Fun with Food

8 Expert Tips for Instagram-Worthy Food Photos

Posted by Bronwyn Hope on April 19, 2016

We asked eight popular Canadian Instagram foodies to give us their top tips on how to get the perfect food photos. Follow these guidelines to achieve the most mouth-watering food feed.

Instagram/aimeebourque

1 of 8

Backgrounds and Props

<p>"When styling a busy plate or dish, I opt for a neutral background and take a step back to give the subject plenty of space to breathe within the photo. However, if the subject is quite simple, I’ll play around with more details such as linens, utensils or raw ingredients, and often bring the viewer in a little closer to the subject."<br /> – <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BD6AlqBPrOE/?taken-by=aimeebourque" target="_blank"><strong>@aimeebourque</strong></a></p>
Instagram/foodbymaria

2 of 8

Edit with Care

<p>“Do not over edit. Be simple: let the image and your photography speak for itself. Try not to edit your images to the point where the food does not look real, and so that the colours look a bit funny. You will get used to the idea of editing, and once you do, you will eventually have to create your own signature through the use of your edit techniques/styles!” <br /> – <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BELoI3Tq60G/?taken-by=foodbymaria" target="_blank"><strong>@foodbymaria </strong></a> </p>
Instagram/yiyinzhang

3 of 8

Frame Your Food

<p>“Don’t worry about fitting everything perfectly inside the frame. Not only will this make the photo more interesting to look at, it can also help draw the eye into the main subject.” <br />– <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/8w2CfRuq9R/?taken-by=yiyinzhang&hl=en" target="_blank"><strong>@yiyinzhang</strong></a> </p>
Instagram/the_hungry_couple

4 of 8

Take a Bite

<p>“Don't be afraid to bite into your food in order to highlight all of the beauty it has inside of it! We guarantee a close up of the yolk oozing out of eggs Benedict will look more appealing than a photo of a plain old poached egg.” <br /> – <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/6dSoxCJjI3/?taken-by=the_hungry_couple" target="_blank"><strong>@the_hungry_couple </strong></a> </p>
Instagram/livforcake

5 of 8

Go in for a Close-Up

<p>“I find that close-ups really show off the details of the dish. I typically post one close up as a teaser, then one far away of the whole product. I like straight-on shots because they work well for cakes. There is really no right or wrong or when you should choose one over the other. I do notice that close up ones tend to get a bit more interaction.” <br /> – <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BEJlbQrPVLp/?taken-by=livforcake" target="_blank"><strong>@livforcake </strong></a> </p>
Instagram/foodgays

6 of 8

Light it up

<p>“Natural light is what we always recommend, as it’s the most flattering for food photography. Shooting at different times of day will allow you to see how light can truly effect the mood of your photography.” <br /> – <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BEJ-PYxK_9m/" target="_blank"><strong>@foodgays </strong></a></p>
Instagram/bucknakedpaleo

7 of 8

Plate it Pretty

<p>”Place all of the prepared ingredients in front of you before you start to plate. Layer them little by little into the serving dish. By doing so, nothing will disappear to the bottom, and all your ingredients will be visible in your final presentation.” <br /> – <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BBxxOWHNeQF/" target="_blank"><strong>@bucknakedpaleo </strong></a> </p>
Instagram/allons.y

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Location, Location, Location

<p>”Think beyond the table. This photo was actually taken in the front window display. Don't be afraid to photograph your dish in alternate locations if you find interesting backgrounds.” <br /> – <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BD27noKQlQr/" target="_blank"><strong>@allons.y </strong></a> </p>
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