With special occasions and holidays around the corner, the time for your best efforts in the kitchen are nearly here. Considering the work you put in to impress your guests, you may also be looking to show off your culinary creations in photographs.
Janie Jones, a photographer who decided to expand her portrait photography business at the start of the pandemic in 2020, found the lockdown provided the time and opportunity to get creative and try different facets to her photography. With ideas rolling around in her head, she began doing, creating, and trying new things.
Through combining the desire to create and the love of styling, she discovered a talent for pairing her photography skills with food. She was soon booked with restaurants and other businesses, pivoting her business to primarily styling and food photography.
Janie found her passion and longs for everyone to do what brings them as much joy as she has found. Her favorite thing to photograph, she says, is “a great flat lay with beautiful linens, dinnerware, herbs, spices and whatever else is in the dish. It just makes me happy!”
It can make you happy too. At home, you can use Janie’s best ideas to elevate your own food photography throughout the season or anytime at all. Here’s what she suggests:
1. Start with the finished dish. Note the colors you find.
2. Consider the ingredients. Pull some aside to highlight the colors in the dish, such as fresh herbs, fruit, or sauces.
3. Find linens, cutlery, or other props to accentuate the food.
4. Less is more. Don’t "over-busy" the scene.
5. Natural light is best. Pull your table up in front of the window if you need to get good lighting.
6. Make sure the background or backdrop is neutral in color so you can really see the details of the food.
Want to get in touch with Janie? Contact her at janiejonesphotography.com or @uncommon.jane.