Tip: Editing is great, but don’t get too carried with cranking up the vibrancy!

Static shots are fine, why not elevate your content by adding some motion. A drizzle of honey, a sprinkling of salt (hello Salt Bae!), or steam wafting from a hot dish adds dynamism and makes the viewer feel like they’re about to take a bite.

Tip: If you’re shooting steam, heat up wet cotton balls out of frame to create that fresh-out-of-the-oven vibe.

Your audience should be able to recognise your content at a glance, without having your logo plastered all over the place. Developing a signature style by sticking to consistent editing techniques, colour palettes, and layouts will help your audience to automatically distinguish what’s your content and what isn’t. This not only builds your brand but also makes your content more memorable.

Tip: Use tools like Lightroom presets to streamline your editing process and maintain a cohesive aesthetic.

And finally, don’t get so caught up in the aesthetics that you lose sight of what makes your content unique. Authenticity is what truly resonates with people. It’s okay if your pancake stack leans a little or your sauce drizzle isn’t Michelin-starred perfection. People can spot an inauthentic try hard.

Tip: Let your personality shine through—even if it’s just in the form of a cheeky caption. 😉

If you enjoyed this blog and would like to talk more about food, and crafting the perfect assets for socials, then why not give us a quick ol’ hello! We’d love to hear from you 💖

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