All the gadgets and gear I use daily to shoot my recipes and photos for the blog. A user-friendly guide to purchasing your first food photography equipment!
I am not an expert when it comes to food photography. Heck, most of the time I feel like I’m majorly failing at it myself! With that said, people are always asking me questions on my technique and how I learned how to do food photography with a DSLR camera. Well friends, it’s a learning process that I am still very much in myself.
I am not going to beat around the bush…it takes practice, LOTS of practice. Food photography is something I work on daily and I frankly, I still feel like I’m not very good at it. I’ve definitely improved over the years because daily practice shoots (still making my way through the archives to update old recipes), but I am nowhere near where I would like to be.
But just because I’m not an expert doesn’t mean I can’t help all you beginners out there get started! Today I am sharing my MUST HAVE pieces of food photography equipment. All the beginner tools I bought to start my food photography endeavors and what I currently use to take pictures for the blog. Read on for some insight into my daily photography escapades!
An easy to use DSLR, great for beginners, and affordable!
My go-to for artificial lighting when it’s too dark outside to shoot in natural light. Well worth the money!
Vanguard Alta Pro 263AT Tripod
So important for getting overheard shots and steady shots when lighting is not good. This tripod moves 360 degrees and is one of the most versatile ones out there!
For using as backgrounds.
For sticking on to poster boards to create textured, patterned backgrounds!
Floor Tiles
More background options and much cheaper than buying marble slabs or something similar. Easily found at Home Depot or Lowes!
Another key background option for a clean, blank surface. Easy to clean too after messy shoots!
Miscellaneous Bowls, Silverware, and Props
Easily found at HomeGoods, TJMaxx, or Marshals! Little trinkets and tchotchkes to add some fun to your food photos.
A few other tips…
Take a digital photography course!
I was lucky enough to be able to take a Digital Photography course as an elective in my last semester of undergrad. I can honestly say that this made the BIGGEST difference in my photography! It taught me how to really use my DSLR camera. Not just auto mode…but actually how to USE my camera. Did you know most people only use 1% of their camera’s capabilities? Well I know that is definitely true after learning about all that mine can do. Now I exclusively shoot in Manual mode and take pictures in RAW format for editing later on. And if you have no idea what I’m talking about, all the more reason to take a course! It’s a great use of your time and money.
Have patience.
Photography can be so rewarding, yet equally as frustrating. Blurry images, overexposure, too little light. These are all common problems that you just have to get used to and learn how to work around. Give yourself some grace and allow your self to mess up…because you will. But when you eventually get that shot you’ve been working towards, it will be ALL the more satisfying!
ASK QUESTIONS.
One thing I’ve learned about the photography community is that they are very open and willing to help beginners! I’ve never not received an answer to my photography question within minutes of asking in one my blogger groups. Not only that, but there is TONS of free information online. Seriously…google that ish! You’re sure to find a tutorial on YouTube, an informative article, or a comprehensive photography forum to give you advice. Remember, this is all a LEARNING process. Don’t be afraid to ask questions even when you think you have it all figured out!
Now you have my best tips and MUST HAVE equipment when it comes to food photography and photography in general. You’re all set to start your own photography practice!
Let me know if you end up buying any of this stuff or implementing these tips in your own life! I’d love to hear how they’ve helped you in some way.
Are you interested in food photography?
Do you use a DSLR camera?
What’s your favorite things to take pictures of?
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This is definitely something i’m working on! I love the different background ideas. I really need to get a board as I just use my wooden dining table now. I love the app VSCO for editing!
Yes that app is great when you’re on the your phone!!
Great list!!! Love all these tips!
Thanks Patrick!!!
These are all great picks! I only have like…3 different plates in my apartment, hahaha. I should probably go stock up on that at some point! 😛 I got a DSLR fairly recently but haven’t had a chance to start messing with it yet!
Thanks girl! You’ll love using your DSLR!! Game changer.
Asking questions has really helped me and observing some of my favorite bloggers! <3 <3
Yes asking questions yields a wealth of knowledge!! 😀
Love this post Kaila!
Such useful must haves for food photography!
Thank you!! Not that you need any photography tips! LOL
Thanks for sharing this awesome info!!
Thanks for reading, Ilka!!
This is so helpful Kaila. I have noticed how much your photography has improved lately. Thanks for the tips!
Thanks Debbie! That means a lot!
I have the 263AP tripod with the PH-32 Pan Head and QS-51 quick release plate… such a brilliant piece of kit. I love it!
I so agree about shooting RAW in manual mode as opposed to auto – it’s like going to the ‘fridge and choosing your own food instead of being handed what someone else thinks you should eat!
If you haven’t heard of them, Ink and Elm make brilliant backgrounds. They are very inexpensive, look fantastic, are easy to clean, and the customer service is excellent. And no, I’m not affiliated with with them – I just really like their products! http://www.inkandelm.com/
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Oh I’ll have to check out that tripod!! And I love that analogy you used! I will check out the backgrounds as well.
Thanks for the tips. I feel like my food pics often look like the dogs dinner, so I need all the help I can get!
Haha I’m sure your pics aren’t that bad!! We can all use some pointers though!! 🙂
Great ideas, I’ll b e getting some floor tiles! Thank you for sharing on Merry Monday! Have a great week! Pinned!
Kim
You’re so welcome Kim!!
These are great tips and I don’t think I’ll ever stop learning. I’m sure I have more props than I’ll ever use but shopping for them is the easy part of food photography!
Totally agree….SO MANY PROPS!! LOL
So, I clicked right over from Wonderful Wednesdays because I HATE taking pictures of my blog recipes and am TERRIBLE at it. But I know it must be done. 😉 Thanks for the great, practical, user-friendly wisdom you’ve shared here! Pinned!
Thanks Emily! Glad you found it helpful!!
These tips are great! I had not thought about buying different flooring/tables pieces to create variety in my photos. I am going to start incorporating these into my photographs.
I am glad you like the post Michelle!
Or just be married to someone who’s a pretty good amateur photographer, always helpful.
I’m afraid often I just want to eat & don’t have the patience for it — but I do try!
Haha that works too!
Great items! I have looked into artificial lighting but haven’t ever gone for it. I have the Home Depot tiles for backdrops but love the idea of the shelf lining!
Thanks Jill! Glad you found the post helpful!!
I agree that there is so much info available online! My husband and I are just starting to learn more using youtube and articles by other bloggers. You tripod looks awesome! I’ll have to keep that on my wishlist for when I have a bigger budget for equipment. 🙂
That tripod is a LIFE SAVER!! I highly reccomend.
Thank you for the great ideas, Kaila!
I’m visiting today from The Pin Junkie Link Party.
~ Megin of VMG206
Thanks for stopping by!!
Great advice. Thank you for sharing at the Snickerdoodle Create~Bake~Make link party!
Thanks for stopping by Sharon!