How to Photograph Foods with a ‘From Scratch’ Look and Feel
Food photography has evolved from merely capturing what a dish looks like to storytelling, sharing the essence and journey of the food. Photographing food with a ‘from scratch’ look and feel is all about emphasizing the hands-on experience of cooking, focusing on the ingredients, process, and the rustic charm of homemade meals. Here’s how you can master this appealing and genuine style in your food photography.
1. Prioritize Natural Lighting
Natural lighting is your best friend when it comes to capturing the real color and texture of food. It brings out the freshness of the ingredients and provides a warm, inviting glow that electric lights can’t replicate. Find a window with good daylight, and let natural light be the main source. This simple step will add an authentic touch to your photographs.
2. Showcase the Ingredients
Before the dish takes its final shape, it starts with raw ingredients. Highlight these building blocks by incorporating them into your shots. A sprinkle of flour on the countertop, fresh vegetables spread out, or eggs resting in a bowl can tell the story of the meal being prepared from scratch. This strategy draws the viewer into the cooking process, making the final dish even more appealing.
3. Embrace the Mess
One of the charming aspects of homemade cooking is that it’s not always neat and tidy. Don’t be afraid to show a bit of messiness. Some flour scattered on the kitchen table, a drizzle of sauce on the side of the plate, or a spoon resting in a bowl of batter can add character and a sense of authenticity to your photos. It communicates that the dish is handcrafted with effort and passion.
4. Use Rustic Props and Backgrounds
Selecting the right props and backgrounds can significantly enhance the ‘from scratch’ feel of your food images. Opt for items that evoke a homely, rustic vibe such as wooden chopping boards, antique utensils, linen napkins, or vintage cookware. Textured surfaces like an old wooden table or a marble countertop can also add depth and interest to your photographs.
5. Include Hands in the Frame
Seeing hands kneading dough, chopping vegetables, or garnishing a dish adds a human touch and brings the story of cooking to life. It invites viewers to imagine themselves in the act of preparing the meal, fostering a connection between the food and the audience. Don’t shy away from capturing the action as it happens; these candid moments often make the most compelling images.
6. Capture Multiple Stages of Preparation
To truly convey the journey from raw ingredients to the finished dish, consider capturing various stages of the cooking process. Photograph the ingredients before preparation, during cooking, and the final dish. This series of images can beautifully narrate the transformation and the labor of love involved in cooking from scratch.
7. Focus on the Details
Attention to detail can elevate your food photography. Zoom in on the textures, colors, and patterns present in the ingredients and the final dish. The golden crust of freshly baked bread, the vibrant colors of fresh produce, or the delicate garnish on top of a cake—these details evoke emotions and stimulate the senses, making the food more enticing.
8. Opt for Soft, Natural Colors
When styling your shots, consider using soft, natural colors that complement the food without overpowering it. Earthy tones, soft pastels, or neutral shades can create a backdrop that lets the vibrant colors of fresh ingredients stand out. This minimalistic approach emphasizes the food and contributes to the overall ‘from scratch’ aesthetic.
9. Post-Processing: Keep it Real
While some editing is often necessary to adjust brightness, contrast, or saturation, the goal is to keep your images looking as natural and authentic as possible. Avoid over-editing or applying heavy filters that might detract from the homemade, handcrafted appeal of your photos. Aim for a clean, simple edit that enhances the food’s appeal without changing its essence.
10. Tell a Story
Lastly, your photographs should tell a story. Whether it’s a family recipe being prepared, a gathering of ingredients from the garden, or the process of baking bread, each image should evoke a narrative. Let your passion and the genuine love for food shine through your photographs, connecting the viewer with the timeless art of cooking from scratch.
Conclusion
Photographing foods with a ‘from scratch’ look and feel is more than just taking pictures of ingredients and finished dishes. It’s about capturing the essence of home cooking—the beauty, the mess, the effort, and the passion. By following these tips, you can convey the authentic experience of creating meals from scratch, making your food photography resonate with warmth, familiarity, and genuineness.
