Food Photographer Advice To Get Started - Mario Daou

Food photography is a popular genre of photography, and for good reason! Food is gorgeous and can be styled in endless ways. If you’re just getting started in food photography, it can be tough to know where to begin. In this post, we will give you some tips on what you need to get started in food photography. Happy shooting!

Equipment Recommendations

When I first started getting into food photography, I used my iPhone and natural light from my apartment window. The cameras on iPhones are actually really great, so don't be afraid to start practicing with them.
However, if you want to truly learn the art of photography, I do recommend learning how to manually shoot with a DSLR or mirrorless camera. DSLR cameras offer so many great features that can help you take your photography to the next level. Plus, they're relatively affordable and easy to use, making them a great option for beginners. So if you're ready to take your food photography skills to the next level, definitely consider investing in a DSLR camera. Trust me, it'll be worth it!
On the other hand, Tripods are great for stabilizing your camera to avoid camera shake and blurry images. When to use a tripod depends on the camera settings of your camera. I've found that using a tripod is especially helpful when shooting with a telephoto lens or when shooting in low light conditions.

Books & Workshops

If you want to learn more about food photography, I highly recommend checking out some books and workshops on the subject. There are tons of great resources out there that can help you hone your skills and learn new techniques. Some of my personal favorites include The Food Photography Book by Nicole S. Young and The Art of Plating by Chef Chris Cosentino. Both of these books are packed with useful information and beautiful images that will inspire you to create your own stunning food photos.

Editing Software & Apps

Editing is an important part of the photography process. Whether you’re shooting with a DSLR or using your iPhone, editing brings your images to their final form. I highly recommend checking out Lightroom, Photoshop, and Capture One. When I was first starting out, I would take pictures and review them on the back of my camera on the LCD screen. This is totally fine to do in the beginning. You can transfer your images from your SD card to your computer when you’re ready to edit.
But, as you grow, it’s going to be a lot easier if you start shooting tethered. Tethering is when you connect your camera to your computer so that the images go directly from your camera to Lightroom (or whatever program you’re using). This might seem like a pain at first, but trust me, it’s worth it! Being able to see your images on a bigger screen as you’re taking them will help you make sure that they’re in focus and exposed correctly.
Not to mention, it’s a huge time saver when you don’t have to transfer all of your images from your camera to your computer at the end.
In conclusion, getting started in food photography is exciting! But, what do you need to get started? In reality, you don’t need to get too much too soon. You’ll need a camera, a good lens and some editing software… and some food. 😉 The rest will all fall into place as you grow and figure out what else you really need.

If you have any questions or would like more tips, please feel free to contact us. We would be happy to help you capture the perfect food photo!