Packaging - Food photography
Of the three types of food photography, packaging tends to be the most technical, tedious type of food photography. It is not unusual in a packaging shoot to actually count the number of peas shown on the plate. Lighting is relatively flat to show maximum detail and there is definitely not room for special effects. The objective is to show food in a realistic & favorable way. An Art Director and a layout is supplied the stylist & photographer as a team are expected to match that layout. Most details of the shoot like feel, lights, propping, and backgrounds are pre-determined. Most of the time at the shoot will be spent poking very small details and dropping images into layouts to see if everything fits just right. Of all the types of food photography, this kind of work is the toughest.

Advertising food photography
This category of food photography includes actual food ads, menus, product brochures, and possibly hoardings. This type of food photography tends to be less tedious than packaging, but still can be quite restrictive because of layout parameters. Usually an Art Director, or possibly a Designer, has a predetermined idea of what end result will look like. There is usually a layout, and everyone expects that the final photo to end up looking very close to the layout. There is usually some room for taking advantage of unforeseen opportunities such as props or lighting special effects, but the end result must communicate the idea behind the photograph.

Editorial food photography
This is the type of photography where the stylist & photographer get an opportunity to apply their creativity. The most important thing is "creating a beautiful image". As these pictures are used in cookbooks, magazines articles, you just need to make the viewer drool! Unlike packaging & advertising in these images there are no message to be communicated, there are no strict layouts to be followed. /

The food photography team
This is for those of you who want to know more about the profession of food photography, A good food shot is not just a creation of a photographer. It's a combined effort of mainly two professional, the Photographer & the Food Stylist. Besides this Art Directors help in creating the look & feel of an image especially it is meant to be used for packaging or in advertisements where a specific message is to be conveyed.

Food photographer –A food photographer is a professional who specializes in taking food pictures for cookbooks, magazines and advertisements. Photographing food requires immense patience, an eye for detail, creativity, and of course a genuine love for food. Like a fashion photographer or a sports photographer, food photographer makes the food look attractive and in style. Basically when the picture of the food makes your mouth water then the food photographer's job is complete.

Food Photography Technique

Lighting – In Food Photography

You can treat food you're photographing, as you would treat any other still life subject and ensure that it is well lit. A good food photograph will show the correct shape and texture of the food and this is largely possible by the way a photographer lights the setup. Take time choosing your lighting placement. Today, the trend is a simple, clean, fresh, natural approach to lighting, one that's far more attractive to the eye and the viewer's palette. Many photographers like shooting food by a window where there is plenty of natural light. This daylight helps to keep the food looking much more natural.

Composition – In Food Photography – Props & background in food photography are very important elements of a good-looking image. Good props can break or make an image in food photography. The correct prop or background will help set the mood of the image. High key lighting will need premium props to finally create a stunning picture. Props add color, texture and style to the photograph. Good propping will appeal to the subconscious of the viewer without detracting from the food itself. Sample props would include glasses, table decorations and interesting serving ware. Depending on the layout, It's best to use props sparingly.

Camera Angle – It is the art director who at times decides the angle that the food is to be photographed. An illustration or a reference photograph is used to show the photographer what they expect you him or her to produce. Generally food looks best when shot at an angle somewhere between 10 degrees and 45 degrees above the table surface. When food is shot from a lower angle it gets more height. But shooting from unusual angles, gives exciting results! The angle of the shot will make a difference on the finished image.

Focus – Like lighting or composition, focus is also a very important component of food photography. Focus on one aspect of the image. "Create a center of interest!" Depending on the type of photography, photographers use various styles of focus; a single point of focus usually produces a more "mood shot" is used in advertisements & editorial purpose. Whereas, images completely in focus, are used for packaging. There are always exceptions. the first third.