If you ask any food blogger, what the biggest factor in the success of their blog is, I’m almost positive they’d tell you it’s the photography. People are visual creatures, the internet is a visual place and when it comes to food, it’s the photos that draw people in.
I can tell you first hand, that a year ago when I started teaching myself about food photography and taking the time to take better pictures for my blog, my traffic grew. A lot. There’s about a year of learning between the photos below. The picture on the left was taken with my kit lens, has no real styling. I mean, what is that? A little pile of granola on a napkin? …. oh and it’s out of focus. However, it was the first photo I ever had accepted to Foodgawker. On the right, these hemp seed superfood cookies are styled, thoughtfully composed, and lit to bring out the colors and textures of the cookies. Not perfect, but so much better.
So today, I wanted to share the most valuable investments that I’ve made in my photography that have really moved the needle in terms of blog growth.
1.) a DSLR Camera
Surprise! I couldn’t really make this list without including my trusty DSLR (digital single lens reflex) camera. It’s the single most important investment you can make in your photography when you’re ready to take it to the next level. The camera I use is a Nikon D3100, which has been an awesome first DSLR to learn on. (The Canon equivalent is the Rebel T3i.) It’s lightweight, easy to pack and easy to use. (I’m currently itching to upgrade to the Nikon D610.)
I’ve had my camera since 2013, but didn’t start shooting in manual until last summer and it shows. While auto mode is great when you’re on-the-go and taking family vacation photos, if you’re looking to really take the driver’s seat and capture the full beauty of whatever your subject is, you’ll need to learn how to control the light using your camera’s aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Check out this great photography basics post from Sally’s Baking Addiction for more details on shooting in manual for food photography.
2.) a 50mm Lens
If you can only buy one lens for your food photography, I cannot recommend this lens highly enough. It seriously changed the game for me and was very affordable at around $200. Typically a DSLR camera will come with a kit lens (probably an 18-55mm). These are fine for traveling about and when you’re just starting out, but for more control over your food photos there’s nothing like a 50mm.
I recommend the 50mm because it’s great for taking food photos, with a large aperture (low f-stop) it can capture a lot of light and gives you a ton of versatility when it comes to depth of field (how much is in focus in the photo). If you’re looking to create images with a beautiful bokeh effect (blurry in the background crisp focus on one point) then this is a great lens for you.
3.) Quality Backdrops
Next to my camera, one of the most valuable investments that has helped me develop the look and feel of my photos, and by extension, my blog, has been quality wooden photo backdrops. I’d love to say that I’m handy enough to have crafted them myself, but alas my city apartment isn’t conducive to woodwork.
Cue: Erickson Wood Works. I first discovered these guys on Etsy when I was working on a photo project for Bai. Their boards are so gorgeous. They custom make each one and you can chose two sides per board. I have mine setup on a table next to a window that gives me plenty of beautiful, natural light. I recently connected with Ginny, one of the artists, and she kindly agreed to offer a 10% discount on all her products, all you have to do is enter the code “LONGRUNNER” I could gush for hours and hours but I’ll just finish by saying, after my camera, this has been my best investment for my photography.
4.) A Plethora of Props
Probably one of my favorite aspects of setting up a shot is figuring out what props I’ll use to highlight and craft the story for the dish. For me, composition is one of the most challenging elements of photography, especially food photography. I personally prefer a minimalist style as many of my recipes are simple to begin with, however I love a couple choice props and pieces of dish-ware that can help the food stand out.
A couple of my go-to places to shop for props are Christmas Tree Shops (which might just be a New England thing), Home Goods, Target and Sur la Table. Some of my favorite props include: wooden spoons, white linen napkins, brown parchment paper, a marble slab, mason jars (they’re so versatile), a well-loved baking tray and fun paper straws.
My rule of thumb for props: is this prop helping to tell the story of the recipe? Does it help create a dynamic inviting photo? If it doesn’t satisfy either of those questions then I leave it out.
5.) Lots of Research
If you’re a self taught photographer, like myself, it’s important to do your research, which will make subsequent shoots and practicing much more enjoyable because you’ll be trying things you learned versus tinkering and potentially becoming frustrated.
Favorite Photography Resources
This book is pretty much my bible and I’m sure the bible of many self-taught food photographers. It starts with the basics of how to use your DSLR then covers lighting, composition, food styling and so much more.
