How To: Shoot Food for a Cookbook
How-To: Shoot Food for a Cookbook
Photos and Words by Allan Ezial
We joIned food-lover and photographer Allan EzIal In his journey of shootIng dishes with HipstamatIc for an upcomIng cookbook release. He’s captured these dishes in ways that make us drool. Maybe you want to document your own food journeys or just brag about your incredIble meal last night. Whatever the reason, follow his tips on how to capture food so that it looks as delicious as it tastes.
Slow things down:
Look at what you’re about to shoot, and pause. Think about
what it is that makes you want to take this shot of a particular
dish. Work on your composition, and snap away.
Experiment with B&W:
If the lighting is right, you can shoot food in B&W. It’s not often
done because color is what draws you in to food, but when
done right, it can be captivating and provide a unique style.
All in the Details:
Shooting food doesn’t always mean you should capture the entire plate
or item. Pay attention to the details of the dish, the unique shapes and
textures that distinguish themselves. How they interact with another
can be intriguing in a photo.
Shoot What You Like:
When I shoot food, it’s usually food that I’d like to eat. If it makes me
hungry, then the photo is halfway there. lucky for me, I like a lot of
different things!
*Editors note:
We’ve created the incredible foodie snappak in partnership with food
photographer David Loftus that makes your dishes look amazing. Using the Loftus lens and DC film, it focuses on the details that Allan
mentions, creating a photograph worthy of cookbooks.
