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Is your Instagram full of foodie-pics? Do you have an eye for design?

A food photographer using a phone to photograph a dinner.Photo by Eaters Collective on Unsplash

Being a competent food photographer requires having both the technical know-how and the artistic abilities to make food seem as great as it tastes.

Why is a food photographer important?

  • The joy of food, healthy living, and eating are promoted by food photographers.

  • The success of their food photography is crucial for companies like restaurants, food trucks, bakeries, and grocery shops.

Did you know?

Flying food photography is "one of the most popular genres of food photography right now." It's mostly "a combination of literally throwing things, and some very precise positioning or suspension of objects so that theyΒ lookΒ like they are flying."

What does a food photographer do?

Food photographers are essential in making food appear enticing and appealing to the spectator, whether it is for a cookbook, restaurant menu, or food blog.

A food photographer may be responsible for doing the following tasks:

  • Preparing and arranging food

  • Taking excellent pictures

  • Editing pictures

  • Collaborating with a range of clients

  • Meeting deadlines and controlling costs

Professional photos of food in a recipe book.Photo by S O C I A L . C U T on Unsplash

Quiz

When first starting to shoot an aspiring photographer should pay attention to:

Did you know?

10% of what we read or hear is often what we remember. When combined with a relevant image, that percentage rises to 65%. Restaurants use high-quality images from food photographers on their menus, ads, and websites to attract customers, advertise their dishes, and increase sales.

But how do I take my food photography hobby to a job?

A woman taps her head in thought.

  • Invest in the right equipment: a camera, diffuser, foam boards, photo clamps, vinyl backdrops along with a selection of lenses are the must-haves.

  • Find your niche: Experiment with composition, props, and lighting, and find your own unique style.

  • Build a portfolio: A well-designed portfolio website is your online storefront. Have a "clean and user-friendly layout" that showcases your work.

  • Network with other food photographers: Join online communities where other food photographers share their work, feedback, and resources.

Quiz

Which of the following will you need as a aspiring food photographer? Select all appropriate.

How do I make money from food photography?

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  • Start selling stock photos.

  • Offer to take pictures for other online entrepreneurs.

  • Approach local businesses with your portfolio.

  • Work as a food photographer for magazines and marketing firms.

What can I expect to be paid?

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A food photographer's annual salary ranges between $32,000 and $44,000.Β 

The average hourly rate for new food photographers may range from $120 to $250 depending on location and type of assignment.

Should I be a food photographer?

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Advantages

  • Independence

  • Working with a variety of people and at different venues

  • Flexibility

  • Little start-up cost

Disadvantages

  • Work can be repetitive

  • Time commitment

  • Difficult to build trust with customers

  • Constant upgrading of your food portfolio

Quiz

Which of the following are Food Photography myths? Select ALL appropriate.

Did you know?

Other names for a food photographer:

Freelance food photographer

Gig food photographer

Food photo editor

Take Action

Bernie Sanders says, 'Do something.'

So you think you would like to become a food photographer but what next:

License:

This Byte has been authored by

HL

Helouise Leith

Teacher, Post-Graduate Student

B.Consumer Science, PGCE

English

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