P#26 Q1: Food Photography Myths and Mistakes

A Common Theme

Ron Goldman: I would say the biggest mistake that I come across almost everyday in digital food photography has to do with lighting. That is the most critical part of food photography.

We're working with a two-dimensional media and we're trying to present our subject as three dimensions. The only way to do that is with proper lighting. The biggest mistake I see is people use their flash on their camera or just the ambient overhead room light.

Those are probably the worst things you could do when you're trying to shoot food.

Audri Lanford: How about the biggest myth about food photography, and why is it untrue?

Ron Goldman: The biggest myth is simple. You can't just walk into your kitchen, set a plate on the counter, and take a photograph that's going to look good. Especially if you're just using the ambient room light or an overhead light.

Great digital food photography takes a lot of setup and preparation. You have to know what type of lighting you're going to use, whether it's natural light or studio light, and how to set those lights up.

In Closing

There seems to be a key theme when discussing the myths and mistakes of food photography. According to Ron Goldman, you absolutely must use proper lighting if you want your food photography to shine.