Browse through your Instagram feed and you’ll be sure to chance upon food photos that’ll make your mouth water. You are caught in an endless scroll of drool-worthy food flat lays, making your stomach growl by the minute. If you’re the type who lets your phone eat first and always wonder how you can up food photography, here are 10 must-know tips and tricks that will instantly level up Instagram skills.
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1. Opt for a Simple Surface
A clean white surface should be the preferred choice when taking a flat lay. It allows the colours of the dishes to take centre stage. But if there’s a marble top, go for that as it adds that extra classy look. Rule of thumb is to not let the background overpower the food.
2. Don’t Be Afraid to Move the Plates Around
Take note of the Rule of Thirds – divide your frame into three sections vertically and horizontally. Experiment by moving around the plates’ position and see which angle works best. A flat lay may look symmetrical and proper, but sometimes an angled shot might be better.
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3. Shoot in Natural Sunlight
Finding the right light can elevate the beauty of your photo by tenfold. You already have an appetising dish in front of you, so make sure you don’t ruin it by taking a picture under artificial or fluorescent light – natural sunlight is the answer. When dining at a restaurant or cafe, request for a window seat, which will make for well-lit photos. If the lighting’s just not great, don’t fret. Photo editing apps like VSCO or Snapseed can be used to brighten it up.
4. Fill the Frame
Don’t be afraid to allow items to go out of frame, because this creates a character to the overall image. Try placing larger items on the edge of the photo as it adds an intriguing vibe which makes viewers want to see more. Or go super close up on to fill up the frame.
5. Add Props to Set the Scene
Avoid taking just one dish, include other items as well such as sides and drinks. Or take it up a notch and add some flowers or unique utensils – these add decorative details to an otherwise flat image. Get your friends to include their hand in the shot for an extra layer of depth.
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6. Enable Photo Grid Capture
Most phones come with grid settings. If you’re shooting a flat lay photo, this greatly helps line up identical products flawlessly. The lines only appear when you are shooting, but not on the actual photo itself. To enable the grid, go to Settings > Camera > Grid Setting On.
7. Never Zoom In
If there’s a lot of space or obstruction surrounding the main object, shift them around and see how they can add layers to your photo. If they don’t add value, remove them. Remember to not zoom in and snap, it will decrease the image quality and greatly affect the end result.
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8. Tap and Hold
Your phone camera usually takes better quality photos, and you won’t end up with unfocused or pixelated shots when you eventually upload it on Instagram. But here’s the secret! Tap and hold your screen, to ensure your camera lens is focused on the object (a plate of pasta for example). This will result in a clearer and brighter image. Use the camera grid to help compose your photo. A good shot means the focus of your photo has to be placed in the middle, upper or lower thirds.
9. Get the Perfect Crop
Before taking your photo, try shooting the picture in a square format so it’s easier to see how it’ll look like on your Instagram feed. This limits the struggle of having to crop into a square format after you’ve taken the picture.
10. Play with Angles
Flat lay photos are stunning, but only if done correctly. If you don’t have enough dishes or props to create a decent flatly, try different angles, like shooting from the side instead. The possibilities are endless – get creative!\
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