How to Capture Food for Instagram

Food photography has gained an incredible amount of popularity over the past several years due to Instagram. Instagram has provided anyone from amateur chefs to trained photographers an equal platform to showcase their delicious meals. With the right photography and promotion tactics, anyone has the ability to gain follower momentum if they dedicate time to it.  

To take photos of your mouth-watering grub for Instagram, you don’t need an expensive camera to get the best shots. Often times, you just need to follow a few simple guidelines to capture the shot you’re looking for.

Smartphones are great for snapping your meal and uploading it quickly. When shooting with your smartphone, position your phone at a 90-degree angle to produce a flat lay. Your smartphone has a wide angle lens which can cause perspective distortion if you shoot from a unique angle, so opt for straight on or overhead.

If you are looking into getting a DSLR camera, I recommend any of Nikon’s D series options. There are some great entry-level choices that won’t break the bank and are still solid DSLR cameras with good ISO ranges and impressive image processors. To learn more about a DSLR camera that will make the best fit for you, read OpticsDen’s breakdown of the best DSLR cameras.

Capture Food for Instagram

When capturing food, it’s important to be aware of your environment. Could your background use some colour or texture? Bright, natural colours make for some of the most eye-catching food photos. Also, make sure you have good natural lighting but don’t be afraid of overcast days. Cloudy days can provide great soft lighting perfect for food photography. The best food photographers will make sure to sit near a window or where the best lighting is in a restaurant. They are also masters at taking props on the table and using them in creative ways to add style to their shot. Some quick prop ideas are folding napkins in elegant ways or placing your silverware strategically to fill empty space.

If you post a great picture and people comment on it be sure to respond! Engaging with your followers is the best and easiest way to gain some momentum on Instagram. Even if you just spend 10-15 minutes a day going through and responding to comments, it’s well worth it! If you have an abundance of excellent shots and want to schedule posts out in advance, I’d suggest using a scheduling app like Later.

For more tips on how to Instagram your food, check out a guide that Kitchen Cabinet Kings created below.

Infographic for How To Capture Food For Instagram and create an engaged following.

Contributed by Zach Kee-Clemmer of Siege Media. Zach is a Junior Content Marketing Specialist based in Austin, Texas. With a background in creative writing and a fascination with SEO, he specializes in creating and promoting content that drives growth for his clients. 

This is NOT a paid or sponsored post. Two Loves Studio is not affiliated with Siege Media in any way.