Easy Composition Tricks for Stunning Food Photos
- Matt Stevenson
- Oct 1, 2024
- 3 min read
I hope you're enjoying my photography tips and finding them helpful. This time, I want to share some simple composition tricks that can make a big difference in your food photos. Whether you’re running a restaurant, café, bakery, or butcher shop, these tips will help you create more visually appealing images of your delicious offerings.
1. The Rule of Thirds
One of the easiest ways to improve your composition is by using the rule of thirds. Imagine your frame is divided into a grid of nine equal parts by two equally spaced horizontal lines and two equally spaced vertical lines. Try to place the main elements of your photo along these lines or at their intersections. This creates balance and makes your photos more interesting.
How to Use It:
For a plate of food, position the main dish off-centre.
Highlight a specific detail, like a garnish or a bite taken out of a pastry, at one of the grid intersections.
2. Keep It Simple
Less is often more in food photography. A cluttered background can distract from the main subject. Instead, focus on keeping your composition clean and simple. Use minimal props that complement but don’t overpower your food.
How to Use It:
Use neutral or plain backgrounds that make the food stand out.
Select props that match the style of your restaurant or café without overcrowding the frame.
3. Play with Angles
The angle from which you photograph your food can drastically change the look and feel of the photo. Different dishes benefit from different angles, so don’t be afraid to experiment.
How to Use It:
Top-Down: Great for flat lays like pizza, salads, or a beautifully arranged charcuterie board.
45 Degrees: A natural dining perspective, perfect for showing the depth of dishes like burgers or sandwiches.
Eye Level: Ideal for capturing layers in cakes, tall drinks, or a stack of pancakes.
Real World Example
This image of a wagyu burger I styled and shot for Black Apple Produce demonstrates all of these tips, the burger is placed off-centre which not only improves the shot but also allows for copy to be added in the negative space. The simple uncluttered background keeps the focus on the burger and the low angle gives the burger a heroic feel.
Quick Tips Recap:
Rule of Thirds: Position key elements along the grid lines or intersections.
Keep It Simple: Use minimal, complementary props and neutral backgrounds.
Play with Angles: Experiment with top-down, 45-degree, and eye-level shots.
Give these tips a try and see how they transform your food photos! If you have any questions or want to share your results, feel free to reach out or tag me on social media at @munchfoodphotography.
Stay tuned for more tips and tricks in the next edition of The Monthly Bite. To make sure you don't miss any free tips and advice, subscribe to my mailing list below to receive future blog posts directly to your email inbox.
Let me know what you find most difficult with your food photography so that I can give you some tips in future editions.
Best wishes,
Matt Stevenson
Munch Food Photography
What is the one thing you find most difficult about capturing your food?
I want to make these blog posts as useful as possible for you so please let me know your answer to this question and I will make sure to include it in future editions.
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