Some important factors to consider:
Lighting:Natural light is often the best for food photography,but it needs to be diffused to avoid harsh shadows and highlights. Dubai has lot of sunny days and so it is easy to get natural sunlight for food photography. Using softboxes or reflectors can help in controlling light.
Composition: The arrangement of the food on the plate matters. A clean, organized, and sometimes minimalist approach can let the food shine. Using the rule of thirds or leading lines can guide the viewer’s eye and make the composition visually appealing. In Food Photography sometimes, less is more!
Props & Background: While the focus should always be on the food, the right props (like plates, utensils, napkins, or ingredients) can enhance the story you're telling about the dish. Choosing the right backdrop and surfaces that complement the food without distracting from it is key.
Timing: Fresh food can lose its freshness quickly, so timing is crucial. For example, you need to shoot while the steam is still rising, the glaze is shiny, or the ice cream is still slightly melting. This might mean working quickly, but it also means preparing everything beforehand. I do the shoots instantly to get beautiful food photos of the dish.
Styling: Food Photography involves having proper food styling adding finishing touches like garnishes. Lot of professional food stylists also use tricks like glycerin or even hairspray to maintain moisture and texture. Sometimes, food doesnt need to be cooked property to preserve it to look yummy in photos!
Post-Processing: Subtle editing can enhance the colors and textures in the final image without making it look artificial. A little boost in contrast or vibrancy can help make the food pop, but it’s important not to overdo it.