How To: Use Artificial Light in Food Photography

Ever wanted to learn how to properly use artificial lighting to create that perfect food photo? Learn how to create a visually mouthwatering masterpiece in just a few easy steps!

Step 1: Step #1: Get a Special Lighting

An absolute must for indoor photography is a light. A strongly lit, non-overhead light is a great choice. Turn off the entirety of your lights to dispose of any unnecessary hues and utilize just your uncommon light to enlighten the subject. Regardless of whether you can simply get a cheap tabletop light that you can move somehow or another to make your subject all the more engaging and to free the image of those overhead lights, you are basically making the picture better.

Step 2: Step #2: Use a Reflector

Get two or three pieces of cardboard or foam things like at Michael's or some kind of art store. White is normally the best color. Or if you order a specialized light, it typically comes with a white reflector too. Make sure to set the reflector up such that it the light bounces back over the food. Ensure the kitchen lights are off.

Step 3: Step #3: Use Manual Settings on Your Camera

In general, know how to use these three settings (aperture, shutter speed, and ISO) so you can take full control of how the photos look. And in general, ISO = up. Know that every has their own opinion and may not agree with it, but who cares about a little bit of barely detectable graininess in the photos when you have excellent light throughout the entire photograph to make up for it? So I say boost your ISO.

These camera settings are usually good for taking pictures:

ISO – 400

Shutter Speed – 60

Aperture – 3.2