Food Photography Basics – Sally’s Baking Addiction
Sally’s was one of the first blogs I began to follow… religiously. A large part of me starting In it 4 the Long Run was because of Sally’s Baking Addiction. These are great tips for anyone just dipping their toes into food photography. She explains everything in easy to understand language highlighting important details without bogging you down with too many technical of terms.
DSLR Basics – Kevin & Amanda
I had this bookmarked for months when I was just figuring out what the heck the f-stop, shutter speed and iso were. They also have tons of other great photography tutorials.
Photography Tutorials – Gimme Some Oven
If you’ve ever been on Pinterest you’ve probably seen some of Ali’s gorgeous photos, she shares some fantastic tips especially when it comes to editing!
Her photography (especially food) is simply incredible and she has so many great posts with tips and how to’s. I suggest starting here.
6.) Photoshop
I’m not gonna hate on PicMonkey or other free photo editors, but if you want to get serious about photography, Photoshop is worth every penny. I scored big by buying the Adobe Suite as a student, but I’d buy it full price if I had to because I use it every single day. Photoshop is also a fantastic tool for creating custom graphics for your recipes and blog which is a huge part of establishing and building the look and feel of your brand. It has a bit of a learning curve, but it’s also dare I say fantastically fun!
7.) Time & Perseverance
These aren’t technically things you can buy or research but they’re certainly resources you’ll need if you want to step up your game.
Time is probably one of the most valuable resources you have, but you have to make it. It doesn’t just fall on your lap magically. Before I shoot I take the time to prepare what I want the photo to look like, then I carve out my weekend mornings for shooting to get the best light. The best photos come from the times I had a strong vision of what I wanted and wasn’t rushed. But that’s not always the case. There are plenty of times I’ve had an amazing plan in my head and it just falls flat or I’m rushing to get too much done and the composition and styling isn’t given the attention it needed, but I try to learn and improve on every shoot.
I believe the mark of a good creative is to be critical of your own work and constantly search to improve but this can be exhausting. One week I’ll be really proud of how a photo came out and in the next couple weeks I’ll look back and wonder what the heck I was thinking. Perseverance isn’t the easiest thing in the world, but it’s such a crucial resource when you’re trying to learn and grow.
Thanks for hangin’ in there!
Hope this was helpful! I’m no expert, but the improvement of my photography has had such a dramatic impact on my blog that I felt guilty not sharing what helped that growth.
Your Turn
- Bloggers or Photogs: What are your favorite photography resources? Did I miss any biggies?
- Food enjoyers: Do you have a favorite site to look at food pics? (Pinterest, FoodGawker, Instagram)
This post is just perfect. I have so many tabs of new resources open that I am going through now because I am really working on upping my food photography game. I love looking at Pinterest and Instagram for inspiration for my food photos and for help in figuring out what types of props work best with different foods and what lighting is best for the picture. Who knew there was so much going into one recipe post?!
Thanks so much Brie. Pinterest and Insta are so fun to look at.
Right?! Kinda crazy. Luckily it get’s much easier once you get in the swing of things.
Soooo this is pretty perfect. I am working really hard at getting my blog up by the end of the month and this post is lovely! Just got done checking out some of your other blogging resources as well. THANKS SO MUCH!!!
P.S. I also love Sally’s Baking Addiction 😉
Thanks so much Ashley! Can’t wait to see what you create <3
Plate to Pixel is quite possibly the most helpful book. I checked it out at the library and kept it for a really long time and then owed a lot of money to the library. Lesson: I should probably just buy it next time haha but YES to all of these things. All.of.them. Next on my list: more backdrops. I think photos have a certain feel depending on the backdrop!
Right? So useful. I hit that book anytime I’m feeling stumped or in a rut and BOOM inspired. It’s incredible how big a difference a good back drop can make! People never mention it as much in posts but they are SO key. I love all yours!
I’m loving these helpful photography posts! I’ve had a 50 mm lens on my list for a while and I can’t believe there is a $200 option out there! You’re my savior. Is that the one you use? And I need to work up my colorful prop collection.
Yes! I love that lens. I have a 50mm f1.8 and it’s seriously the best. Such a huge difference in my food photos.
This is awesome – I am definitely working on my food photog skills. I actually have Photoshop but have no idea how to use it!! Such a waste I know. Did you learn how to use it in school? I need to take some time and watch tutorials or something.
