I enjoy cooking and posting my culinary masterpieces on Instagram, so I’ve picked up a few tips to make my food appear as good as it tastes. With a few easy adjustments, you can transform your food from “just another meal” to something that merits a place in your feed. I’ve learned over the years that presentation does matter.
1. Use the Right Lighting
The importance of lighting was not apparent to me when I first started capturing food shots. Natural light is revolutionary. During the day, when the light is soft and diffused, I always attempt to take my dish photos close to a window. It enhances the food’s vivid hues and makes the space feel cozier. To prevent sharp shadows and a drab-looking plate, I advise using warm, soft artificial light when cooking at night. A dish that is well-lit appears ten times better!
2. Focus on Color and Contrast
Adding color to your cuisine is a crucial step in making it Instagram-worthy. To add visual appeal to my meal, I love to include colorful ingredients like vibrant veggies, fresh herbs, or a pop of citrus. For instance, a pasta meal can be much improved by adding a few basil leaves or a dash of chile flakes. It all comes down to contrast: light-colored foods stand out with vibrant, fresh toppers, while dark dishes are accentuated with lighter garnishes.
3. Plating Is Everything
I didn’t initially give much thought to how I plated my food, but it has a significant impact on how a dish appears. When it comes to the presentation, I’ve discovered that less is more. I prefer to use smaller plates so that my food can “breathe.” I also like to arrange my food carefully, allowing some space around the edges, rather than cramming it all on. I also make clean, purposeful sauce drizzles with a spoon or fork. These small touches can make the entire dish better.
4. Garnishes Matter
A basic dish can be elevated to a unique level with the addition of the appropriate garnish. Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, and mint are my favorites because they improve the flavor in addition to adding color. A little sea salt, pepper, or olive oil may turn a dish from “meh” to “wow.” If you’re feeling particularly fancy, don’t forget to add edible flowers or microgreens! They give your cuisine the finishing touch that elevates it to restaurant-caliber.
5. Take Multiple Shots
I’ve discovered that a single picture is rarely sufficient. In order to get the perfect photo, I take a number of close-ups and perspectives. I occasionally concentrate on the food’s texture, such as the layers of a burger or a close-up of cheese melting on a pizza. I also enjoy playing with other backdrops, such as rustic cotton napkins, white dishes, or wooden boards. It all comes down to matching the meal to the appropriate mood.
6. Don’t Be Afraid to Edit
Making your cuisine glow after the photo is taken requires careful editing. To make the colors stand out, I normally change the contrast, sharpen the image a little, and increase the brightness. However, I avoid over-editing, which can make food appear surreal. Lightroom and VSCO are my favorite applications for fast touch-ups.
