The Top 5 Best Cameras For Food Photography

“Macro photography is by far the most difficult genre of photography I’ve ever had to practice,” he laments at one point. As Heaton discovered pretty quickly, capturing an eye-catching macro photograph is a painstaking and, at times, frustrating process.

Best lenses for food photography

1. Canon EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM. It’s our top recommendation for Canon’s APS-C DSLRs.
2. Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro VC USD.
3. Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM.
4. Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM.
5. Nikon AF-S DX 40mm f/2.8G Micro.
6. Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro VC USD.
7. Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S.
8. Nikon PC-E Micro 85mm f/2.8D.

• Fujifilm X-T1. We are going to start this list with the excellent Fujifilm X-T1.
• Nikon D3400. Coming up next on our list we have the Nikon D3400, which is one of the best cameras in the market for beginners.
• Nikon D810.
• Canon EOS 5D Mark IV.
• Sony a7R III.

What Are The Food Photography Equipment Essentials

1. A Camera. Now, that’s an obvious one.
2. Lenses. When you’re buying lenses, you should think about how you can use those lenses once you upgrade your camera.
3. A Diffuser. Diffusers are used to diffuse the light.
4. Black And White Foam Board.
5. A tripod.

My Go-To Aperture In Food Photography Examples

• Regular editorial with a non-macro lens, I tend to start shooting between f/4.5 – f/5.6.
• Macro shots, I tend to shoot around f/5.6 – f/8 and beyond.
• Client work where food has to be in focus, f/8 – f/16.

A good camera and camera lenses, of course, let you point and shoot. But, it is your computer that allows you to communicate with clients, process and deliver images, and get yourself an online social media presence. Spend the time to make sure this is a quality machine to save yourself time and money in the long-run.

It needs to be high enough so you’re taken seriously by your clients but low enough to reflect your newness to the profession. In some areas, $500 to $600 per day is an appropriate baseline rate for a new photographer.

Start With Food Cost In other words, how much you pay for food determines how much you must charge your customers for it. As mentioned, food cost should be in the neighborhood of 25% to 35%. In other words, if you pay $1 for something, you should usually charge a minimum of $2.85.

According to Indeed.com, the average annual salary for food photographers is $42,000. The rates charged are determined by the photographer’s level of experience and expertise. Freelance food photographers have more power over what they charge, but they pay out of pocket for benefits such as health insurance.

Food photography can be very fast-paced, competitive and, most importantly, profitable. The most important thing you need to know is that there are hundreds of people in the business and this number is growing everyday. You need to stand out in order to win the loyalty of clients.

There are many ways to sell your food photos….Make Money From Food Photography With Your Blog

1. Doing sponsored posts for brands where you use their recipe, photograph it, and publishing it on your blog.
2. Doing sponsored posts for brands where you develop a recipe for the client, photograph it, and publish it on your blog.

A knowledge of business and marketing and good interpersonal skills can also help them succeed in the field. While not necessarily required to work as a food photographer, a bachelor’s degree or formal training in art or photography may be helpful.

Employment Outlook for Photographers Employment of photographers is projected to decline 8 percent from 2016 to 2026. Employment of self-employed photographers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2016 to 2026. Demand for portrait photographers will remain as people continue to want new portraits.

How to Get Freelance Food Photography Jobs

1. Step 1 – Get Your Portfolio Ready. Before you begin to look for freelance jobs as a food photographer, you will ned to develop a great portfolio that will show your work.
2. Step 2 – Check Freelance Job Boards.
3. Step 3 – Research Cookbook Publishers.
4. Step 4 – Seek out Local Restaurants.
5. Step 5 – Find a Local Cake Decorator.

5 Tips For Getting Started in Food Photography

1. Know Your Gear. Learn the camera you have.
2. Know How To Find Good Natural Light. Master the use of daylight techniques for food photography.
3. Know Food. If you are interested in food photography, learn about food.
4. Know Food Styling…or a Food Stylist. Partner with a stylist.
5. Know How to Edit.

So I am giving you an outline of how to make the most of your time practising.

1. Shoot every angle. From straight-on, all the way to 45-degrees, all the way to overhead – 90-degrees. FREEHAND, not on a tripod.
2. Shoot every aperture. From f 2.8 – f 8. Just roll through them.
3. Shoot the best angle with each lens you have.

Tips for the Beginner Food Photographer: Part I

1. Make Friends with Natural Light. The #1 tip I give anyone interested in food photography is to shoot in natural light.
2. Invest in a Good Camera and Lenses (Once You’re Ready)
3. Learn the Fundamentals.
4. 76 comments on Tips for the Beginner Food Photographer: Part I.

It’s best to photograph your dishes in diffused natural light. It simply is the most flattering, appealing, and cheapest light for food photography. Resist the urge to use your on-camera or, even worse, your phone’s flash. Your food will look flat and unappetizing.

Steps to capturing steam:

1. Keep your shutter at a minimum of 1/200 to capture the movement of the steam without being too blurred.
2. Set up the shot exactly how you want it before placing the hot liquid in the mug/bowl/etc.
3. Use a tripod.
4. Use side-light and a dark, contrasting background.

Typically it’s best to place your camera on a tripod in the middle of the ring light so you get the most even lighting, but you can also use the ring light as a hair light above what you’re photographing. It will give off a somewhat angelic glow, but can also be a good set up for food photography.