Whether you’re an aspiring home cook looking to showcase your culinary creations on social media or a seasoned photographer aiming to refine your snapping skills, according to Fujifilm X-Photographer Andrew Hall there are a few essential food photography tips to keep in mind (especially when using the new Fujifilm X-M5). To coincide with the launch of FujiFilm Australia’s new Foodtography Tours – an innovative way for budding content creators to sharpen their food photography techniques while discovering hidden culinary gems in Sydney and Melbourne – we asked Andrew his top five suggestions to pap plates that look as delicious as they taste!
1. Natural lighting is your best friend
When it comes to food photography tips, light is everything. Andrew’s first tip is to always use soft, natural light whenever possible. Ideally, you’ll want to position your setup near a window, where natural light can flow in gently. This type of lighting highlights the textures and vibrant colours of the food without creating harsh shadows.
If natural light is not an option, you can use a higher ISO on your camera to make up for the lack of light. However, avoid using a flash as it tends to wash out details and cast unflattering shadows. The Fujifilm X-M5 excels in this area, as its 26.1MP sensor captures incredible detail in both shadows and highlights, even in lower light conditions. This ensures your photos maintain depth and clarity, even at higher ISO levels.
2. Experiment with angles and composition
Great food photography often comes down to the angle from which you capture the dish. Andrew advises experimenting with different angles to find the best perspective for each type of food. For example, an overhead shot works beautifully for pizza, as it allows you to showcase the entire spread. On the other hand, a 45-degree angle is perfect for capturing height and layers, like a decadent stack of pancakes or a towering burger.
For even more dynamic shots, you can shoot at plate level, especially when photographing layered foods like cakes or intricate salads. The Fujifilm X-M5 is equipped with an articulated LCD screen, which makes it easy to position the camera at any angle while still being able to view your composition on the screen. This flexibility is invaluable when trying to capture those perfect, mouth-watering shots.
3. Props, colour palettes and backgrounds
While the food should always be the star of the show, the background and props you choose can make all the difference. Andrew suggests using complementary props that enhance the food, rather than distract from it. Simple backgrounds, such as wooden boards or textured fabrics, can add interest and create depth without overpowering the dish.
When it comes to colours, keep the palette in mind. Avoid bright or clashing colours in the background, as they can steal the attention from your food. White is always a safe bet, but you can experiment with bolder colours to match the food’s vibrancy. The Fujifilm X-M5’s film simulation dial offers 20 options to help you enhance the scene’s mood, making it easier to find the right tone. For a bright, fresh salad, for example, the Velvia film simulation will boost the colour intensity, while the Nostalgic Neg setting is perfect for more muted dishes like a rustic loaf of bread.
4. Dish details
Sometimes, it’s the small details that make all the difference in food photography. Andrew stresses the importance of avoiding too much clutter in the shot. The focus should always be on the “hero” element of the dish, whether it’s a perfectly seared steak or a beautifully frosted cupcake.
In addition to wider shots, close-ups can also capture the intricate textures and colours of the food. The Fujifilm X-M5, paired with the XC 15-45mm lens, is perfect for both wide-angle and close-up shots. For even more precision in capturing fine details, the XF30mmF2.8 macro lens is a great choice. This lightweight, compact lens allows for incredibly sharp close-up shots that showcase the delicious textures of your dish.
5. Vlogging your culinary creations
Food photography isn’t just limited to still shots – video content is equally important, especially on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Andrew suggests applying the same food photography tips and principles to your food videos. The Fujifilm X-M5’s Vlog mode is designed for easy video creation, offering intuitive controls and the ability to adjust settings on the LCD screen with a simple touch.
The camera also features a 9:16 “Short Movie Mode,” perfect for creating vertical videos for social media. This makes it incredibly easy to capture your cooking process or the final plated dish in motion, while maintaining the same level of creative control as you would with still photography. Whether you’re shooting stills or video, the Fujifilm X-M5 is a versatile tool that lets you focus on perfecting your unique style and capturing food in its best light.
