When Instagram launched in 2010, taking photos of food to share on the platform was still in its infancy. Today, it has evolved into a trend called “camera eats first,” where people capture the perfect shot before digging into a delicious meal.
Research shows that photography can enhance the taste of food, as people pay more attention to its colors and textures and engage with it longer before tasting. In other words, taking photos builds anticipation, making that first bite more satisfying.
With eating with one’s eyes becoming a pre-dining ritual, restaurants today are investing in interiors and crafting visually appealing dishes to entice customers. To capture these details with your camera or phone, here are a few tips and tricks to try. Whether you’re having a fun night out with friends or posting your gastronomic adventure on Instagram, these pointers will help you get the perfect shot.
Getting a good vantage point
When shooting interiors, look for new angles that give you an interesting perspective. Try capturing shots from above eye level or from corners to highlight a specific portion of the space. This approach emphasizes the atmosphere and layout while maintaining balance and depth.
In the sample photo above, the harmony of textured elements such as wooden floors, wall tiles, and Japanese-inspired artworks, accentuated by soft and warm lighting, gives the restaurant its quaint charm. This intimate ambiance makes it the perfect spot for photography.
A great tip is to include people in your interior shot. Capturing moments like servers carrying a dish, bartenders pouring drinks, or guests having a good time can add life to the space, allowing it to radiate with energy and zeal.
Lighting is everything
Using natural lighting can make food stand out. For example, the photo above captures natural light perfectly, bringing out the vibrant colors of the dish and making it look fresher and more appetizing.
When shooting with natural light, be mindful of the time of day. Especially in the afternoon, when sunlight is at its strongest. Avoid placing food directly in this light, as it creates harsh shadows and may cause colors to appear washed out or overly saturated. Instead, try taking photos before dinner, just as the golden hour begins. Position the food near windows to capture the soft, diffused light for a warm and appetizing glow.
Mastering the Rule of Thirds
Ever wondered why these gastronomic creations on Instagram are always visually striking? They’re composed using the Rule of Thirds, a basic technique that divides the frame into a three-by-three grid, with two horizontal lines and two vertical lines intersecting at four points.
The rule suggests placing the subject at the intersecting points on either the left or right-third of the grid. This creates balance and naturally draws the viewer’s eye to the subject. This rule also applies when shooting restaurant interiors. Incorporate elements like the bar, shelves, or the window along one of the lines to add context or convey a specific mood.
Most digital cameras and smartphones today offer the option to display a Rule of Thirds grid. Use it to experiment with different perspectives and master this basic technique.
Filling the frame
Here’s another technique to play with: filling the frame. Zoom a subject in macro or telephoto mode to highlight its key characteristics.
Take the photo above of a fusion Japanese dish as an example. Notice how it perfectly captures the savory goodness of cherry, mustard, and the oozing shoyu caramel in the nugget. Using props adds visual impact and helps make the food shine, with the wooden plate and patterned wrapping paper lending a quirky character to the dish.
These techniques create a mouthwatering perspective, highlighting the buttery and meaty flavors of the dish.
Understanding perspectives
It’s important to choose the right perspective for your food to capture it properly. A flat lay (overhead or bird’s eye view) works well for flat dishes like pasta, pizza, or skewer. Without depth, this angle emphasizes the shape, color, texture, and form of the food.
For example, the flat lay photo above captures the richness of the pasta by successfully highlighting all its key elements: the fresh herbs, greens, uni on top, and the pasta itself.
The straight-on angle is ideal for dishes with height or layers like pancakes, sandwiches, and burgers. Showcasing textures and layers, this perspective creates a connection with viewers at eye level. Case in point: The image above showcases the different layers of the sushi, including the fish, seasoned rice, and garnish on top.
The three-quarter angle combines flat lay and straight-on views, capturing the top and side portions of the food, making it appropriate for bowls of soup or plated meals. In the photo above, the angle spotlights the shape and form of the maki, making you hungry because this is the perspective you have when you eat.
Sparking interest
Adults often say, “Don’t play with your food,” but in photography, it can tell a story. Using props can make your snaps more eye-catching. For example, when featuring props like figurines, it’s highly recommended to use a tripod and position the camera at their level. The depth of field transports the viewer into the toy’s world, making it appear lifelike.
In Bangkok, a restaurant called Fatboy Izakaya has harnessed the superpowers of iconic Japanese manga character Astro Boy to serve two shots of Oyster Shooters with wasabi, sangrita, shiso, and mescal for boozy libations—a great way to start any meal and spark interest in your gastronomic snaps.
Capture your tasty journey by mastering these tips and tricks, you can capture the essence of dining in Bangkok’s vibrant food scene, putting every dish and moment into the spotlight.
Excited to practice your newly acquired photography skills? Fatboy Izakaya might be the perfect spot, with its modern vibe infused with pop culture elements and distinct fusion Japanese dishes. Visit Fatboy Izakaya at Gaysorn-Amarin or their Facebook page and Instagram for more information:
Facebook: facebook.com/fatboysushi
Instagram: instagram.com/fatboyizakaya