I learned Photoshop, like most things… from the internet with a bunch of tutorials and just tinkering around. My biggest tip for photos is use the curve tool! Gimme Some Oven has some great photoshop tutorials
I actually don’t like using props…not my style. I love just a nice clean shot and have found what works for me now!
I totally get that. I love bloggers like Gimme Some Oven and Minimalist Baker’s simple, minimal styles.
My prop game is anything but strong, because I’m purposefully off on accumulating a lot since I’m not settled in one place yet. It would suck if I had to move all the way back to Trinidad and either attempt to move with my props or leave them behind 🙁
Thanks for the tips though!
I can totally relate. When I was in college I tried not to accumulate ANYTHING. Minimal props can be beautiful too, look at Gimme Some Oven and Minimalist Baker, both on the simpler side but incredible photos.
we are photography resource twins. YES to ALL! it’s always great to learn and find your style, etc. But it takes time and INVESTING. I’m still trying to learn myself.. always. haha
I mentioned this on twitter but your photos are so lovely! It’s so much fun seeing how much you can improve in just a year and seeing how far you can push your limits and challenge yourself.
Great post. I really need to up my photo game (I love yours!). Great tip about props and backdrops. I really first of all need a DSLR camera!
Thanks so much Lauren <3 While my DSLR (and 50 mm lens) certainly help, the cameras on cell phones are pretty incredible to learn basics of composition/basic lighting too! But if you do invest, I'm sure you'll have a great time with the process
That’s a huge improvement! I wish I had the patience to do better with photography… I just want to cook the food and eat it. Maybe I con convince Vegas to become a part time food stylist… she has a fancy camera!
Thank you so much, that’s seriously the best kind of compliment: improvement. Also I TOTALLY feel ya on the patience thing. Having a stylist would be awesome. One thing I’m still missing is more reliable taste testers 😀
Such awesome tips Georgie! A few of these resources I use, but I definitely need to add Plate to Pixel to my book collection! Pinch of Yum’s food photography e-book, and Minimalist Baker Food Photography School have been amazing resources for me as well.
Totally! I love Lindsay’s book. Learning more about light is so fascinating and helps create such a strong foundation. They’re also two amazing sources of inspiration.
Well, I have a few things already (cam, props) working on backdrops and patience. I have seen some improvement, but I know for sure my styling still needs work. I’m such a plain person, but now I have to think “does this look pretty” lol.
Thanks for the post
Styling is definitely my weakest point! However if you prefer a minimalist style I’ve seen some beautiful simple food photos. Garnishes however make such a big difference, they’re something I’m trying to use more.
This post is so helpful. I think I mentioned in the FB group I feel so limited right now with my photography because I use only my iPhone right now. I’m looking to get a Nikon D3100! Have heard great things about it but am saving up money for it right now.
I’ve really loved mine! I would recommend not getting the kit lens and save that money for a 50mm f/1.8 – so much better for food photography
Love this post! I swear I’ve read every article on the internet about food photography haha! I really reaaaaallly loved Minimalist Baker’s Food Photography School!
That’s great to hear. I love their blog so I can only imagine how good their paid resources must be.
Oh no! I think you just convinced me to splurge on a DLSR! Thanks for posting this, it was super helpful 🙂
You won’t regret it! My favorite physical possession next to my laptop <3
This is SO HELPFUL. I am pretty much convinced I need to invest in a DSLR. Also, I feel so silly…I have PS and NEVER use it! I am just so confused by it so I avoid it. How did you learn to navigate it?
Hi lovely lady — what size are your wood backdrops!?
I use the smaller ones, but if you can afford it I’d love if they were bigger!
Hey Georgie! Long story short, I have Adobe Fireworks and Dreamweaver on my computer that my boy friend’s brother in law recently gave me when I told him I wanted to get serious about my blog, but I don’t have photoshop. If I want to start playing around with graphics, do you know if I can use the software I already have or should I look further into photoshop?
You’re so inspiring thanks for all you do!
Hmm dreamweaver is really created for webdesign. I wish I could tell you there was a better option that you already have but I think photoshop is totally worth every penny. It’s around $10/month and worth it’s weight in gold. If you do end up getting it I can point you in the direction of some good tutorials.