How to Use Light for Stunning Food Photography

Before any of us take the first bite, we begin eating with our eyes. Therefore, food can’t just be nutritious and delicious, it has to look good too. Whether you are posting on Instagram or educating a patient on food choice, a great food photo can be the gateway to a recipe’s success or new food acceptance. That is why learning some of the basics of photography is so important if you are using the visual medium to educate your audience. One of these essential basics is the use of light for food photography.

Photography literally means “the study of light”, so it’s no surprise that the primary driver of producing a good food photo is good light. HOWEVER, this does not mean you need to dish out hundreds (or even thousands!) of dollars on fancy light equipment. The best light is the light that is accessible to you. Consider the following concepts to make the most of the light you have.

Use natural light whenever possible

The sun is big, bright, and free. It will be your best option during the summer months (and some good winter days) in Chicago. Set up your photos near a window and you are good to go! If your food is in direct sunlight, you can lower the blinds, or use a white sheet or parchment paper to even out the light and create smooth shadows. Is one area too dark? Use aluminum foil to “bounce” some light in that direction.

Use artificial light when the sun is away

During overcast days, especially during Chicago winters, the sun is just not a realistic option. On these days you can use almost any type of artificial light, from your desk lamp, to a work light, and yes, even kitchen lights. The most important factor is that it produces enough light to illuminate your scene.

Because every light source has a different color temperature, you might need to make it “warmer” or “cooler” depending on the light you use. (Color temperate can also be referred to as the white balance.) This will help your image look more true-to-life. You can also leave your image looking slightly more orange to convey a sense of coziness or slightly blue for a fresh and crisp look.

Salad with warmer tones – by Luis Gonzalez, MS, RD

Salad with cooler tones – by Luiz Gonzalez, MS, RD

Choosing the direction of the light

There are generally three directions light will hit your subject: side light, backlight, and front light. The direction of the light is always in reference to where your camera is positioned.

Sidelight is positioned about 90 degrees to your camera. This is the most common light set up because it works great with so many different types of foods. Whether you are shooting a juicy burger or crisp salad, side lighting creates enough depth in shadows to give your image dimension. Overhead light is also considered a side light.

Side Light Food Photography – by Luiz Gonzalez, MS, RD

Backlighting is when the subject is placed in between your camera and the light source. The light can be angled at different heights for different effects.

Placed directly across from the camera it can create a beautiful silhouette of the food, angling it higher it will give your subject a beautiful glow. Backlighting has the possibility to make any food look great, but it is especially advantageous for drinks because their translucent nature pairs perfectly with the glow.

Backlight Food Photography – by Luiz Gonzalez, MS, RD

Front light is just what it sounds like, the light is illuminating the food from the front. In this case, the light source and the camera are facing the same direction.

Front lighting is best avoided in food photography because it creates an image with no shadows, making the food look flat and without dimension.

Applying These Tips in Your Next Food Photo

Creating great photos of food for your audience should not be an expensive process. There are tools at your disposal right now that you can take advantage of to produce enticing images. Use the best light source at your disposal, whether that be the sun or artificial light, and make the most of it by applying some of the tips discussed and selecting the best light direction for your subject.