Food porn, behind the scenes.
Instagram!
Happenstance is a beautiful thing. There I was between dropping off my hard-drive with Phil and getting a coffee, and Matt Demille (who was waiting for the book store to open). I’d been considering all my options for the day, and really needed to get out with the camera. Matt announced he was creating some content for his instagram feed, for All Clad Canada. He was to put together a couple of recipes for them, and was going to capture the whole process on his phone. I jumped on the opportunity to create something, the alternative lay in boxes as I get ready to move.
During the shoot I realized there’s a few things I take for granted, so I compiled a super easy / short list, and a few photos from the shoot!
Instagram food photography – the 1-2-3 punch!
- Location / Texture. Make sure your area you’re photographing has really interesting environmental things, we used a corner of Chef Matt Demilles kitchen and kept the background simple, using available details such as his ladles and boards as objects of interest.
- Light, and shadow. Instagram images fly past people. Scroll stoppers are usually images with a good knowledge of shadow work and light. Try placing your light source behind or off to one side. Don’t be afraid of bringing some darker areas into the image.
- Styling! Break out those fancy dishes, show off your silverware! Seriously apart from making the food love delish, instagram food photos thrive on style. Look at how people garnish dishes, or try unique angles.
As I said just a quick peek behind the scenes for an instagram photoshoot, make sure to check out Matt Demille on instagram for more mouthwatering goodness! Enjoy the images below!
Side back light helps show the shape of the food, while adding visual interest.
Use “bookend” approach to images, sandwich the main interest between 2 elements.
Back light is often the best light – notice how close the softbox is.
Make sure the main subject has decent contrast from the background. Using chefs apron worked a charm. #ApronDungarees
Chef Mat Demille, laughing at me. Say stupid shit for talent to laugh at you.
Process, sometimes not the most glamorous. Use a side light to define the face and ingredients.
Chef Mat Demille, oogles the ingredients.
Details, capture the small pieces to round off your content.
Jump! In the Nick of time.
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