1. Setup & Placement

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ip7F8XM5untmSe14nA5ewEfBSuswcX9d/view?usp=drive_link

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IPhone Setup

Go to the settings app and tap camera

• Scroll down to grid and toggle it on
• Scroll to level and toggle on

Exit to home screen and go to camera

• Select photo mode

• x1 zoom

• Rear-facing camera

• Turn off flash

• Turn off live

• Tap the arrow at the top

  • Select 4:3 format </aside>

• Next, search the compass app on your phone and point it against your window.

• Set up a sturdy surface (ideally a table, but a deep windowsill could work too) against the window, ensuring the surface is evenly bathed in the light and there are no shadows.

• Turn off any overhead lights.

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  Based on your orientation these are the best times of day to capture natural light

  East-facing → Afternoon

  West-facing → Morning

  North-facing → All day

  South-facing → Almost never (watch out for harsh direct light)

  P.S. When planning the ideal time of day to take photos, start early and build in extra prep time!

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2. Food Styling & Plating

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nZLLbomA6vZC3obxsr6r09kfWusOu7x5/view?usp=drive_link

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How much food should I cook for the pictures?

• Mains, Sides and Staples should be captured as 1 portion size </aside>

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What props do I need?

• Use earthenware plates or shallow bowls in muted colors, with no distracting patterns or designs.
• Ideally, try not to reuse the same plate for multiple dishes (this will save time on cleaning in between shots!)
• If you don’t have earthenware, use white or light colored plates, preferably matte or non-glossy. </aside>

Styling

• Hot food (like a soup) looks better when it’s hot, cold food (like a salad) looks better when photographed cold.
• Treat all your individual dish components separately: if you have a hot dish with a cold garnish (like a stew with herbs on top) you should prepare those separately.
• Ice is your best styling friend: soak salad leaves, herbs and items like shaved carrot in ice cold water for 5-10 minutes, then drain with a salad spinner.

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Food Styling Tips!

To get…

• Gooey, melty cheese (ex. lasagna) → use a low heat oven, 250-350 degrees
• Even golden-brown color (ex. roast chicken) → set your oven to 400-broil setting
• Simply warmed food (ex. no texture, like soup) → microwave or reheat in a sauce pot
• A nice localized sear (ex. steak) → do it on the stovetop, in a pan </aside>

Plating

• Plate the largest components first, then move down in size
  • Example: if arranging a salad, plate the largest leaves first, then the smaller ones, then large salad garnishes (like cucumbers), followed by medium (like cherry tomatoes) and small/ toppings (crumbled cheese, almond slivers, etc).
• Plate sauces or dressings separately in a small sauce container
• Add garnishes last, right before taking the shot